Describe the ride.
You begin by parking your car or getting dropped off at the ALCOA parking lot on Harvard Avenue, where your car (if left) will be secure (7am - 8am). You place any luggage/tents/etc into U-Haul for delivery in Bolivar - you receive maps with routes (although you will ride Towpath Trail, you do have options to take to the street by following the designated America's Byway); phone sheet with staff phone numbers. By 8am, you are riding the route, stopping at designated snack and lunch stops. You ride into Bolivar and make a decision if you want to extend your ride to Zoar (about a 6 mile round trip). With the ride completed, you check into the Bolivar Middle School to set up your night - getting tents, etc from U-Haul, dinner ticket, etc. Once you have things in order, you hop aboard a shuttle bus which transports you the nearby Bolivar High School for showers. The bus returns you to the Middle School. When ready, you join the Bolivar Summer Spectacular street party with car cruise, band, beer garden, and chicken dinner. You return to the Middle School to sleep. Sunday morning, breakfast is served between 7am - 8am. You load your gear into the U-Haul for the return trip - beginning the ride by 8am. Just like Saturday, you ride the same route back, stopping at designated snack and lunch stops. Your destination is the ALCOA parking lot where you retrieve your luggage and gear- Mission Accomplished!
What is the fundraising requirement?
Individuals riding both days are responsible to raise a minimum of $350. If you choose to ride one day, the fundraising minimum is $250
How do you raise funds?
Most people reach out to friends, fellow workers, and family. Our registration company Race Roster offers online fundraising tools.
I am an individual who is interested in joining the Towpath 150 ride. How does it work?
All individuals begin by registering - beginning with a $100 initiation fee. Once registered, you can direct friends, work colleagues and others to the web site to pledge financial support for the ride - under your name.
Do you have to ride 150 miles?
No. If you want to ride a distance other than 150 miles, you can. However, you must inform us of your intention and plans - in other words - how far you will be riding. In addition, we do not provide a shuttle service, so you would have to make the necessary arrangements.
If I chose to ride one day / 75 miles, what is my fundraising goal?
If you want to ride one-way / 75 miles, you would raise $250. In addition, you would be responsible for any shuttle service.
I want to ride the Towpath 150 with a friend. How can a 2-person team work?
Again, all riders must sign up as an individual - beginning with a $100 initiation fee. Each raises funds to meet goal of $450. Insofar as the ride, itself, you have options. (1) You can split the distances each day- switching at our lunch location. The first rider puts his/her bike on 2nd rider's car/van and meets in Bolivar. They then split distances on day 2, again switching at lunch. OR (2) You can split the days: one rider does day 1 Cleveland to Bolivar; a second rider does day 2: Bolivar to Zoar. With a 2-person team, you add $60 to cover souvenir shirt and dinner. We can help you think it through - call us.
Can you have a 4-person team?
Yes. Again as with 2-person teams, you have options. With a 4-person team, you add $120 to cover souvenir shirt and dinner. We can help you think it through - call us.
Is there a limit to riders in 2016?
Yes. As a first time event, we are limiting the overnight riders to 50 riders.
Where are the snack stops and lunch spot for Saturday and Sunday?
Saturday: snack stop at Mustill Store (mile 32); lunch at Canal Fulton (mile 53); snack at Craig
Pitman Park (mile 70)
Sunday: breakfast in Bolivar; snack stop at Canal Fulton (mile 25); lunch at Mustill Store
(mile 46); snack at Red Lock in CVNP (mile 63)
Where do we sleep overnight?
There are 2 basic options: Inside the Bolivar Middle School - in the gym OR if you have tent, we will transport it and there is a large lawn for a set up.
What is happening in Bolivar on Saturday evening?
Bolivar is hosting its second annual
Summer Spectacular in downtown Bolivar - a short walk from the Bolivar School. The party includes a Car Cruise/ Band = Faith & Whiskey/ Beer Garden/ Chicken Dinner/ outdoor movie. Riders fee includes meal; we are underwriting the band.
Can you transport a tent and sleeping bag - to Bolivar and back to Cleveland?
Yes.
Is the ride really 150 miles?
Not exactly, but close.
Is there a breakfast on Sunday - before you begin riding?
Yes. The ride includes a breakfast served between 7am - 8am.
