2008 Best Wurst Bike Ride

Wow, it's been 30 years since our first Best 'Wurst' Bike Ride and we are celebrating! Thanks to everyone who has helped with and rode on the rides over the years. We are thrilled to still be putting on a fun, family ride that allows people of ages - and from many places - to see our wonderful Crawford County.

This year our registration station will be located at the new Antique Farm Machinery Museum at the Crawford County Fairgrounds. (just a little south of where we usually are) Registration and check-in will be open from 7 to 8 a.m., rain or shine. Check-in will close at 3 p.m.

Back by popular demand - the second annual 12-mile family ride, where children under 9 years ride free. What a great way for young families to do something refreshing. It's also great for any age rider who may want to keep it simple. On this ride, you'll travel some flat country roads and hopefully see some of our wildlife. You may get lucky and see a big blue heron in one of the ponds, or deer grazing in the wooded areas along the road. As you head back, you'll get an awesome feeling pedaling under the U.S. 30 overpass bridge. Some say it's a feeling of smallness. Others say it's how big those overpasses are when you're on a bicycle!

Barney's Mini-Sag Water Wagon will be assisting our family ride. A lovely little duo scooting along on their 'put-put' motor…Barney and Nancy Edgington. Rounding out the ride will be a nice table of yummy snacks and treats supplied by our generous sponsors.

Our 32- and 62-mile rides get similar amenities, but through different routing.

The 32-mile ride will head east from the fairgrounds to the Lowe-Volk Nature Center for the food/rest stop. Next riders will peddle into Crestline, Ohio, seeing some of Crestline's railroad history and getting a good workout on the rolling hills. From Crestline, it's back to Lowe-Volk Center before returning to the registration area at the Crawford County Fairgrounds.

Cyclists choosing to take the 62-mile trek will be returning to the ride's roots by traveling north from the fairgrounds to New Washington, Ohio. Stop at the delightful downtown gazebo for a quick energy boost and maybe check out the interesting library/museum close by.

New Washington is equally full of interesting historic information. For example, did you ever want an answer to the question "What came first, the chicken or the egg"? Try asking a person from New Washington and expect to get a many different stories told to you. Why? Well, the incubator was invented here, changing the course of the setting hen forever. This invention also sparked a large hatchery industry and innovative shipping methods, still used today.

Leaving New Washington, riders will also travel to the Lowe-Volk Nature Center for a rest/snack before returning to the fairgrounds.

Despite which route you may choose to ride, be sure to savor the rich farmlands that surround our towns and parks. Heads up for additional scenery - many times there are 'bicycle watchers', who look very much like curious cattle grazing, out on the ride day to welcome passers-by. So be sure to wave or holler "Hello!"

As riders return to the fairgrounds at the end their ride, showers will be available for those wanting to refresh before enjoying the Bratwurst Festival activities in downtown Bucyrus. The first 200 entrants returning will receive a commemorative patch. Awards will also be given for the First Person Registered; Largest Group Riding; and Eldest Rider.

If you want to ride in style and celebrate 30 years with us, don't forget to order a custom designed short sleeved t-shirts, with the new 2008 logo on the front. Shirts must be ordered and prepaid by August 1, 2008. Shirt prices are on the registration form.