Over 1,000 cyclists and the longest running bicycle tour in the nation will arrive in Canal Winchester on Saturday, May 19th. Organizers of the 57th annual bicycling tour known as TOSRV (Tour of the Scioto River Valley) have chosen Canal Winchester as the launch and return site for their 2018 riding tour. The two-day, 105-mile ride will begin and end at Canal Winchester’s historic “Queen of the Line” train depot, situated in downtown Canal Winchester. Riders will begin their journey Saturday morning, May 19th and are expected to return in the afternoon on May 20th. Riders will pick up registration packets on Friday, May 18th at the Historical Depot located at 10 West Oak St. and from there head into town for dinner, and to enjoy live entertainment at the city's Music & Art in the Park event at Stradley Park. Brewdog's Dogtap, located at 96 Gender Rd., will serve as the finish line this year, offering riders a selection of their craft beer and American pub food.
The tour began in 1962 and has become the nation’s longest-running bicycle tour. The City of Canal Winchester was selected as this year’s launch and return site following a review of several possible central Ohio locations, and will continue to serve as the tour’s official site beyond 2018. Ride organizers have worked with representatives from several local organizations, including the Canal Winchester Area Historical Society, Destination: Canal Winchester, and the City of Canal Winchester to coordinate launch and return details. TOSRV Director Lisa Daris of Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, the non-profit organization that manages the event, expects approximately 1,500 riders to participate this year and anticipates additional growth in the years to come.
For complete tour details, including route, registration and lodging information, visit www.tosrv.org. Founded in 1937, Columbus Outdoor Pursuits is a 501c(3) non-profit organization offering a full range of non-competitive outdoor activities.