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The Ride to Remember is for everyone!
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No matter what your bicycling skill or experience is, you will have fun!
In memory of Ropp & Mary Emma Triplett who helped launch Bluffton's first pedestrian & bicycle path. |
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2017 Date Now Set- Saturday July 8th
After a very successful 2016 event, the Lion's Club is eagerly planning the 2017 ride. The date has been set... July 8th. Feedback from the 2016 Ride has been evaluated. Riders loved the enhancements which included a rest stop for the shorter routes, live entertainment and grilled sandwiches available at the finish and the 112 mile challenge. The committee is already looking at ideas to take the Ride up another level.
Plan to be a part of the 2017 Ride; registration is now open! Or better still, click the link below to put your name on an email list to receive updates directly. Note that this list will only be used for Ride To Remember updates and not given to other organizations.
Plan to be a part of the 2017 Ride; registration is now open! Or better still, click the link below to put your name on an email list to receive updates directly. Note that this list will only be used for Ride To Remember updates and not given to other organizations.
Enhancements for 2017
More Fun Signs!
After our 2016 Ride, lots of riders commented how much they enjoyed reading our humorous sequential signs. Some older riders referred to them as the Burma Shave signs in reference to the 50’s when that shaving company made a major impact on highway advertising with their witty and humorous red sequential signs. Our signs, although yellow, are very similar. Reading them takes the rider’s mind off of cycling while it ponders the thought. Here are a couple of examples. ‘Did you hear about the person’…. ‘who got his entire left side of his body cut off?’…. ‘He’s all right now!’ Another is ‘A bad attitude is like’.… ‘a flat tire’…. ‘You can’t go anywhere’.… ‘until you change it!’
With so many riders commenting how much they enjoyed these signs, we decided to add more this year. We are certain that the miles will melt away thinking about something other than just the pavement ahead. Join us on July 8th and find out for yourself!
A Gran Fondo Style Ride?
Gran Fondo is Italian for The Big Ride. This style of ride started in Italy in 1970 and has become a popular alternative to traditional bike racing. Gran Fondos do not all follow the same format. One common characteristic is that riders start together and then break into groups of similar abilities. Unlike traditional bike races, riders generally ride a section then stop to rest and regroup. Also instead of competing against each other, Gran Fondo riders often compete against themselves and work together to complete the ride. And roads may be open to vehicular traffic so riders are expected to observe all rules of the road.
Last year the Triplett’s Challenge took on these characteristics. The 13 riders attempting the 112 mile distance, started together at 7 am and rode together until the second rest stop at 37 miles. At that point they started breaking into smaller groups. All 13 completed the full 112 mile distance in part due to the encouragement of those they were riding with.
This year we expect to see more riders on the Triplett Challenge. It is now our Big Ride (Gran Fondo) and if you are a distance rider, you will not want to miss it! See the Challenge Page for details.
After our 2016 Ride, lots of riders commented how much they enjoyed reading our humorous sequential signs. Some older riders referred to them as the Burma Shave signs in reference to the 50’s when that shaving company made a major impact on highway advertising with their witty and humorous red sequential signs. Our signs, although yellow, are very similar. Reading them takes the rider’s mind off of cycling while it ponders the thought. Here are a couple of examples. ‘Did you hear about the person’…. ‘who got his entire left side of his body cut off?’…. ‘He’s all right now!’ Another is ‘A bad attitude is like’.… ‘a flat tire’…. ‘You can’t go anywhere’.… ‘until you change it!’
With so many riders commenting how much they enjoyed these signs, we decided to add more this year. We are certain that the miles will melt away thinking about something other than just the pavement ahead. Join us on July 8th and find out for yourself!
A Gran Fondo Style Ride?
Gran Fondo is Italian for The Big Ride. This style of ride started in Italy in 1970 and has become a popular alternative to traditional bike racing. Gran Fondos do not all follow the same format. One common characteristic is that riders start together and then break into groups of similar abilities. Unlike traditional bike races, riders generally ride a section then stop to rest and regroup. Also instead of competing against each other, Gran Fondo riders often compete against themselves and work together to complete the ride. And roads may be open to vehicular traffic so riders are expected to observe all rules of the road.
Last year the Triplett’s Challenge took on these characteristics. The 13 riders attempting the 112 mile distance, started together at 7 am and rode together until the second rest stop at 37 miles. At that point they started breaking into smaller groups. All 13 completed the full 112 mile distance in part due to the encouragement of those they were riding with.
This year we expect to see more riders on the Triplett Challenge. It is now our Big Ride (Gran Fondo) and if you are a distance rider, you will not want to miss it! See the Challenge Page for details.
2016 Ride Reflections
Ride Stats-
Number of riders: 146
Approximate percentage by Loops:
Riders from outside Ohio: 5
Youngest rider: 4
Oldest rider: 80
Funds raised for additional bike paths: Over $3000
Number of riders: 146
Approximate percentage by Loops:
- Town Loop (2 miles)- 4%
- Fun Loop (10 miles)- 7%
- Bold Loop (37 miles)- 4%
- Main Loop Short (13-23 miles)- 27%
- Main Loop Long (40-63 miles)- 41%
- 100 & 112 Miles- 11%
Riders from outside Ohio: 5
Youngest rider: 4
Oldest rider: 80
Funds raised for additional bike paths: Over $3000
Rider Comments-
- The weather was perfect
- The routes were very smooth road and well marked
- Registration and rest stop personnel were wonderful
- Loved the riddle/barber shop signs
- Great Dough Hook sandwiches at finish; saved going into town to use $8 coupon
- Liked Jim Bodecker (entertainer) at finish
- Will definitely ride it again next year!
Pictures-
Various people took pictures at the 2016 Ride. The button below is a link to the collection of pictures. Some are duplicates and others have personal touches but all are great memories of the Ride.
Various people took pictures at the 2016 Ride. The button below is a link to the collection of pictures. Some are duplicates and others have personal touches but all are great memories of the Ride.
Location
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Bluffton Family Recreation
215 Snider Rd Bluffton, OH Saturday, July 8, 2017 Check-in/Registration- 6 to 9 am Routes Open- 6:30 am to 4 pm Optional Group Start for 100/112 Milers- 7 am Optional Mass Start- 8 am (all loops share first mile) Waiver signature required at sign-in. Parent must sign for minors & accompany minors <15 years old. CPSC bicycle helmet is required! |
See info and registration pages for ride details and costs
Sponsors and Partners
Bluffton Lion Foundation
Bluffton Family Recreation Sports and Fitness
Ohio Logistics
Bluffton Public Library
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CG Pro Bike
Whether you want to know about the latest bike technology, need training assistance, or just want the best product for the money... We are here for you!
Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce
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