On October 15, 2022, theOntario County Historical Society (OCHS) is hosting a bike ride that will also highlight bicycle related artifacts to raise money and get people talking about history! OCHS is collaborating with Other Half Brewing Company and FLX BBQ to make this a fun and memorable experience inspired by our county’s history. Three routes, which are named after bicycles in the OCHS collections, have been designed by Tom’s Pro Bike (Victor, NY) to draw cycling enthusiasts and families alike. The shortest route is named after a 1930s bicycle – The Hawthorne – and is 8 miles. The mid-length route is named after an 1890s bicycle – The Columbia – and is 30 miles. The longest route is named after a bicycle from the 1860s – The Velocipede – and is 50 miles.
Cody Grabhorn, executive director at OCHS said, “We are excited about this event because it ties directly to our mission by exhibiting artifacts and encouraging dialogue about our history throughout the county. This event also helps us to expand our outreach and connect with our communities in Bloomfield, Richmond, Honeoye, Canadice, and Bristol. As the Ontario County Historical Society, we want to make our educational opportunities inclusive of all our communities and focus on the larger picture of our shared histories.”
The event will start at Other Half Brewing Company in Bloomfield, NY, and each route will guide participants on a ride through the western part of Ontario County during peak color season. The Velocipede route will take cyclists around Honeoye Lake, which with provide an array of beautiful sites and colors. Restrooms will be available at a few rest stops along the routes as well as on site at the Other Half Brewing Company. After participants finish their ride, they will be able to enjoy a variety of drinks at Other Half Brewing Company and a tasty meal provided by FLX BBQ.
For registered participants, the day will start at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., or 11:30 a.m. based on the chosen route. The Velocipede, being the longest, will start at 9 a.m., the Columbia will begin at 10 a.m., and the Hawthorne will begin at 11:30 a.m. Parking will be available in the nursery parking lot just to the east of Other Half Brewing Company. Each participant will receive a registration bag with ride-related items such as their drink token, meal ticket, and other goodies. Cyclists who register for the Columbia and Velocipede routes before September 14 will also receive a special Gears and Beers t-shirt in their registration bag.
Registration for this event is all online.
