The Heart of Ohio Tailwinds Bicycle Club will host the 31st annual Hot Tamale Bicycle Tour at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 6. The ride begins in the Waldo Community Park in Waldo. Registration starts at 7 a.m. Helmets are mandatory.
The Hot Tamale is a beautiful, flat ride along scenic farm roads. Expert riders can choose a 62 mile loop, which meanders along quiet country roads with snack stops at the Pleasant Township Park, Green Camp, and at the Tallgrass Trail.
Some riders will choose to enjoy the 32 mile route, while families and casual riders may prefer the 8 or 16 mile options.
According to club president Janine Williams, an adult in decent shape should be able to do the 16 mile ride. Some young children can ride 16 miles, while 8 miles may be more realistic for others. The 32 mile ride is a good distance for those who have done some training rides, while the 64 mile route is perfect for experienced cyclists.
Cyclists may register the morning of the ride, with registration opening at 7 am. The ride costs $20 for ages 11 and older, and children aged 10 and under ride free. There is a family maximum of $45. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Heart of Ohio Tailwinds Bicycle Club is a strong supporter of the Marion Tallgrass Trail, and will donate $1 to the trail for each registered rider. Funds raised for the trail will be matched by Modern Woodmen of America and by the Marion Community Foundation, and will be used as local matching funds for grants to build the trail.
“Hot Tamale riders over the years have helped to raise funds for the Tallgrass Trail,” said Marion County Park Board member Dan Sheridan, “and now the 62 mile riders will get to ride down the trail that they helped to build.”
A limited supply of custom ride t-shirts may be purchased on the day of the ride while supplies last. The first 500 riders receive a colorful patch. The ride will take place rain or shine.
At the food stops, riders will enjoy a variety of delicious food, including homemade cookies, fresh strawberries, and bananas. Riders on the eight mile route will not visit a snack stop, but can enjoy a snack at the finish.
Riders will be provided with a route map, and the route will also be marked with arrows. Safety vehicles will cruise the route to help riders with mechanical difficulties, and ham radio operators will also help to make the event successful.
For more information, see the ride web site at hot-tamale.org.
The Heart of Ohio Tailwinds Bicycle Club is based in Marion, Ohio. The club sponsors a Saturday breakfast ride, which leaves McKinley Park in Marion at 8 am on Saturday mornings during warm weather. (There is no Saturday breakfast ride this Saturday, because club members will be busy hosting the Hot Tamale Tour.)
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