Highlights
- World Record Attempt for Largest Bicycle Parade
- Bob Evans Gift Card Program
- Contests for Special Rider Numbers
- Discounts for registering by April 30, 2008
- 5 days of cycling 45-60 miles from town to town and 2 days of optional loops
- Terrain: from gentle rolls to good hills, interspersed with flat bike trails
- Mileage for the week: minimum: 256... maximum: 402
Come early to explore Wellington, home of the Byzantine-Greek-Gothic-Spanish Town Hall and of Archibald Willard, painter of the famous "Spirit of '76". Take advantage of Lorain County's Back Roads & Beaches bike routing. Make a whistle-stop at the Lake Shore Railway terminal. Don't miss the bicycle parade and opening ceremonies - surprises await.
From the Lorain County Fairgrounds, steam out of town to the southwest. Cross the century-old Lincoln Highway and keep your eyes peeled for the 1850's "Bee Line" railroad from Shelby to Galion. Roll on to the welcome sight of Heise Park.
Before you leave Galion, seek out the Big Four Train Depot and enjoy a bit of the Colonel Crawford Bikeway. Be sure you're tuned up for a nod to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Just down the road, hop on the B&O bike trail...hooray, it's flat! Skirt the wetlands of Knox Lake and find your rest at spacious Mt. Vernon High School.
Today's optional route beckons with hills and ice cream at Utica's Ye Olde Mill. Or avoid the hills...stay in town for the Victorian architecture, the inviting shops, and a salute to Dan Emmett, composer of Dixie and Old Dan Tucker.
The tree-lined Kokosing Gap Rail-Trail offers a serene start to your day. Round the corner to the friendly front porch of the gracious White Oak Inn. Press on over the rolling hills of Coshocton County to the confluence of the Tuscarawas and Walhonding Rivers and to the delights of Lake Park, your home for the night.
24 hours will barely be enough to take it all in: the neighboring Historic Roscoe Village, Monticello Canal Boat ride, the water park just a few feet from your tent, or the bike bridge into the cozy downtown. If you must bike today, your senses will be overwhelmed with the Swiss ambiance of Sugarcreek, and well-preserved Zoar Village, followed by the charm of many more small towns...and, oh yes — the HILLS!
Get your extra cup of coffee and drink it early, so that you have plenty of time to savor today's treats. Friendly Amish greetings transport you to another world. Marvel at the beauty of the Helmick Covered Bridge. Your reward for your hard work on the rolling terrain will be the respite of the Holmes County trail...you may find an Amish buggy as your companion. Save yourself for Orrville: the traditional Song Contest, the Railroad Heritage Society, Toy & Hobby Museum, the Smuckers Co., and more will sweeten your stay.
It's time to pull out now, head back to your Main Street welcome in Wellington. Look back over the week's adventure and "Take the last train to GOBAville!"