Two Wheels, One Voice.

2004 Ohio Bicycle Events Calendar

© 2004 Ohio Bicycle Federation. Reprinted with permission. 

Need More Information?

Send a self-addressed, stamped business-sized (#10) envelope to addresses given for return of information to you. If you don't send a SASE with your request, don't expect a reply! Many listings offer Web site addresses where information can be found and may offer downloadable entry forms for immediate gratification. Get the details: don't just show up at last year's place and time -- organizers' plans can and do change, or there may be an error in our listing! Also, look ahead: some events have entry deadlines weeks in advance of ride dates. Click here to jump to races!

Supporting Rides: A special category of events listed in this Calendar are those that have pledged to donate $1 per rider toward the publication of the OBF's Ohio Bicycle Events Calendar. Look for the special symbol (seen here) and color designating these events. Support the rides that help support this Calendar!

Tours:
Tours are noncompetitive group rides for cyclists of various ages and abilities. Races are listed in a later section of this Calendar. Tour organizers (usually bicycle clubs) normally charge a modest fee to cover services provided. One-day tours, for example, typically offer a map, souvenir patch, food stops, and road ("sag") assistance. Fund-raisers may have higher entry fees to provide income for their causes. Budget tours and free rides usually offer few, if any, services. Bike-a-thons may or may not be operated in affiliation with a bicycle organization and raise money primarily through pledges of donations per mile each rider completes and may have a minimum pledge amount and/or entry fee. Many events require riders to wear an approved bicycle safety helmet. Rules or not, it makes good sense to wear a helmet whenever and wherever you ride!

April
Saturday, 4/17. THINK SPRING. Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A free tour of 15 to 30 flat to hilly miles in and about the national park. Hot soup and chili will be provided. Participants should bring a side dish to share. Akron Bicycle Club. Attn: Mike Perko; PO Box 2268; Stow, OH 44224. (330) 650-4846. www.akronbike.org

Saturday, 4/17. 3rd ATHENS SPRING RIDE. Nelsonville. A scenic spring ride with budding dogwoods, redbuds, and wildflowers. Rolling to hilly terrain with the last 12 miles on flat and beautiful Hockhocking-Adena Bikeway. A budget tour (bring your own food, water, cash) of 24/40/60/70/100 miles. Athens Bicycle Club. (740) 594-9944. www.athensbicycleclub.org

Saturday, 4/17. 32nd WOODSTOCK. Westerville. The traditional first TOSRV training ride for the season. Routes of 35/65/100 miles over relatively flat terrain make up this budget tour. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Tricia Kovacs & David Jeffords: (614) 476-9093. Email: bike_woodstock@att.net

Sunday, 4/18. 3rd SPIN SISTERS NORTHCOAST WOMEN'S GROUP RIDE. Northeastern Ohio. Spin Sisters. Arline: (216) 382-9966. Email: arline@bandkbike.com

Sunday, 4/18. LAKE METROPARKS EARTH DAY BIKE EXPO. Kirtland. Cabin fever got you down? Visit Lake Farmpark 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to buy and sell new or used cycling equipment, parts, clothing. See bike shop displays, speakers, demonstrations, information. For all cycling interests. OBF general meeting. Rural setting near I-90. Lake Metroparks. Attn: Bill Plessinger; 30525 Lakeshore Blvd.; Willowick, OH 44095. (440) 585-2800. Email: bplessinger@lakemetroparks.com

Sunday, 4/18. BIKE FOR EARTHFEST. Cleveland. Ride 10/20/30 easy miles beginning and ending at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and EarthFest. Snacks, sag, safety check, free zoo admission for this major environmental event. Benefits the Earth Day Coalition and Ohio City Bicycle Co-Op.Attn: Jim Sheehan; OCBC; 1823 Columbus Rd.; Cleveland, OH 44113. (216) 830-2667. jimsheehan@ohiocitycycles.org

Friday, 4/23. NIGHT RIDES ON THE TOWPATH. Peninsula. Fun free ride for cyclists of all levels starting from the bike shop in Peninsula, Lock 29 on the Canal's Towpath Trail. Starts at 8:00 p.m. with ride from 15 to 20 miles over easy terrain. Helmet and bike lights required. Century Cycles - Derrick. 1621 Main St.; Peninsula, OH 44264. (800) 201-7433. www.centurycycles.com

Saturday, 4/24. 37th SPOT. Groveport. A fairly flat course with options of from 25 to 100 miles make this budget tour. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Bruce & Barb Meyers: (614) 882-9407. Email: bjm050@aol.com

Sunday, 4/25. 9th SICCO: SPRING IN COLUMBIANA COUNTY. Leetonia. A flat 30-mile loop and a very hilly 20-miler make this full-service tour fun and challenging. Historic towns and beautiful countryside are features along with a stop at the arboretum in Leetonia. A baked potato lunch will fuel you for this trip. Those who ride the 30-miler may call themselves a "SICCO." Those who ride all 50 miles are REAL SICCOs. Helmet Required. Out-Spokin' Wheelmen. James Dubiel; 670 Afton Ave.; Youngstown, OH 44512. (330) 782-8748. Email: sicco2004@yahoo.com

Sunday, 4/25. 19th AFROST: A FREEBIE RIDE & OHIO SPRING TOUR. Amherst. As the name says, a free early-season conditioning ride of 25/50/64 flat miles visiting many historic towns and villages in Lorain County. Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club. PO Box 102; Amherst, OH 44001-0102. www.eriecoast.com/~lorainwheelmen

Sunday, 4/25. 30th MOC: MID-OHIO CENTURY. TBA. New route for this old favorite ... the start site hadn't been determined by press time! A budget tour. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Jim Wakefield: (614) 430-0256. bicycling@outdoor-pursuits.org

May
Saturday, 5/1. 3rd BIKE AGAINST CANCER. Oberlin. This is a fund raiser with the entry fee/donation benefitting the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Ride starts in town at the Oberlin Bike Co-Op. Routes of 10/25/50 hilly miles. Ross Karre. Email: rkarre@oberlin.edu

Saturday, 5/1. 6th BLACK SWAMP BUDGET TOUR. Bowling Green. This low-cost ride in the area of the Great Black Swamp covers 40/50/60 flat miles where the greatest challenge may be the wind! Map and route markings provided; no food – bring your own or purchase at stores along the route. Hosteling International - Toledo Area. Tour Director; PO Box 352736; Toledo, OH 43635-2736. (419) 243-7680. www.freewheel.com/hiayh/activity.html

Saturday, 5/1. 16th CYCLING SAFARI. Powell. Jennifer Wilson; 9990 Riverside Dr.; Powell, OH 43065. (614) 645-3440. jennifer.wilson@columbuszoo.org

Sunday, 5/2. 23rd TOOH: TOP OF OHIO HUNDRED. Hilliard & Milford Center. Varied terrain marks the routes of 25/80/100 miles. Shorter routes are basically flat with the century taking riders to the highest point in Ohio (TOP of Ohio!). A budget tour. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Ron Doran: (614) 527-2989. Email: topofohio2004@aol.com

Sunday, 5/2. CHILI CENTURY. Clermont County. Mostly flat with a few hills on routes of 15/25/38/58/66/100 miles through some of Southeastern Ohio's best cycling areas. A full service ride. The ride specialty is the Cincinnati-style chili buffet feast at the finish. Traditional chili or vegetarian sauce with spaghetti. Cincinnati Cycle Club. Attn: Bruce Rocklin; PO Box 8371; Cincinnati, OH 45208. www.cincinnaticycleclub.org

Sunday, 5/2. 8th KLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. Huron. This free "old fashioned" tour covers 85 mostly flat miles with a map being the only service. The name? Kinda Like May's Nine O'clock Picturesque & Quaint Rectangular Spring Tour Undertaken by Very Wishful Xenophobic Young Zealots. Originated by a NASA guy, could you tell? Medina County Bicycle Club. Richard DeLombard; 805 Seneca Ave.; Huron, OH 44839. (419) 433-8353. www.lrbcg.com/pogo/bike.html#KLM

Saturday-Sunday, 5/8-5/9. 43rd TOSRV: TOUR OF THE SCIOTO RIVER VALLEY. Columbus. Say "TOSRV" to bicycle riders around the nation, and they'll know you mean this event, which began as a father-and-son outing in 1962 before quickly growing into the nation's largest bicycle touring weekend. In fact, TOSRV singlehandedly raised the profile of the bicycle in American life and was the inspiration for many of the mass-participation cycling events so popular today across the country. TOSRV riders have come from across the country and have ranged in age from one to 93. Entry Deadline: April 14. Rider Limit: 3,500. Online entry available: www.tosrv.org. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. TOSRV; P.O. Box 14384; Columbus, OH 43214.

Saturday, 5/15. NIGHT RIDES ON THE TOWPATH. Peninsula. Fun free ride for cyclists of all levels starting from the bike shop in Peninsula, Lock 29 on the Canal's Towpath Trail. Starts at 8:00 p.m. with ride from 15 to 20 miles over easy terrain. Helmet and bike lights required. Century Cycles - Derrick. 1621 Main St.; Peninsula, OH 44264. (800) 201-7433. www.centurycycles.com

Saturday, 5/15. 4th PEAK OF OHIO BICYCLE TOUR. Bellefontaine. Ride 10/29/30 flat to rolling miles featuring sights such as a covered bridge, Ohio's highest point, and others in the beautiful Logan County countryside. Call for more info. Entry Deadline: May 7. Logan County Area Chamber of Commerce. Morgan Comer; 100 South Main St.; Bellefontaine, OH 43311. (937) 599-2016. Email: mcomer@logancountyohio.com

Saturday, 5/15. 3rd RIDE FOR THE NATIONS. Grove City. Join international cycling enthusiasts in a tour of 10/25/50 flat to gently rolling miles. Minimal entry fee includes refreshments, lunch, tee shirts, sag support. Sponsorships are encouraged to further bridge-building among international students and their families. International Friendships. Brenda Artrip; 176 Chittenden Ave.; Columbus, OH 43201. (614) 294-2434. www.internationalfriendships.org/

Sunday, 5/16. BICYCLE POKER RUN. Massillon. A ride of 18 flat miles on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is only half the fun. Cyclists will also stop at five checkpoints along the way picking up a playing card at each stop. When they arrive at the finish, they play their hands against those of other riders. Prizes are awarded to the top hands. Proceeds benefit local trail projects. Ernie's Bicycle Shop. Ernie Lehman; 135 Lake Ave. NW; Massillon, OH 44647. (330) 832-5111. ernie@erniesbikeshop.com

Sunday, 5/16. 30th HUFFMAN CLASSIC. Brookville. Enjoy a scenic ride through Southwestern Ohio. Flat to rolling terrain is encountered on rides of 26/45/65/100 miles. There is also a Family Ride. An after-ride meal of lasagna (meat or veggie) is also available. Dayton Cycling Club. Dale Williamson; 572 Flanders Ave.; Brookville, OH 45309. (937) 833-5680.www.daytoncyclingclub.org

Sunday, 5/16. 3rd SPIN SISTERS NORTHCOAST WOMEN'S GROUP RIDE. Northeastern Ohio. Formerly the Women's Monthly Cycle Group, this event offers 15- and 30-mile flat to rolling ride options with a lunch stop during or after the ride. Spin Sisters. Arline at B&K Bicycle Co. (216) 382-9966. Email: arline@bandkbike.com

Saturday, 5/22. 4th JJJ: JERRY'S JEROMESVILLE JOURNEY. Oberlin. A free 100-mile tour with a 50-mile cutoff. Passes through the rolling and hilly sections of Southern Lorain and Northern Ashland Counties. Named in memory of the ride's founder, Jerry Warnke. Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club. PO Box 102; Amherst, OH 44001-0102. www.eriecoast.com/~lorainwheelmen

June
Friday, 6/4. NIGHT RIDES ON THE TOWPATH. Peninsula. Fun free ride for cyclists of all levels starting from the bike shop in Peninsula, Lock 29 on the Canal's Towpath Trail. Starts at 8:00 p.m. with ride from 15 to 20 miles over easy terrain. Helmet and bike lights required. Century Cycles - Derrick. 1621 Main St.; Peninsula, OH 44264. (800) 201-7433. www.centurycycles.com

Friday - Sunday, 6/4-6/6. 9th "NO FRILLS" TANDEM WEEKEND. Seville. A few minor hills, loads of "rollers," and particularly fast times (if the wind is at your back) mark this weekend event. Routes of around 50 miles can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of distances and constitutions. Art & Judee Wickersham. (330) 688-7299. www.geocities.com/wick151/

Saturday, 6/5. 32nd HOOT: HEART OF OHIO TOUR. Carroll. A scenic tour in the Lancaster area. Multiple routes, some hilly, make up this budget tour. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Al Moore: (740) 756-9218. bikedonna@msn.com

Saturday, 6/5. 7th TOUR DE CURE: THE BRIDGES OF PREBLE COUNTY. College Corner. Routes of 8/16/30/60 flat to hilly miles featuring the beautiful Hueston Woods make up this fund-raiser. Minimum pledge and entry fee required raise money for diabetes research. Full service tour with breakfast as well as lunch. American Diabetes Association. Attn: Shara Clark; 8899 Brookside Avenue Ste. 102; West Chester, OH 45069. (513) 759-9330 X 6668. shclark@diabetes.org

Saturday, 6/5. COVERED BRIDGE TOUR. Brookville. Visit two to 10 covered bridges (depending upon route) on this budget tour. Low fee includes map, marked route; riders provide their own food and support. Rolling to hilly routes of 23/45/74/105 miles. Dayton Cycling Club. Mark Buchwalder; 1781 Sunnymeade Rd.; Xenia, OH 45385. www.geocities.com/bikewalder/tour/cbtour.html

Saturday, 6/5. 21st HOT TAMALE: TOUR AROUND MARION AT LOW ELEVATION. Waldo. Enjoy "the best" homemade cookies, fresh strawberries, and friendly food stops on this full service tour. A ride of 8/16/34/62 flat miles for cyclists of all skill levels. The 8-miler is a Family Fun Route. Heart of Ohio Tailwinds Bicycle Club. Glenn or Sandy Butterman; 500 S. Vine St.; Marion, OH 43302-5161. (740) 382-9423. www.hot-tamale.org

Saturday-Sunday, 6/5-6/6. 22nd MARIETTA RIVER RENDEZVOUS RIDE. Duncan Falls. Ride along the scenic west side of the Muskingum River past several historic hand-operated locks to Marietta, return on the east side for part of the next day. Fresh strawberries and ice cream after the first day's ride and an evening cruise on a river sternwheeler. Many amenities on this full service tour. Flat to rolling with several significant hills in about 65 miles of riding each day. Entry Deadline: May 15. Marietta Rowing & Cycling Club. Attn: Sue Berzinis; PO Box 1081; Marietta, OH 45750. Email: teamberzinis@1st.net

Sunday, 6/6. 3rd BOB HART'S SENIOR MARATHON RIDE. Cleveland. Ride from Cleveland, Oh. to Chautauqua, N.Y. -- 150 miles in one day! All are invited to join Bob Hart -- a "senior" rider who has battled arthritis with chemotherapy and everything he's got and come out on top on this ride covering rolling to hilly terrain. Includes refueling stops along the way, sag wagon support, dinner at the finish. Proceeds benefit the Cleveland Arthritis Foundation. Entry Deadline: May 29. Neil at B&K Bicycle Co. (216) 382-9966. Email: neil@bandkbike.com

Sunday, 6/6. STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL BIKE TOUR. Troy. A fun, scenic ride for cyclists of all ages and abilities: Flat to rolling terrain with routes of 29/45/62 miles and a 12-mile "family route." After the ride, enjoy the town's Strawberry Festival! Rider Limit: 600. Entry Deadline: May 20. Troy Strawberry Festival. Attn: Anita Weaver; 405 SW Public Square Ste. 330; Troy, OH 45373. (937) 339-7714. Email: tsf@troyohiochamber.com

Sunday, 6/6. 11th TOUR DE CURE. Maumee. Four redesigned, fully supported routes of 10/25/40/60 scenic flat to rolling miles mark this bike-a-thon event. Entry fee plus minimum pledge gets tee shirt , prizes, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and more. Helmet Required. American Diabetes Association. 6800 W. Central Ave., Ste. D-1; Toledo, OH 43617. (419) 841-5992. www.diabetes.org/tour

Sunday, 6/13. RIVER RENDEZVOUS RIDE. Ludlow, KY. Ride starts on the banks of the Ohio River 10 minutes south of Cincinnati. Routes choices range from 25 to 100 rolling to hilly miles with river views a feature. Visit Rabbit Hash, Ky. but preregistered dine on chicken dinner, served on the banks of the Ohio, after the ride. Rider Limit: 350. Cincinnati Cycle Club. Michael Sullivan; 316 Creekwood Dr.; Edgewood, KY 41017. www.cincinnaticycleclub.com

Sunday, 6/13. 3rd SPIN SISTERS NORTHCOAST WOMEN'S GROUP RIDE. Northeastern Ohio. Formerly the Women's Monthly Cycle Group, this event offers 15- and 30-mile flat to rolling ride options with a lunch stop during or after the ride. Spin Sisters. Arline at B&K Bicycle Co. (216) 382-9966. Email: arline@bandkbike.com

Sunday, 6/13. SUNDAY IN JUNE. Middlefield. Something for every rider on this scenic bicycle ride through the heart of Northeastern Ohio's Amish countryside. Routes of 10/25/50/62/100 miles are over rolling terrain. A full-service tour with sag vehicles, route markings, lunch, and more. Helmet required. Entry form and information available at the club's Web site. Cleveland Touring Club. PO Box 32456; Euclid, OH 44132. (216) 297-9172. www.clevetourclub.org

Sunday, 6/13. 4th TOUR DE CURE. Berea. American Diabetes Association. Jill Pupa; 4500 Rockside Rd. #440; Independence, OH 44131. (216) 328-9989 X 6764. Email: jpupa@diabetes.org

Sunday, 6/13. TOUR DE CURE. Akron. American Diabetes Association. 1815 W. Market Street Ste. 108; Akron, OH 44313. (330) 835-3149. www.diabetes.org/tour

Saturday, 6/19. 8th TOUR DE FEED. Dublin. For riders aged 16 and older, this ride of 27 & 60 miles covers flat to rolling terrain in the scenic farm country of the Dublin, Plain City, and Milford Center areas. Food and limited sag provided; helmet required. Benefit for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Nationwide Insurance. Attn: Pam Noie; 2 Nationwide Plaza #2-05-01; Columbus, OH 43215. (614) 249-5842. Email: noiep@nationwide.com

Saturday - Saturday, 6/19-6/26. 16th GOBA: GREAT OHIO BICYCLE ADVENTURE. Medina. This year starting in Northeastern Ohio this bicycle-camping tour covers between 45 and 60 miles per day for six days of cycling, entertainment, and attractions arranged especially for participants. A few attractions include: Zoar Village, Orrville Toy & Hobby Museum, covered bridges, nature areas. Terrain ranges from flat to hilly and extra-mileage options are available for the energetic. Rider Limit: 3,000. Entry Deadline: May 19. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. GOBA; PO Box 14384; Columbus, OH 43214. (614) 447-0971. www.goba.com

Saturday, 6/26. 12th CY YOUNG TOUR. Newcomerstown. New date from last year and exciting new development: the ride is now a part of the annual Cy Young Festival! Ride 15/30/62/100 flat to hilly terrain --depends upon route-- on this full-service tour visiting Amish country, the Cy Young Memorial, and historic Gnadenhutten. Jeff Orr; 320 N. College St.; Newcomerstown, OH 43832. (740) 498-7782. Email: norr@tusco.net

NEW: Saturday, 6/26. 3rd LONDON STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL BICYCLE TOUR. London. P.O. Box 308; London, OH 43140. (740) 852-7833. http://www.fmcpt.com/09-LSF.html

Saturday & Sunday, 6/26 & 6/27. 15th MS BIKE TO THE BAY, REEVES NORTHRUP MEMORIAL. Maumee. Four route options are offered including a one-day ride: 35/50/75/100 miles over flat to "slightly hilly" terrain. Overnight trips stay in Port Clinton, enjoying pasta dinner, pancake breakfast the next morning. Camping facilities available. Jet Express to Put-In-Bay is included. Full-service bike-a-thon. Entry Deadline: June 23. National MS Society. Alberta Hunt; 401 Tomahawk Dr.; Maumee, OH 43537. (800) 368-7459. Email: Alberta.Hunt@oho.nmss.org

Sunday, 6/27. 29th PORTAGE RIVER TOUR. Elmore. Follow the meanderings of the Portage River from its Wood County beginnings toward Lake Erie covering 10/31/62/100 flat miles. Lunch at Portage River Festival. Hosteling International - Toledo Area. Tour Director; PO Box 352736; Toledo, OH 43635-2736. (419) 243-7680. www.freewheel.com/hiayh/activity.html

July
Sunday, 7/4. 9th VANDALIA FREEDOM TOUR. Vandalia. Enjoy the holiday on rides of 31 or 62 miles over flat lands and rolling hills. A 5- to 10-mile Family Ride is also available. Longer routes take riders through picturesque areas of the northern Miami Valley in both Miami and Montgomery Counties. Fundraiser supports youth programs in the Vandalia Butler community. Vandalia Butler Optimist Club. Steven Reed; 5750 N. Main St.; Dayton, OH 45415. (937) 277-0000. www.VandaliaFreedomTour.org

Saturday, 7/10. 9th SHAUCK AREA CENTURY. Johnsville. A cloverleaf-style event with all routes starting and finishing at the same point for 25/62/100 miles of rolling to hilly cycling -- ride any loop or all three, your choice! Rider Limit: 300. Keith B. Elliott; 8041 Road 55; Lexington, OH 44904. (419) 362-7715. Email: sal508ers@aol.com

Saturday, 7/10. 2nd RIDE TO SURVIVE. Hilliard. A flat to gently-rolling 25/50/100-mile fund raiser touring West-Central Ohio. Proceeds benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Burritos and Tour de France TVcoverage offered at the finish. Rich Jones; 784 Morrison Rd.; Columbus, OH 43230. (614) 306-6511. www.ride2survive.org

Saturday, 7/10. NIGHT RIDES ON THE TOWPATH. Peninsula. Fun free ride for cyclists of all levels starting from the bike shop in Peninsula, Lock 29 on the Canal's Towpath Trail. Starts at 8:00 p.m. with ride from 15 to 20 miles over easy terrain. Helmet and bike lights required. Century Cycles - Derrick. 1621 Main St.; Peninsula, OH 44264. (800) 201-7433. www.centurycycles.com

Saturday-Sunday, 7/10-7/11. MS 150 BIKE TOUR, KROGER BRAND. Lebanon. Full-service bike-a-thon travels scenic roads over 75 miles of rolling countryside to overnight at Miami University, Oxford. Return the next day. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Attn: Beth Levering; 4460 W. Lake Forest Dr. Ste. 236; Cincinnati, OH 45242. (513) 769-4400. www.fightMStoday.org

Sunday, 7/11. ABC: ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY. Medina. Ride 25/62/100 rolling miles through portions of Medina and Wayne Counties visiting farm towns, passing through dairy lands. Akron Bicycle Club. Attn: Mike Perko; PO Box 2268; Stow, OH 44224. (330) 650-4846. www.akronbike.org

Sunday, 7/11. 6th MIDWEST DOUBLE METRIC CENTURY. Wapakoneta. Lima Roadrunners Cycling Club. PO Box 173; Lima, OH 45802. www.limaroadrunners.com

Sunday, 7/11. 2nd PEP: PEDAL ERIE PARKS RIDE. Huron. Pedal between visits to Erie County Metroparks on three routes: 10/31/62 flat to rolling miles. A full-service tour. Friends of Erie Metroparks. Erie Metroparks; 3910 Perkins Ave.; Huron, OH 44839-1059. (419) 625-7783. www.discoverit@eriemetroparks.org

Saturday, 7/17. 17th ICE CREAM ODYSSEY. Medina. A bicycle outing on a hot summer's day with scenic rolling terrain through quaint small towns. Start/Finish is in Buckeye Woods Park, just outside of town, with routes of 25 miles for the casual rider, or 42 and 62 miles for the more experienced. Lower fee for early entry. Medina County Bicycle Club. Shawn Conway; 994 Lakeshore Walk; Medina, OH 44256. (330) 764-3019. Email: the5conways@earthlink.net

Saturday, 7/17. 16th METROPARKS BICYCLE TOUR. Whitehouse. Ride 10/31/65/100 flat miles visiting up to four scenic Toledo Area metroparks. See the last active sand dune in Ohio, restored section of the Miami & Erie Canal, enjoy a 28-mile interpretive tour option including canal boat ride and mill tour. Entry Deadline: July 15. Hosteling International-Toledo Area. Tour Director; PO Box 352736; Toledo, OH 43635-2736. (734) 854-2617. www.freewheel.com/hiayh/Activity.html

Saturday, 7/17. 32nd LAND OF LEGEND TOUR. Newark. A new route this year including Northern Licking County, Southern Knox County, and Black Hand Gorge. Flat to rolling terrain with a few hills on rides of 30/50/62/100 miles. Licking County Bicycle Club. Lew Hullinger; 907 Granville Rd.; Newark, OH 43055. (740) 344-5683. Email: hully1@nextek.net

Sunday, 7/18. SCRABBLE: Super Century Ride And Beach-to-Beach Lakefront Experience. Cleveland. Routes of 10/25/40/62/100 miles start and finish at Lake Erie's Edgewater Beach State Park. Ohio City Bicycle Co-op. Attn: Jim Sheehan; 1823 Columbus Rd.; Cleveland, OH 44113. (216) 830-2667. Email: jimsheehan@OhioCityCycles.org

Sunday, 7/18. 3rd SPIN SISTERS NORTHCOAST WOMEN'S GROUP RIDE. Northeastern Ohio. Formerly the Women's Monthly Cycle Group, this event offers 15- and 30-mile flat to rolling ride options with a lunch stop during or after the ride. Spin Sisters. Arline at B&K Bicycle Co. (216) 382-9966. Email: arline@bandkbike.com

Thursday-Sunday, 7/22-7/25. GREENE TRAILS CYCLING CLASSIC. Xenia. A grand, new multi-day event for cyclists of all ages and ability. Explore one of the nation's top trail systems while riding generally 20 miles per day minimum, optional 50- and 90-mile routes, all flat to rolling terrain, over different sections of trail each day. Special events and festivities hosted by communities and businesses along each section of the trail add to the fun. Rider Limit: 1,000. Greene County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce. 1221 Meadowbridge Drive Ste. A; Beavercreek, OH 45434. (800) 733-9109. www.greenetrailsclassic.com

Saturday-Saturday, 7/24-7/31. 7th XOBA: 'CROSS OHIO BICYCLE ADVENTURE. This summer XOBA starts on the Indiana/Ohio border and ends up in Pennsylvania traveling through many of the best regions of Ohio. The terrain ranges from flat to hilly and the scenery varies from farms to Victorian homes in the towns that line the route. Many historic and natural wonders will be included along with, as always, the hospitality and culinary treats of Ohioans hosting this event. Ride at your own pace (covering about 60 miles per day), eat where you like, and still have plenty of riding companions for fun and comfort. Rider Limit: 200. Entry Deadline: July 16. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Attn: Randy Bennett; PO Box 14384; Columbus, OH 43214. (614) 818-9544. Email: rqbikes@aol.com

Sunday, 7/25. 11th RICHFIELD SWEET CORN BICYCLE CHALLENGE. Richfield. Your choice: moderate ride to monster hills on 10/25/50/100 miles. Century has a picnic lunch and buffet dinner. Shorter routes are served grilled chicken lunch with blue grass band and massages adding to the welcome. Full-service tour with new routes. Rider Limit: 2,400. Richfield Chamber of Commerce. 4300 W. Streetsboro Rd.; Richfield, OH 44286. (330) 659-3300. www.sweetcornride.com

Saturday, 7/31. 2nd COMMUNITY TIES. Sunbury. Enjoy or speed through a flat to slightly rolling tour of Delaware County on routes of 18/35/62 miles. Enjoy plentiful food stops and pause to view rare bird habitats along the way. Lunch is served on Sunbury Square at the finish. There is also a running event associated with Community Ties and time for biathletes in training to do both activities. Larry Jenkins; 211 E. Schrock Rd.; Westerville, OH 43081. (614) 794-1643. Email: Ljenkin7@columbus.rr.com

NEW: Saturday & Sunday, 7/31 & 8/1. 2nd “MC 100” I Scream Ride. Yellow Springs. (937) 327-9403 www.youngsdairy.com/mc100.htm

August
Sunday, 8/1. 11th ROAST YOUR BUNS TOUR. Oberlin. A fun-filled, free tour of 40 or 70 flat miles over an interesting route. The weather is usually hot! There's always a little surprise provided at the end of the ride for those who brave the heat of August and give their buns a roasting! Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club. PO Box 102; Amherst, OH 44001-0102. www.eriecoast.com/~lorainwheelmen

Sunday, 8/1. 23rd MORNING GLORY RIDE. Cincinnati. Surely one of the most unusual cycling tours in Ohio: a predawn ride of 17 to22 rolling miles through the dark, quiet city streets within picturesque neighborhoods of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Optional sunrise breakfast follows on the riverfront. Rider Limit: 2,400. Entry Deadline: July 20. Sierra Club Miami Group. Morning Glory Ride Chair; PO Box 27; Covington, KY 41012. (513) 841-0111. www.ohio.sierraclub.org/miami

Friday, 8/6. NIGHT RIDES ON THE TOWPATH. Peninsula. Fun free ride for cyclists of all levels starting from the bike shop in Peninsula, Lock 29 on the Canal's Towpath Trail. Starts at 8:00 p.m. with ride from 15 to 20 miles over easy terrain. Helmet and bike lights required. Century Cycles - Derrick. 1621 Main St.; Peninsula, OH 44264. (800) 201-7433. www.centurycycles.com

Saturday, 8/7. 18th RIDE THE DARBY. Grove City. New routes in the scenic Big Darby watershed are being planned with mileage options ranging from 30 to 100 rolling miles on this budget tour. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Bob Waddell: (614) 871-7965. Email: bikeinbob@columbus.rr.com

Saturday, 8/7. MARR: MAD ANTHONY RIVER RALLY. Perrysburg. A flat ride of 15/31/62/100 miles through Northwest Ohio. New routes this year with a pancake breakfast at the first rest stop and admission to Ft. Meigs Historical Site. Short route is family-friendly. Toledo Area Bicyclists. Rita Carter; 1965 Beachcraft Dr.; Northwood, OH 43619. (419) 252-5649. Email: rcarter@hcr-manorcare.com

Saturday, 8/7. 7th PEDAL THE LAKES. Greenville, Penn. Just across the state line find beautiful country setting featuring three lakes. Tour is made up of three, 33-mile rolling loops. A full service touring event. Entry Deadline: August 1. Greenville Area Leasure Services Assn. Attn: Erik Bielata; PO Box 244; Greenville, PA 16125. (724) 588-4800. Email: galsa@svol.net

Saturday, 8/7. FRED'S RIDE FOR THE ANIMALS. Casstown. Routes of 12/30/62 mostly flat to rolling miles. Proceeds benefit charity to promote cycling. Special tee shirt to those who finish 100K in 3 hrs., 15 min. Full service tour. Helmet Required. Rider Limit: 1,000. Dayton Cycling Club. Fred Lounsberry; 5200 Angelita Dr.; Huber Hts., OH 45424. (937) 236-3535. www.fredsride.com

Sunday, 8/8. 14th EMERALD NECKLACE TOUR. Cleveland Metroparks. Enjoy the surprising beauty of the chain of green surrounding the Cleveland metropolitan area on this ride of 25/50/75/100 miles. Terrain ranges from flat to very hilly on this full service ride with two start/finish points. Helmet Required. Tee shirt to first 500 entered. HubBub Custom Bicycles. 8005 Mayfield Rd.; Chesterland, OH 44026. (440) 729-2499. Email: info@hubbub.com

Saturday-Sunday, 8/14-8/15. 30th ROSCOE RAMBLE ASSAULT. Canal Fulton or Wilmot. A spectacular weekend event through the core of the Amish community. Haystack scenery and lunch on the farm. Challenging climbs --not for the lighthearted or those without a third chainring-- but well worth the 120 or 150 miles. Ask those who have ridden past events... it's worth the effort! Rider Limit: 125. Entry Deadline: August 2. Akron Bicycle Club. Rich Kuster; 1341 Whippoorwill Trl.; Stow, OH 44224-2327. (330) 688-3589. www.akronbike.org

Saturday, 8/14. 17th RIDGE RUNNER RAMBLE. New Albany. Ride the ridges on routes of 30/55/80/100 miles. Short route has three hills; longer routes have many more on this budget tour. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Tim Faigley: (614) 885-4819. Email: tcfaigley@core.com

Sunday, 8/15. 10th TRI-COUNTY TRAIL BICYCLE ADVENTURE TOUR. Frankfort. A scenic bicycle tour on paved roads covering Ross, Fayette, and Highland Counties on their rail to trail conversion. A full service tour with routes of 14/20/35/50/75 flat to rolling miles. Tri-County Triangle Trail. Mr. Deb Doles; 586 Laurel St.; Chillicothe, OH 45601-1445. (740) 775-9322. http://tricotrail.tripod.com

Sunday, 8/15. 3rd SPIN SISTERS NORTHCOAST WOMEN’S GROUP RIDE. Northeastern Ohio. Formerly the Women's Monthly Cycle Group, this event offers 15- and 30-mile flat to rolling ride options with a lunch stop during or after the ride. Spin Sisters. Arline at B&K Bicycle Co. (216) 382-9966. Email: arline@bandkbike.com

Saturday, 8/21. RIDE FOR PETE'S SAKE. Hilliard. A full service fund raiser benefitting cerebral palsy research with scenic routes ranging from flat to hilly and from 10 to 100 miles. Riders of all abilities are welcome. Pedal With Pete, Inc. Chris Zeidner; 93 E. Kanawha Ave.; Columbus, OH 43214. (614) 436-0482. http://pedal-with-pete.org

Saturday, 8/21. 26th BEST "WURST" TOUR. Bucyrus. Ride 25/62 flat to rolling miles through scenic countryside on roadways visiting this historic area located on the original Lincoln Highway and Sandusky River. A full service tour held in conjunction with the city's bratwurst festival. Crawford County Cyclists & Bucyrus Tourism & Visitor's Bureau. Attn: Donna Bauer; PO Box 1023; Bucyrus, OH 44820. (866) 562-0720. www.bucyrus.org

Saturday, 8/21. 6th FLATLANDERS BICYCLE TOUR. Fremont. A bicycle tour through farmlands provides sights and experiences that make for a memorable ride. Includes a Mull covered bridge, a river road, possible bald eagle sightings. Half-hour south of Cedar Point, four flat to rolling 25-mile loops combines for routes of 25/50/75/100 miles. Visit the Hayes Presidential Center or Sandusky County Fair when finished. Pool and showers available. Flatlanders Bicycle Club. Attn: Ed Chimahusky; PO Box 134; Fremont, OH 43420. (419) 332-5203. Email: flatlandersbikeclub@yahoo.com

Saturday, 8/21. WRIGHT HISTORICAL TOUR. Dayton. A flat to hilly 25-mile tour visiting significant Wright brothers and Dayton aviation historical locations. Includes the Wrights' boyhood home, one of their bicycle shops, airplane factory site, seaplane base, their mansion, and a state park. Dayton Cycling Club. Dwaine Wheeler; 2267 Lynpark Ave.; Dayton, OH 45439. (937) 626-4455. Email: dwaine@dayton.net

Saturday & Sunday, 8/21 & 8/22. 18th MS 150 PEDAL TO THE POINT. Berea. Beginning outside of Cleveland, ride 30/75/100 flat to rolling miles to Sandusky for an overnight stay in this full service bike-a-thon. Admission to Cedar Point is included as is "flying" pancake breakfast. Entry Deadline: August 13. Ohio's largest MS benefit ride. National MS Society. Bridget Andrews; 1422 Euclid Avenue Ste. 333; Cleveland, OH 44115. (216) 696-8220. www.msohiobuckeye.org

Sunday, 8/22. WRIGHT WRIDE. Dayton. Tour of 30/50/65/100 miles of flat trails, a hill or two, and some rolling roads. Century and metric century rides can be challenging at times with a reward of beautiful scenery. A full service tour including showers. Dayton Cycling Club. Dwaine Wheeler; 2267 Lynpark Ave.; Dayton, OH 45439. (937) 626-4455. Email: dwaine@dayton.net

Saturday, 8/28. NIGHT RIDES ON THE TOWPATH. Peninsula. Fun free ride for cyclists of all levels starting from the bike shop in Peninsula, Lock 29 on the Canal's Towpath Trail. Starts at 8:00 p.m. with ride from 15 to 20 miles over easy terrain. Helmet and bike lights required. Century Cycles - Derrick. 1621 Main St.; Peninsula, OH 44264. (800) 201-7433. www.centurycycles.com

September
Saturday, 9/4. BCBCBCBC. Seaman. A budget ride over rural roads in an area of Southwestern Ohio having a New England feeling. New, shorter, family-friendly routes to Amish bakeries. Buy pies to eat or have delivered to the finish. Various mileages over rolling to very hilly terrain. Cincinnati Cycle Club. Jennifer Johnson; 4715 Ward St.; Cincinnati, OH 45227. (513) 271-6645.

Saturday, 9/4. 12th STOMP BICYCLE ADVENTURE. Akron area. Routes of 9/20/30/62 flat to very hilly miles begin and end in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and take riders to several metroparks and areas of interest. A full service tour with proceeds benefitting the metroparks.. Rider Limit: 1,500. Metro Parks Serving Summit County. STOMP c/o Naturealm; 1828 Smith Rd.; Akron, OH 44313. (330) 865-8065. www.summitmetroparks.org

Sunday, 9/5. 15th OX ROAST BICYCLE TOUR. West Jefferson. A full service tour of 25/62/100 flat to rolling miles with sag support by professional bicycle mechanics. But it's all about the food: full-size candy bars, trail mix, fruit, sub sandwiches, PB&J, chips, bagels, donuts, and more to stoke your engine. Rider Limit: 600. Cindy Miller; 2313 US Route 42 NE; West Jefferson, OH 43162. (614) 879-7854. Email: CinGrg@aol.com

Saturday, 9/11. 21st COVERED BRIDGE CENTURY. Canal Winchester. The short option is flat. Longer options are tuneups for the {gasp!} Columbus Fall Challenge. This budget tour covers up to 100 hilly miles. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Gordon Renkes: (614) 263-3026. Email: grenkes@gcfn.org

Saturday, 9/11. 24th POPCORN 100 BIKE TOUR. Marion. A relaxing and family-oriented tour with two route options: 25/62 flat miles. Rider Limit: 500. Be sure and stop by the city's annual Popcorn Festival this weekend! Marion General Hospital. Attn: Kim Wenig; 1000 McKinley Park Dr.; Marion, OH 43302. (740) 383-8980. www.mariongeneral.com

Sunday, 9/12. 34th HHH: HANCOCK HORIZONTAL HUNDRED. Findlay. One of the flattest rides in Ohio and an excellent choice for a first 100-mile ("century") attempt! Bicycle dealer/vendor displays and an ice cream social make a fun pre-ride Saturday night. A full service tour with routes of 31/62/100 miles. Entry Deadline: Sept. 1. Hancock Handlebars Bicycle Club. Attn: Mick Gould; PO Box 232; Findlay, OH 45839. (419) 422-0417. www.hancockhandlebars.org

Sunday, 9/12. 23rd DRY RUN & FAMILY FUN RIDE. Westerville. Visit beautiful Central Ohio on your choice of four fully-supported routes: 31/55/67/104 rolling miles; additional options available on a combination of city streets and rural roadways. The 104-miler can be very challenging. Family fun ride is 10 to 12 miles, mostly on trails, with a full lunch at the turnaround. Westerville Bicycle Club. Attn: Larry Graham; PO Box 356; Westerville, OH 43086. Email: L.c.graham@juno.com

Sunday, 9/12. 31st NEOC: NORTH-EAST OHIO CENTURY. Cortland. In its 31st year, NEOC is offering a 35/62/100-mile flat to semi-hilly ride. Known as "The Cookie Century," an array of homemade baked goods grace the first snack stop on this full service tour. Amish communities are highlighted on the routes. Entry Deadline: August 31. Out-Spokin' Wheelmen. Eugenia E. Pierce; 231 Upland Ave.; Youngstown, OH 44504. (330) 746-4157. Email: capierce@ysu.edu

Friday, 9/17. NIGHT RIDES ON THE TOWPATH. Peninsula. Fun free ride for cyclists of all levels starting from the bike shop in Peninsula, Lock 29 on the Canal's Towpath Trail. Starts at 8:00 p.m. with ride from 15 to 20 miles over easy terrain. Helmet and bike lights required. Century Cycles - Derrick. 1621 Main St.; Peninsula, OH 44264. (800) 201-7433. www.centurycycles.com

Saturday, 9/18. 21st OXFORD ODYSSEY. Oxford. Ride on Saturday, run on Sunday in the second annual State to State Half-Marathon. Make it a weekend of fun! The ride is 35/65/100 flat to hilly miles. Oxford Cycling Club. Attn: Marty Creech; PO Box 774; Oxford, OH 45056. (513) 523-4880. www.oxfordbikecenter.com

Saturday, 9/18. 14th TOUR OF THE HOCKING HILLS. Circleville. All options on this Columbus Fall Challenge tune-up are hilly: 55 to 100 miles of hilly budget tour! Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Jon Schaer: (614) 477-2200. Email: jschaer@columbus.rr.com

Saturday, 9/18. TOUCHSTONE ENERGY/METRO PARK BIKE TOUR. Lagrange. A ride of 25/32/62 flat to hilly miles visiting various Lorain County Metro Park locations. Rest stops and sag service provided. Rider Limit: 300. Entry Deadline: August 27. Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. Attn: Karen Farago; PO Box 158; Wellington, OH 44090-0158. (440) 647-2133. Email: kfarago@fesco-oh.org

Saturday & Sunday, 9/18 & 9/19. 4th COVERED BRIDGES TANDEM WEEKEND. Austinburg. About 50 miles a day over rolling terrain visiting authentic covered bridges in rural Northeastern Ohio. Rider Limit: 30 Teams. Doug Crush; 3840 Smith Stewart Rd.; Niles, OH 44446. (330) 539-1108. http://thetandemlink.com (events)

Sunday, 9/19. 20th HERITAGE FESTIVAL BICYCLE TOUR. Tiffin. A full service loop tour of the scenic Sandusky River and surrounding farm lands. Riders choose any combination of routes on this "wagon wheel" route arrangement for rides of 15/25/50/65 flat to rolling miles (challenging hills on the long route). Visit Heritage Village after the ride. Seneca Sprockets Bicycle Club. PO Box 96; Tiffin, OH 44883. www.senecacounty.com/sprockets

Sunday, 9/19. 32nd IRISH HILLS BICYCLE TOUR. Sylvania. This ride of 10/31/65/100 flat to hilly miles travels the paved roads of Northwest Ohio and Southeastern Michigan. Shorter loops mostly flat, longer rides enter rolling hills, passing lakes and horse farms. Riders of all abilities welcome. Hosteling International - Toledo Area. Tour Director; PO Box 352736; Toledo, OH 43635. (419) 882-1006. www.freewheel.com/hiayh/activity.html

Sunday, 9/19. 3rd SPIN SISTERS NORTHCOAST WOMEN’S GROUP RIDE. Northeastern Ohio. Formerly the Women's Monthly Cycle Group, this event offers 15- and 30-mile flat to rolling ride options with a lunch stop during or after the ride. Spin Sisters. Arline at B&K Bicycle Co. (216) 382-9966. Email: arline@bandkbike.com

Saturday, 9/25. 14th KCBC: KNOX COUNTY BICYCLE CHALLENGE. Gambier. A full service tour traveling the beautiful hills of Knox County. Slow down for buggies! Lower-cost, short route has bike path option with ice cream stop. Longer loops will tune you up for the CFC. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Gary Schmidt: (614) 431-6401. Email: gtschmidt@wideopenwest.com

Sunday, 9/26. 13th NORTON KIWANIS BIKE RIDE. Norton. A full service fund raiser for the Kiwanis Club, the ride covers 10/25/62 flat to hilly miles in Summit and surrounding counties. Tee shirts to the first 125 riders. Norton Kiwanis Club. Mike Barkey; 3080 Loyal Oak Dr.; Norton, OH 44203. (330) 825-8624.

Sunday, 9/26. TIPP CITY MUM FESTIVAL BIKE TOUR. Tipp City. Tour 31/45/62 flat to rolling miles over the lightly traveled rural roads of the Northern Miami Valley. A full service tour. Walter Burton; 637 Primrose Ln.; Tipp City, OH 45371. (937) 667-8951. Email: wlburton@att.net

October
Saturday, 10/2. MIDDFEST INTERNATIONAL BIKE TOUR. Middletown. A full service tour of 32/62.5/100 flat to rolling miles over some of the most scenic country roads in the area. Helmet Required. Middfest International. Larry Lawarre; 806 Aeronca St.; Middletown, OH 45042. (513) 424-1369. Email: llawarre@cinci.rr.com

Saturday-Sunday, 10/2-10/3. 29th CFC: COLUMBUS FALL CHALLENGE. Lancaster. Work your way from Lancaster to Marietta and return the next day on one of Ohio's most challenging recreational rides. Two days of climbing through the most scenic part of the state: 110 tough miles each day. Rider Limit: 500. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Eve Holland: (614) 326-0435. Email: bike2live@ameritech.net

Saturday, 10/9. 19th FALL HOOT: HEART OF OHIO TOUR. Lancaster. A shorter and easier version of the spring HOOT with more great scenery. A budget tour covering 35/68 rolling miles. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Email: bicycling@outdoor-pursuits.org

Sunday, 10/10. 26th FALL N LEAF. Mansfield. Tour through wonderful scenic Pleasant Valley and Richland County on back roads and the Richland B&O rail-trail. Full service ride over 32/62 rolling to very hilly miles. "New-Bike Swap" this year. Free photos to participants. Mid Ohio Bikers. Dave Baumlein; 2210 Camden Ct.; Mansfield, OH 44904-1670. (419) 756-5706. www.midohiobikers.org

Saturday, 10/16. NIGHT RIDES ON THE TOWPATH. Peninsula. Fun free ride for cyclists of all levels starting from the bike shop in Peninsula, Lock 29 on the Canal's Towpath Trail. Starts at 8:00 p.m. with ride from 15 to 20 miles over easy terrain. Helmet and bike lights required. Century Cycles - Derrick. 1621 Main St.; Peninsula, OH 44264. (800) 201-7433. www.centurycycles.com

Saturday, 10/16. BICYCLE POKER RUN. Massillon. A ride of 18 flat miles on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is only half the fun. Cyclists will also stop at five checkpoints along the way picking up a playing card at each stop. At the finish, they play against other riders. Prizes are awarded to the top hands. Proceeds benefit local trail projects. Ernie's Bicycle Shop. Ernie Lehman; 135 Lake Ave. NW; Massillon, OH 44647. (330) 832-5111. Email: ernie@erniesbikeshop.com

Sunday, 10/17. 3rd FAMILY HAUNTED BIKE TOUR. Whitehouse. Very short routes of 3 and 5 flat miles make this a good choice for those with children 12 and younger. Rider Limit: 80. Ride a "haunted" bike trail in Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. Dress in a bike-safe costume. Enjoy spooky folklore and stories. Face painting. Chili, PB&J, snacks, drinks at finish. Hosteling International - Toledo Area. Tour Director; PO Box 352736; Toledo, OH 43635-2736. (419) 841-4510. www.freewheel.com/hiayh/activity.html

Sunday, 10/17. 27th TOMBSTONE BICYCLE TOUR. Toledo. Celebrate the Halloween season by riding 38 flat miles, mostly over back country roads, visiting local graveyards and tombstones. Maybe win a prize for your bike-safe costume! Chili lunch (veggie option) and visit to an orchard for cider and cookie snack along the route. Hosteling International - Toledo Area. Tour Director; PO Box 352736; Toledo, OH 43635-2736. (419) 841-4510. www.freewheel.com/hiayh/activity.html

Sunday, 10/17. 3rd SPIN SISTERS NORTHCOAST WOMEN'S GROUP RIDE. Northeastern Ohio. Formerly the Women's Monthly Cycle Group, this event offers 15- and 30-mile flat to rolling ride options with a lunch stop during or after the ride. Spin Sisters. Arline at B&K Bicycle Co. (216) 382-9966. Email: arline@bandkbike.com

Sunday, 10/24. 4th FLATLANDERS PIG RIDE. Lindsey. Free ride and pot-luck dinner! The mapped 17/35- mile, flat route resembles the outline of a pig. Mid-afternoon start; ham and bacon soup at finish. Bring food to share. Flatlanders Bike Club. Attn: Ed Chimahusky; PO Box 134; Fremont, OH 43420. (419) 332-5203. Email: flatlandersbikeclub@yahoo.com

Saturday, 10/30. GHOST RIDE! Cleveland. A 10-mile night ride visiting scary places in Cleveland's Flats district. Costume party, live music, food, fun follow. Ohio City Bicycle Co-op. Attn: Jim Sheehan; 1823 Columbus Rd.; Cleveland, OH 44113. (216) 830-2667. www.OhioCityCycles.org

Saturday, 10/30. GREAT GHOST RIDER RAMBLE. St. Leon, Ind. Ride 35/50/62/75/100 rolling to very hilly miles –also a 25-mile family fun ride– complete with ride leaders. A major Halloween party ride complete with entertainment. Ride in bicycle safe costume and compete for a prize. Pasta buffet to preregistered. Rider Limit: 500. Cincinnati Cycle Club. Attn: John Chester; PO Box 8371; Cincinnati, OH 45208. (513) 791-7190. www.cincinnaticycleclub.org

Saturday, 10/30. 28th FFF(ffff): FRIENDSVILLE FREEBIE FIFTY (FALL FOLIAGE & FROSTBITE FROLIC). Medina. Ride 28/50 flat to rolling miles and enjoy the hospitality of "Count Draculou" at a free cider stop. A 10 a.m. free ride. Medina County Bicycle Club. Richard DeLombard; 805 Seneca Ave.; Huron, OH 44839. (419) 433-8353. www.lrbcg.com/pogo/bike.html#FFF

November
Sunday, 11/7. 30th RED FLANNEL METRIC CENTURY. Oberlin. Come celebrate the 30th annual premier end of the touring season event. This famous ride has a rich 30-year history of providing hot homemade soup and apple cider, not to mention the great homemade cookies. The 64-mile route visits charming Milan, birthplace of Thomas A. Edison. The 32-mile route tours scenic areas of rural Lorain County. Rolling terrain. Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club. PO Box 102; Amherst, OH 44001-0102. www.eriecoast.com/~lorainwheelmen

Sunday, 11/14. 3rd SPIN SISTERS NORTHCOAST WOMEN'S GROUP RIDE. Northeastern Ohio. Formerly the Women's Monthly Cycle Group, this event offers 15- and 30-mile flat to rolling ride options with a lunch stop during or after the ride. Spin Sisters. Arline at B&K Bicycle Co. (216) 382-9966. Email: arline@bandkbike.com

New Year's Day 2005
3rd Annual Cycles Gaansari Polar Bear Ride - Brave the cold and welcome the New Year with friends. Cycles Gaansari, 1106 Brown St., Dayton, OH. 937-222-8862; www.gaansari.com; gboulanger@gaansari.com. 

Saturday, 1/01/2005. 29th THE BEAN RIDE. Perrysburg. Celebrate New Year's Day with the first bike ride of the new year. With fellow cyclists, enjoy a bowl of bean soup for good luck! Miss that first football bowl game and get out and ride 13/17/20 flat miles. Hosteling International - Toledo Area. Ride Leader; PO Box 352736; Toledo, OH 43635-2736. (419) 841-4510. www.freewheel.com/hiayh/activity.html

Saturday, 1/01/2005. 29th ABCDEFGHIJ! Medina. Ride 12/24 or only three flat to rolling miles -- it depends upon the weather and your gumption! Completion certificate proves how crazy... er, courageous you were on this free New Year's Day event. Come ride with the flakes. Medina County Bicycle Club & Alphabet Soup Assn. Richard DeLombard; 805 Seneca Ave.; Huron, OH 44839. (419) 433-8353. www.lrbcg.com/pogo/bike.html#ABC

RACES
Races are competitive events of various sorts. Multi-sport and BMX events are not listed in this Calendar. Sanctioned races are governed by the rules of the sanctioning body, such as the United States Cycling Federation (USCF), American Bicycle Racing (ABR), or National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA). Those who wish to compete within categories in sanctioned races must have racing licenses issued by the appropriate governing body. Citizen races are usually open to all comers (within age restrictions) and are a good way to give racing a try. Always secure more information from promoters in advance of an event — details are subject to change or correction! Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with requests for information or risk receiving to reply. Remember: spectators and (often) race volunteers are welcome.

March
Saturday, 3/20. TORELLI SPRING CLASSICS. Tour of Granville Township. Granville. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Saturday, 3/27. TORELLI SPRING CLASSICS. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course RR. Lexington. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

April
Saturday, 4/3. TORELLI SPRING CLASSICS. 11th Sugar Grove Classic. Sugar Grove. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Sunday, 4/4. 6th MOHICAN WILDERNESS XC. Loudonville. First XC race of the season! For Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. Mohican/Malabar Bike Club. www.mohican.net

Saturday, 4/10. TORELLI SPRING CLASSICS. 10th Tour of Richland County. Malabar Farm State Park. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Saturday, 4/17. 17th RACES AT THE LAKES. Munroe Falls. Four-week criterium series on closed park road course. USCF Citizen to Cat. 2. Summit Freewheelers. Ted Ingraham; 1191 W. Sunsetview Dr.; Akron, OH 44313. (330) 869-9658. www.summitfreewheelers.org

Saturday, 4/17. TORELLI SPRING CLASSICS. 9th Tour of Hocking Hills. Cantwell's Cliff State Park. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Sunday, 4/18. OHIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Hopedale. NORBA sanctioned racing: 5/10/15 very hilly miles for Beginner, Sport, Expert mountain bikers. Series includes XC, downhill with rock gardens, large jumps, and slalom. Many award categories; electronic timing. Mount 'N' Bike Off-Road Club. Calvin E. Mickey; 88233 Mickey Rd.; Hopedale, OH 43976. (740) 946-5631. Email: mickeys@eohio.net

Saturday, 4/24. 2nd MOHICAN WILDERNESS FUN RIDE & TRAIL DAY. Loudonville. OMBC. Mohican/Malabar Bike Club. www.mohican.net

Saturday, 4/24. TORELLI SPRING CLASSICS. Tour of Licking County. Corton. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Saturday, 4/24. 17th RACES AT THE LAKES. Munroe Falls. Four-week criterium series on closed park road course. USCF Citizen to Cat. 2. Summit Freewheelers. Ted Ingraham; 1191 W. Sunsetview Dr.; Akron, OH 44313. (330) 869-9658. www.summitfreewheelers.org

May
Saturday, 5/1. 13th CALVIN'S 12-HOUR CHALLENGE. Springfield. How far can you ride in 12 hours? The route has a 50- and 7-mile loop that are flat to rolling on lightly-traveled roads. Five-year age classes from 10 to 100 years old as well as tandem, HPV, handcyclist, recumbent, and highwheeler classes. A non-racer option serves new riders who want to test themselves. A good chance to see Race Across AMerica (RAAM) riders. UMCA-sanctioned. Dayton Cycling Club. John & Ann McKinley; 608 NE 101st Street; Kansas City, MO 64155. (816) 734-3833. Email: CalvinsChallenge@aol.com

Saturday, 5/1. 17th RACES AT THE LAKES. Munroe Falls. Four-week criterium series on closed park road course. USCF Citizen to Cat. 2. Summit Freewheelers. Ted Ingraham; 1191 W. Sunsetview Dr.; Akron, OH 44313. (330) 869-9658. www.summitfreewheelers.org

Sunday, 5/2. TORELLI SPRING CLASSICS. 11th Wilkesville - Wilkesville Classic. Wilkesville. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Saturday, 5/8. 17th RACES AT THE LAKES. Munroe Falls. Four-week criterium series on closed park road course. USCF Citizen to Cat. 2. Summit Freewheelers. Ted Ingraham; 1191 W. Sunsetview Dr.; Akron, OH 44313. (330) 869-9658. www.summitfreewheelers.org

Saturday, 5/15. ROCKY MOUNTAIN CLASSIC. Nelsonville. Big time mountain bike racing returns to Nelsonville as part of the Hocking Outback Trail Adventure Weekend. Four-mile course runs through Hocking College and Wayne National Forest over challenging single- and multi-track. Also a visit to the infamous Hocking Mud Bogs. NORBA-sanctioned. HFP Racing. Attn: Scott Erdman; PO Box 27; Painesville, OH 44077. (440) 350-1708. www.hfpracing.com/races/rocky/index.htm

Saturday & Sunday, 5/15 & 5/16. OHIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Hopedale. NORBA sanctioned racing: 5/10/15 very hilly miles for Beginner, Sport, Expert mountain bikers. Series includes XC, downhill with rock gardens, large jumps, and slalom. Many award categories; electronic timing. Mount 'N' Bike Off-Road Club. Calvin E. Mickey; 88233 Mickey Rd.; Hopedale, OH 43976. (740) 946-5631. Email: mickeys@eohio.net

Saturday & Sunday, 5/22 & 5/23. 6th MOHICAN WILDERNESS. Loudonville. First race of the OMBC Downhill (DH) Series. Saturday Downhill, Sunday, XC racing for Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. Mohican/Malabar Bike Club. www.mohican.net

Sunday, 5/23. 8th CHIPPEWA CREEK ROAD RACE. Brecksville. PDQ Cleveland. Charles Howe; 7652 Inland Dr.; Olmsted Falls, OH 44138-1443. (440) 235-4458. Email: pdq_cleveland@yahoo.com

June
Saturday, 6/5. 10th TROY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL BIKE TIME TRIALS. Troy. Out and back course on rural roads. Prizes. Classes for tandems, mountain bike, age, gender. Troy Strawberry Festival. Attn: Patti Emmel; 405 SW Public Square Ste. 330; Troy, OH 45373. (937) 339-7714. Email: tsf@troyohiochamber.com

Saturday-Sunday, 6/5-6/6. 6th OHIO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Mohican Wilderness. Loudonville. Season opener with downhill races Saturday, XC racing on Sunday. Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. Mohican/Malabar Bike Club. www.ombc.net

Sunday, 6/13. 6th OHIO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Vulture's Knob. Wooster. Second race of the OMBC Point Series. XC racing for Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. www.ombc.net

Saturday & Sunday, 6/19 & 6/20. OHIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Hopedale. NORBA sanctioned racing: 5/10/15 very hilly miles for Beginner, Sport, Expert mountain bikers. Series includes XC, downhill with rock gardens, large jumps, and slalom. Many award categories; electronic timing. Mount 'N' Bike Off-Road Club. Calvin E. Mickey; 88233 Mickey Rd.; Hopedale, OH 43976. (740) 946-5631. Email: mickeys@eohio.net

Sunday, 6/20. 2nd MOHICAN MOUNTAIN BIKE 100. Loudonville. OMBC special event. XC racing (Expert, Marathon) or 100 miles, or 100 km! Entry Deadline: June 10. Mohican/Malabar Bike Club. www.mohican.net

Sunday-Sunday, 6/20-6/27. ADELPHIA TOUR OF OHIO NRC. Cities (in event order): Orrville, Wilkesville, Chillicothe, Logan, Coshocton, Granville, Columbus, Chagrin Falls. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

July
Saturday, 7/3. FIREFIGHTER FESTIVAL POINTS RACE. Orrville. A new format with discounts for team entries in this USCF-sanctioned criterium for Cat 2,3,4,5, Masters, and Women. Entry Deadline: June 26. Orrville Cycling Club. Rich Corfman; 9658 W. High St.; Orrville, OH 44667. (330) 683-4393. www.orrvillecycling.com

Saturday, 7/3. FREEDOM FESTIVAL CRITERIUM. Gahanna. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Sunday, 7/4. 29th JULY 4TH TWIN SIZZLER. Medina. A 26-mile flat to hilly time trial for all comers. Age groups, men, women. A sports festival in the city's grand old public square. YWCA of Medina County. Attn: Judy. 4046 Medina Rd.; Medina, OH 44256. (330) 722-2020.

Sunday, 7/11. OHIO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. The Wilds. Zanesville. Third race of the OMBC Point Series. XC for Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. Appalachia Outdoor Adventure Club. www.ombc.net

Saturday & Sunday, 7/17 & 7/18. OHIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Hopedale. NORBA sanctioned racing: 5/10/15 very hilly miles for Beginner, Sport, Expert mountain bikers. Series includes XC, downhill with rock gardens, large jumps, and slalom. Many award categories; electronic timing. Mount 'N' Bike Off-Road Club. Calvin E. Mickey; 88233 Mickey Rd.; Hopedale, OH 43976. (740) 946-5631. Email: mickeys@eohio.net

Sunday, 7/18. TREMONT GRAND PRIX. Cleveland. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Saturday, 7/24. SUBARU CYCLEBRATION NRC. Xenia Grand Prix, Ohio State Criterium Championships. Xenia. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Wednesday, 7/28. SUBARU CYCLEBRATION NRC. Zionsville Grand Prix. Zionsville, Ind. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Saturday, 7/31. 2nd OMBC DOWNHILL SERIES. Mohican Wilderness. Loudonville. Third race of the OMBC Downhill Series. Mohican/Malabar Bike Club. www.mohican.net

Saturday, 7/31. SUBARU CYCLEBRATION NRC. 6th New Bremen Grand Prix. New Bremen. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

August
Sunday, 8/1. OHIO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. S & S. Trails. Mt. Perry. Fourth race of the OMBC Point Series. XC for Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. www.ombc.net

Tuesday, 8/3. SUBARU CYCLEBRATION NRC. West Chester G.P. West Chester. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Thursday, 8/5. SUBARU CYCLEBRATION NRC. 11th Stacy Doyle Grand Prix. Mt. Vernon. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Friday, 8/6. SUBARU CYCLEBRATION NRC. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course G.P. Lexington. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Saturday, 8/7. SUBARU CYCLEBRATION NRC. 5th Perrysburg Grand Prix. Perrysburg. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Sunday, 8/8. SUBARU CYCLEBRATION NRC. Yellow Springs Grand Prix. Yellow Springs. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Sunday, 8/8. 2nd OHIO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Lake Hope State Park. Nelsonville. Fifth race of the OMBC Point Series. XC for Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. Athens Bike Club. www.ombc.net

Tuesday, 8/10. SUBARU CYCLEBRATION NRC. Upper Arlington Grand Prix. Upper Arlington. Team Columbus. Attn: Tym Tyler; PO Box 438; Granville, OH 43023. (614) 563-3434. www.teamcolumbus.org

Sunday, 8/15. 15th SMITH DAIRY MILK RACE. Orrville. A long-running traditional road circuit race, well marshaled with a police escort. Women’s field added this year. Entry Deadline: August 7. USCF racing for Cat. 2, 3, 4, 5, Masters, Women. Orrville Cycling Club. Rich Corfman; 9658 W. High St.; Orrville, OH 44667. (330) 682-1911. www.orrvillecycling.com

Saturday, 8/21. 2nd OMBC DOWNHILL SERIES. Mohican Wilderness. Loudonville. Fourth and final race of the OMBC DH Series. For Expert, Sport, Novice. Mohican/Malabar Bike Club. www.mohican.net

Saturday & Sunday, 8/21 & 8/22. OHIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Hopedale. NORBA sanctioned racing: 5/10/15 very hilly miles for Beginner, Sport, Expert mountain bikers. Series includes XC, downhill with rock gardens, large jumps, and slalom. Many award categories; electronic timing. Mount 'N' Bike Off-Road Club. Calvin E. Mickey; 88233 Mickey Rd.; Hopedale, OH 43976. (740) 946-5631. Email: mickeys@eohio.net

Sunday, 8/22. 6th OHIO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Vulture's Knob. Wooster. Sixth rade of the OMBC Series. XC for Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. www.ombc.net

Saturday & Sunday, 8/28 & 8/29. 3rd BIG VALLEY RACE AT CAMP MANATOC. Peninsula. "Ohio's largest mountain bike weekend" with open riding course preview on Saturday, full race schedule Sunday. Categories: Expert, Sport, Beginner/Novice. Ken Frankenbery; 3426 E. Smith Rd.; Medina, OH 44256. (330) 722-3096. www.bigvalleyrace.com

September
Sunday, 9/5. 3rd OHIO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Dillon State Park. Zanesville. Seventh race of the OMBC Point Series. XC for Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. Appalachia Outdoor Adventure Club. www.ombc.net

Saturday-Sunday, 9/11-9/12. 3rd 24 HOURS OF MOHICAN. Loudonville. AMTRI Cross-country duration racing for teams of two, four, or five, or go it solo! Mohican/Malabar Bike Club. www.mohican.net

Saturday & Sunday, 9/11 & 9/12. OHIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Hopedale. NORBA sanctioned racing: 5/10/15 very hilly miles for Beginner, Sport, Expert mountain bikers. Series includes XC, downhill with rock gardens, large jumps, and slalom. Many award categories; electronic timing. Mount 'N' Bike Off-Road Club. Calvin E. Mickey; 88233 Mickey Rd.; Hopedale, OH 43976. (740) 946-5631. Email: mickeys@eohio.net

Saturday-Sunday, 9/25-9/26. 3rd OHIO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Son of Gonzo at Snowtrails. Mansfield. The eighth race of the OMBC series will include a new "King of the Mountain" challenge. Riders compete in multiple events to determine who rules in 2004. Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. Mohican/Malabar Bike Club. www.ombc.net

October
Sunday, 10/3. OHIO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. West Branch State Park. Ravenna. Ninth race of the OMBC Point Series. XC for Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. www.ombc.net

Sunday, 10/10. OHIO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Alum Creek State Park. Columbus. Tenth race of the OMBC Series. XC for Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. COMBO. www.ombc.net

Saturday & Sunday, 10/16 & 10/17. OHIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Hopedale. NORBA sanctioned racing: 5/10/15 very hilly miles for Beginner, Sport, Expert mountain bikers. Series includes XC, downhill with rock gardens, large jumps, and slalom. Many award categories; electronic timing. Mount 'N' Bike Off-Road Club. Calvin E. Mickey; 88233 Mickey Rd.; Hopedale, OH 43976. (740) 946-5631. Email: mickeys@eohio.net

Sunday, 10/24. 6th OHIO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Clearfork Ski Resort. Butler. Eleventh and final race of the OMBC Point Series. XC for Expert, Vet. Open, Sport, Novice. Mohican/Malabar Bike Club. www.ombc.net