FROM BLUFFTON ICON - The Bluffton Lions Foundation will host the Fifth Annual Ride to Remember on Saturday, July 20. Several routes will be offered, ranging in distance from the 2-mile Town Loop to the 112-mile Triplett Challenge.  Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Bluffton Pathways Project.

“Last year, we drew more than 200 riders,” said Dick Ramseyer, chair of the event.  “We hope to add even more riders this year and are offering a lot of perks to attract them.” 

Riders can expect a swag bag filled with items and coupons from local businesses, an $8 lunch coupon, free swimming and showers, a “parts swap” and entertainment. 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 four previous rides, the Bluffton Pedestrian and Bike Pathway has 4 of 10 planned miles built.  The pathway has improved access to the Riverbend and Parkview subdivisions, Maple Crest Senior Living Village, Buckeye Lake and Village Parks and restaurants and businesses on State Route 103.  In all, Bluffton has more than 9 miles of paved, crushed aggregate, mulched and natural trails.

The 2019 Ride to Remember is made possible through financial and service support from local businesses, individuals and organizations. 

This year’s major sponsors are: Ada/Bluffton Icon, Gregory Averesch Ameriprise (Bluffton and Findlay), Bike Crazy, LLC, Bluffton Family Recreation, The Bluffton News, Bluffton University, Community Markets, Mercy Health, Hancock County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, PromoHits, and SumiRiko. 

Contributing sponsors are the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, The Dough Hook, Luke’s and Bluffton Public Library.

Online registration is available at ridetoremember.net. A commemorative T-shirt will be offered for purchase during registration.  For more information, contact Ramseyer at [email protected] or Raymond and Liz at Bike Crazy, LLC, 419-659-2916.