Bluffton's title of Bike Capital of Northwest Ohio becomes a reality this summer.

Bicycle enthusiasts may register for the inaugural Ride to Remember bicycle ride scheduled Saturday, July 11, in Bluffton. 

The event offers short bike routes for families interested in biking together all the way to a 100-mile route for experienced riders starting and ending at Bluffton Family Recreation, 215 Snider Road, Bluffton.

Richard Ramseyer, president of the Bluffton Lions Foundation, sponsor of the ride, said, “This serves as a springboard to a make Bluffton a bicycle destination and bike center for enthusiasts of the sport.”

The idea for the run came from the families of Ropp and Mary Emma Triplett, who wanted to create an annual event in Bluffton. Bill Triplett is the main planner of the ride, while Greg, Roger, Larry and Nancy play serious supporting roles.

A local group including Richard Ramseyer, Raymond and Liz Harner, Joe Duling, Mitch Kingsley, Everett Collier and Fred Steiner are assisting.

Lot's of biking options
Ride to Remember offers a 10-mile loop, a 64-mile loop with cutoffs for 13, 17, 24, 50 and 57 miles and a 100-mile course.

The 10-mile fun loop offers riddles to solve for families participating. There is also a two-mile walk, run, bike loop through Bluffton.

The ride is a fund-raiser for the Bluffton Bike and Pedestrian Pathway Committee. The organization has constructed one Bluffton bike path and is working on additional paths, to eventually encircle the northwestern Ohio village.

Bluffton Family Recreation, CG Pro Bikes and the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce assist the Bluffton Lions Foundation in putting on the event.

Costs for the ride are $20 for individuals ($25 after June 30). Family members ride for $20 for the first member, $15 for the second and $5 for each additional member (add $5 to each after June 30).

Registrations may be mailed to Bluffton Family Recreation, 215 Snider Road, Bluffton, OH 45817. Checks are payable to Bluffton Family Recreation. Persons may also register on-line at www.bfronline.com.

Registration includes a lightweight bag for the first 200 registered riders, snacks at rest stop and finish, roaming repair van and rider pick-up service, pass to Bluffton Community Swimming Pool, shower at BFR and coupon for up to $8 off at Bluffton restaurants.

Sign-in and registration opens at 6 p.m. Routes open at 6:30 a.m. An optional mass start is at 8 a.m. Routes close at 4 p.m.

For additional information, including maps showing the routes, go to www.RideToRemember.net.