Irene damage cancels North Fork bike tours

Two planned bike tours of the North Fork have been canceled because roads in the Town of Southold are still being cleared of debris from Tropical Storm Irene.

In an email, the company sponsoring the rides, Bicycle Shows U.S., said the town would not issue a permit to reschedule them this month.

The rides — of 25, 50, 72 and 100 miles — had been scheduled for Aug. 28, the day before the storm blew across Long Island. Supervisor Scott Russell said the town turned down the firm’s request for a new permit to hold the rides this weekend because another bike ride fundraiser was already scheduled and road cleanup hasn’t been completed. “We will have enough difficulty holding one event. The roads aren’t in good shape,” he said.

The small town has already removed 1,200 tons of debris from its roads, he said, and the collection of debris from homes is just beginning.

The bike tour company told subscribers that each would receive a $30 credit that can be used next year or in 2013. The rides will not be rescheduled this year.