Individuals will be able to explore scenic areas across the region, including the Allegheny National Forest, on July 14, while helping out the Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department.
The department will hold its first Tuna Valley Rally in an effort to raise money to continue providing high-quality emergency protection.
The event is open to anyone who has a new vehicle, old vehicle, a motorcycle or a dirtbike, said Jerry Spindler, who is heading the event.
Registration starts at 7 a.m. at the Bradford Township Community Club on Irving Lane, and people can start the journey at 9 a.m. Participants must complete the ride by 5 p.m.
The routes are predetermined, between 100 to 160 miles, and at each stop people will get a map with clues to complete the journey. One of the routes will include checking out the Kinzua Dam, Allegheny Reservoir and East Branch Dam.
The event has four classes, with winners chosen from each. Those taking part in class one (vehicles 1993 and older), two (vehicles 1994 and newer) and four (dirt roaders) have to mark down mileage.
“The mileage you give us will be recorded to the tenth of a mile and the winners will be determined by the exact or closest mileage to a predetermined route distance,” officials said.
Meanwhile, the winner in class three for motorcyclists will be chosen from an answer given after finishing the excursion.
“You will be given clues to the answer, of the question, at each official check point,” the event’s Facebook page stated. “Answer the question correctly and you could be our winner! The possibility is rather high that there may be several participants with the correct mileage or correct answer, so we will have a system to break any and all ties for each class.”
Dirt roaders taking part in the Tuna Valley Rally will mostly travel on non-paved roads.
Starting at 3 p.m., music, a bonfire and drinks will be featured at the grounds of the Bradford Township Community Club.
“The members of the BTVFD are going to strive to make your participation in our Tuna Valley Rally the most legal fun you can have with your clothes on! We hope to make this a yearly event that may continue for future generations,” the event’s Facebook page stated.
Like other fire departments across the region, the Bradford Township’s organization has to do something to bring in funds for equipment, Spindler said.
He said that officials are hoping the event will be held for many years to come.
The vehicle registration fee is $25, and a chicken dinner is $10.
For more information about the event or to register, contact BradfordTwpVFD15@gmail.com or 362-3280.
