Photos courtesy of Jason Diehl
Everyone knows that the biggest cycling event in central Ohio starts in Columbus each year and wends its way to Gambier – and, for the most daring, cyclists, back the next day.
But participants and Pickerington residents alike know that the Violet City is a key stop along the route for Pelotonia, the massive three-day cycling event that raises millions of dollars each year for The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
Pelotonia 2016 is slated for Aug. 5-7.
For the last few years, the bike route has included a stop at Pickerington High School North, where riders can recuperate and re-energize before continuing on their way. Pickerington also marks the end of the 25-mile route, the shortest distance for which participants can sign up.
Because this stop is so crucial, the city of Pickerington has made it a bit of a tradition to greet the riders in Olde Pickerington Village.
Since the Pickerington stop was added, members of the community and local businesses have gathered downtown to cheer the riders on. Last year, David Beckham of David Beckham Photography set up a free pancake breakfast during the celebration, and the Ritzy Rose made flags for members of the community to wave while the riders passed.
“That last leg of the race is a pivotal point for these riders,” says Jason Diehl, co-owner of the Ritzy Rose and president of the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association. “Most of them are pretty exhausted, since it’s nearing the end of the race, so it’s nice for them to have the whole community come out and cheer them on.”
Pickerington residents aren’t just observers when it comes to Pelotonia. The community also sends its share of participants to the race. The city even has its own team.
Local rider Randy Holloway says Pickerington’s small-town spirit is a good complement to an organization as welcoming as the one that organizes Pelotonia. This year will be Holloway’s second Pelotonia ride.
“I don’t imagine there is a person left in the world who hasn’t had their life touched by cancer, either as a patient or vicariously through friends and family,” says Holloway. “That creates a powerful and widespread desire to do all we can to combat the disease. Pelotonia is a fantastic organization and Pickerington is fortunate to have the ride come through our town.”
Leah Kunnath is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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