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Cyclists Preparing For Wheeling Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour on May 28

The wheels are turning as organizers put the final spokes in place for the Wheeling Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour slated for May 28, starting at Heritage Port in downtown Wheeling.

The 11th-annual non-competitive event, sponsored by the Ohio Valley Trail Partners, raises funds to improve the city’s Heritage Trail and provide support for new trail development throughout the Ohio Valley, said organizer Doug Wayt.

Participants will have four ride options this year: a 10-mile ride, starting at 9 a.m.; a 25-mile ride and a 30-mile ride, starting at 8:45 a.m.; and a 62-mile ride that starts at 8 a.m. All riders must wear helmets, and rides begin at the main station near WesBanco Arena. All rides are escorted.

The 10-mile and 30-mile rides are on the trail, while the 62-mile ride leaves the trail near the Ohio/Brooke county line and winds through Bethany and West Liberty with a stop at Bethany College. This is a challenging ride appropriate for seasoned riders.

There are numerous rest stops for food and drink along the way of each ride. All riders finish back at the main station for a free lunch, live music, door prizes, flat-tire repair clinic and more. The tour is supported by Wheeling Police and Fire Department paramedics. Riders get street crossing guards to help expedite their travel.

Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Early registration is urged, and may be completed online at ohiovalleytrailpartners.org. Registration forms also are available at the J.B. Chambers YMCA in Elm Grove; Howard Long Wellness Center on Medical Park Road in Wheeling; Ryan Ferns Healthplex in the Benwood Shopping Plaza; Wheelcraft Bicycle Shop on National Road in Elm Grove; and Quick Service Bicycles on Lincoln Avenue in Bridgeport.

The bike tour has attracted more than 300 participants from several states each year, and participation continues to grow.

Wayt said the bike tour continues to attract participants from near and far who enjoy the scenic riverside trail and the hospitality of the local area. They often stay for the whole weekend and add to the local economy.

He said the tour could not function without many volunteers, donors and sponsors, including: McCamic, Sacco and McCoid PLLC; the Ohio County Commission; Main Street Bank; Wheeling National Heritage Area; Quick Service Bicycle Shop; WesBanco; Brooke Pioneer Trail Association; Jebbia’s Market, Sheetz; Dr. William Mercer; Miller Chiropractic; downtown DiCarlo’s Pizza; Brooke Hills Park; and Ye Olde Alpha.

Wayt said because Trail Partners members use Heritage Trail so often, they notice problem areas where cracks or other defects might affect the riding surface, and relay the information to the city. Last week, Wayt said the city’s Public Works Department will be making repairs to areas where the worst cracks can be found.

His group will spray-paint some of the cracks so the workers will be able to hone in on the areas that need immediate attention.

Ohio Valley Trail Partners, in coordination with the city, is holding a fundraiser to help the city do much-needed repair of bad cracks on the trail. The trail group will match donations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 or other amounts.

This project will help make the Heritage Trail renewed and vibrant, Wayt said. Donations may be sent to: Ohio Valley Trail Partners, P.O. Box 2001, Wheeling, WV 26003.

The weekend bike rides are just a few of the events held at Heritage Port on Memorial Day weekend. On May 27, the waterfront will be filled with activities, including the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic and related events.

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