The seventh annual Ride to Remember returns after a one-year in-person absence on Saturday, July 10. The ride is sponored by the Bluffton Lions Club Foundation.
The planning committee made the decision that this event can be safely held with certain COVID-19 precautions. And for riders who are still cautious about a group event, an on-your-own virtual event, similar to last year, will also be an option.
For the in-person event, several COVID-19 changes have been made to keep both riders and volunteers safe. For more information on these changes, visit www.ridetoremember.net.
“In the context of another year of pandemic, we are delighted to have safe options for all ages and comfort levels. This a great way to have fun and get some exercise outdoors. And as always, riders’ registration feeswill enable us to build more bike paths via the Bluffton Pathways Project”, said Ron Headings, chair of the event.
Several routes will be offered, ranging in distance from the 10-mile Fun Loop to the 63-mile Main Loop. Ride all of the loops for a total of 110 miles. Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Bluffton Pathways Project.
The first 150 registered, in person riders will receive a cinch sack filled with items from local businesses, and a lunch coupon. Routes are on scenic, flat, paved roads and feature points of interest such as the Bluffton University Nature Preserve, Schumacher Swiss Homestead, and the villages of Ada, Lafayette, Gilboa, Pandora, Rockport and Rawson.
Thanks, in part, to proceeds from the six previous rides, the Bluffton Lions Way Pedestrian and Bike Pathway Project has over 4 of 10 planned paved miles planned paved miles, already open.
These paths provide safe access to the Bluffton University Nature Preserve, Riverbend, Parkview, Riley Creek subdivisions, Magnolia Lane Condominiums, Maple Crest Senior Living Village, Buckeye Lake, Village Parks and restaurants and businesses on State Route 103.
In all, Bluffton offers more than 9 miles of paved, crushed aggregate, mulched and natural trails.
The 2021 Ride to Remember is made possible through financial and service support from local businesses, individuals and organizations.
Event sponsors
This year’s premier sponsor is Mercy Health.
Major sponsors are: Bike Crazy, Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Bluffton/Ada Icon, Bluffton Family Recreation, Bluffton University, Gregory L Averesch Ameriprise Financial Services, Headings Arts, Lewis Family McDonald's, PromoHits, Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn and Visit Findlay! – Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Contributing sponsors are Citizens National Bank, Community Markets, First National Bank and GROB.
Online registration is available at www.ridetoremember.net . A commemorative T-shirt will be offered for purchase during registration.
Visit www.ridetoremember.net for more information as well as follow Bluffton Ride to Remember on Facebook by clicking here or contact Ron Headings at [email protected] or Raymond and Liz at Bike Crazy, LLC, 419-659-2916.
