By Paula Pyzik Scott

Is Travis Music hearing things? On a recent Ride to Remember Facebook video, he imagined frogs peeping on a rural road agreed, it’s time to “register, register!” for the July 12 Bluffton Lions pathway fundraiser. 

Music reflects the fun to be had on the 11th annual Ride to Remember, an event for bike riders of all ages and levels. This year the ride offers updated routes with options from 11 to 135 miles. Registration is now open at www.RidetoRemember.net/  Fees increase on July 1.

Riders start at Main and Snider Rd. (Bluffton Community, formerly The Centre), where they receive maps, swag bags with gifts from local businesses and organizations, and set off with other riders. Along the way, there are riddles, a section of the Lions pathway, and rest stops.

Riders on the Main Loop will cruise through Rockport, Pandora (rest stop), Ottawa, Gilboa (rest stop), Benton Ridge, Rawson (rest stop) and Mt Cory. The Century Loop gives you a 100-mile ride with a rest stop in McComb.

New this year, a commemorative Ride to Remember jersey designed by Bike Rags is available to order until May 4. A commemorative t-shirt is available to order, with limited numbers available the day of the event.

If you can’t participate in person, there is also an opportunity to support Bluffton pathways by riding at any location and on your own time.

Music comments that he is “Super excited to be going into 11th year and continuing to grow.” He is now also a member of the Pathway Board, which meets monthly to plan and raise funds for Bluffton’s pathways and bike lanes. He says, “It provides a lot more insight into the pathway and what it takes before we can start the process. A lot of decisions and discussions happen before we can put the shovel in the ground.” 

He commends the Lions pathways for “Making riding more visible. Maybe someone who sees riders will be more willing to try the sport. And it encourages riding as transportation and not just recreation.”

Since the 2024 Ride to Remember, pathway segments were dedicated on SR 103 and County Line Rd., one of the busiest and fastest sections of road in the Village of Bluffton. The pathway board is currently exploring designs and funding options for segments  over I-75 on County Line Rd. and along Riley St.

The Pathway Board will also be recognizing May 7 as National Bike to School Day, rewarding kids and adults who ride their bikes to school.