The 86 Miles Club Challenge

• Join the effort to protect our rivers—Be part of OARS’ mission to safeguard the Sudbury, Assabet & Concord rivers for future generations
• Breathe deep & move more—Enjoy the health benefits of paddling: fresh air, low-impact exercise, and time outside
• Connect with nature—Spend meaningful time on the water and get in tune with the ecosystems around you
• Meet your paddle people—Share your journey, swap tips, and cheer each other on in a welcoming river-loving community
• Keep our rivers accessible—Support efforts to expand public access and create more inclusive ways to enjoy the water
• Take on a meaningful adventure—Whether it’s your first time paddling or your hundredth, this challenge adds purpose to every mile

• Register for the challenge—Sign up online to start your 86-mile adventure! You’ll receive instructions to create your fundraising page and a link to join the private 86 Miles Club Facebook Group—your go-to space for updates, tips, and community support.
• Paddle 86 Miles—Go solo or with friends. Take your time and explore!
• Fundraise for the Rivers—Set up your personal fundraising page and start raising support.
• Earn Swag & Recognition—Unlock exclusive rewards as you hit fundraising milestones!
• Share Your Journey—Post photos in our 86 Miles Club Facebook Group (this is a private group you must sign up for the challenge to join) and get inspired by fellow paddlers!
• Sign up is free for current OARS members. Not a member yet? Non-members pay a $10 fee to join, or you can become an OARS member today! (unsure of your membership status, contact development@oars3rivers.org to check today)
• Join the End-of-Season Paddle challenge—Celebrate your accomplishments and wrap up the season with a special group paddle in the fall! Stay tuned for event details.
• Help protect & enjoy the SuAsCo rivers—Your participation supports OARS’ mission to keep these rivers clean, healthy, and accessible for all. Every mile paddled and dollar raised fuels real impact.

As a thank-you for your commitment, we’re offering exclusive OARS swag for individual fundraisers:

• $10–$39.99 → OARS safety whistle
• $40–$99.99 → Waterproof 86 Miles Club sticker + whistle
• $100–$199.99 → OARS high-visibility hat
• $200–$499.99 → OARS Hydro Flask
• $500+ → Get ALL rewards!

(Fundraising amounts are for individual totals, not team efforts.)

All rewards will be distributed at our end-of-season celebration—a fun community event to wrap up the challenge! Date and details to come, so stay tuned!

JOIN THE 86 MILES CLUB TOday!

Paddle Highlights from the 86 Miles Club

Each week, we feature standout photos submitted by 86 Miles Club participants in the private Facebook group. From peaceful paddles at dawn to unexpected wildlife encounters, these snapshots capture the joy, beauty, and adventure of paddling the SuAsCo rivers.

Scroll through the weekly highlights below and get inspired to share your own paddling journey! Your photo could be next!

Looking for inspiration for your next paddle? Each week during the challenge, we will feature a recommended route complete with distance, difficulty rating, and a map to help you log your miles and discover new stretches of the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers.

Whether exploring a peaceful backwater or paddling through a lively stretch with wildlife and scenic views, these curated trips are a great way to make your miles matter.

This Week’s Featured Paddle is Lowell Road to Great Meadows

Plan accordingly, this trip travels downriver first. You will pass The Old North Bridge 0.4 miles from the start, and Monument St Bridge 0.6 miles from the start. Wild and Scenic River trip.

Trip Details

• River: Concord River
• Distance: 3 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• View Route Map

Stay tuned for next week’s trip—and don’t forget to share photos from your paddle in the 86 Miles Club Facebook Group!

Stay tuned for events connected to the 86 Miles Club Challenge! These are great opportunities to log miles, meet fellow paddlers, and boost your fundraising.

Explore. Share. Inspire. Let’s celebrate every mile together!

Let’s paddle for a purpose—for the rivers, for the future, for fun!