Bluffton invites bicycle riders on a ride to remember.
CLICK HERE to visit Ride To Remember website.
This year’s 3rd annual Ride to Remember bicycle event, set for Saturday, July 8, in Bluffton, takes bike riders as far they want to go – from 2 miles to a 112-mile Gran Fondo.
Riders from past year’s come from across Ohio and neighboring states. The village has several events going on for family members not riding, while the ride is underway.
The ride supports the Bluffton Lions Foundation’s bike and pedestrian pathway project which, when competed, will encircle the entire the village of Bluffton.
Each year the ride grows. The first ride had 100 participants. Last year it had 150 and this year’s ride hopes to attract 200 or more riders.
Riders may start whenever they wish. A mass start, with police escort, through the village of Bluffton is at 8 a.m.
The ride has four loops, plus a 112-mile challenge, each is on flat terrain.
• Triplett Challenge of 112 miles has a 7 a.m. optional group start. Riders completing the challenge receive a certificate of proof of the ride.
• Main loop has distances of 63 miles with cut-offs at 13, 18, 23, 40, 50 and 56 miles.
• Bold loop is 100-miles.
• Fun loop of 10 miles is for families and those new to cycling. It offers 10 locations with arrows pointing towards something. Riders are to match a riddle with those locations. Two portions of the loop are on Bluffton bike paths.
• Town loop of 2 miles is for riders who want to see Bluffton University or for the triathlete who wants a run after the ride followed by some laps in the pool.
Points of interest
Swiss Historical Homestead - The Swiss Community Historical Society has a collection of items from the early settlement of the area, which dates to the 1840s. Many of these items are displayed as used by the settlers in their homes, barns and gardens at the 1843 Schumacher Homestead on Bixel Road.
Scuba Quarry - The Gilboa Quarry is the Midwest's premier scuba diving site. It is an old 14-acre limestone quarry with depths up to 130 feet. From above you can see the diving platforms and visit the diver support building with its scuba gear and tank refilling equipment. Below the surface there are many treasurers for divers to explore, which include a Grumman airplane, Sikorsky helicopter and extensive aquatic life.
Gilboa Winery - The Hillside Winery is located in Gilboa. Besides making and selling wines, it offers non-alcoholic drinks and kitchen items. It has a relaxing outdoor patio-garden overlooking the Blanchard River and is open at noon.
Swinging Bridge - The Swinging Bridge Nature Preserve is part of Bluffton University. From the Bixel Road pull-off it is a 200-foot walk through the woods to a cable suspension footbridge crossing Riley Creek.
Rockport, Pandora, Gilboa, Benton Ridge, Rawson, Mt. Cory - The Main loop passes through the hearts of these six villages. Each has its own personalities and enjoys the relaxed lifestyle of a small community.
Rest stops
• Snacks, drinks and rest rooms provided at rest stops.
• One stop on the Bold loop, three on Main loop for 40, 50, 56 and 63-mile riders.
• Town park with water and restrooms for 50, 56 and 63-mile riders.
• Rest stop at finish for all loops.
Navigation
• White arrows painted on roads at all intersections. At least one arrow prior to each intersection and a single arrow after.
• Signs posted where loops separate and at all cut-offs.
• Maps given at check-in for all riders.
• Large maps posted at registration and rest stops.
Ride headquarters
Bluffton Family Recreation, 215 Snider Road, hosts registration on the morning of the ride. The ride’s end is next door at the Bluffton Community Swimming Pool. Parking is available at BFR.
At the ride’s end is an optional lunch provided by The Dough Hook, a Bluffton Main Street deli. Jim Boedicker, local musician, performs for riders at the ride’s end.
Registration
Registration by June 30 is $20 for one rider, $15 for the second family member and $5 for each additional family member. Those fees increase by $5 starting July 1.
Registration is now underway CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, or go to www.ridetoremember.net.
Registration can also take place the day of the ride or by mail at:
Bluffton Family Recreation
215 Snider Road
Bluffton, OH 45817
Registration includes:
• Lightweight bag/backpack (for the first 200 registered riders)
• Snacks at rest stops and finish
• Roaming vehicles for repairs and rider pick-up
• Pass to Bluffton swimming pool after ride
• Shower at Bluffton Family Recreation
• Coupon for up to $8 off at local eateries after ride
