Photo by Derek Redd Cyclists head out from Wheeling's Heritage Port for the 100km ride of the Wheeling Heritage Bicycle Tour presented by the Ohio Valley Trail Partners.

As more than two dozen intrepid cyclists prepared for the 100km trip in the 19th annual Wheeling Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour, presented by the Ohio Valley Trail Partners, early Sunday morning, the Beach Boys “Good Vibrations” blasted from the speakers. Was that a motivational tool for those hardy enough to pedal past the Pennsylvania state line and back?

Susanna Wayt said that, whether it’s the 100km trip, the 50km trip or the 15km trip, everybody could use a boost before they hopped on their bikes. Wayt led the 15km trip, a jaunt for beginners and those looking for a quick bit of exercise.

“Maybe they haven’t ridden a lot,” she said, “and maybe they aren’t as secure in their cycling, so they need some motivation, too. Everybody needs a little help. That’s why doing it together as a group is such a great thing.”

The Wheeling Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour pushed out in three packs Sunday morning — the 100km group going for a hardcore workout, the 50km group wanting an intermediate distance, and the 15km group. Cycling, members of the Ohio Valley Trail Partners said, can at times be a solitary experience, especially if a cyclist wants to challenge himself or herself to an extra-long ride. That’s why events like Sunday’s can really mean a lot for those looking for camaraderie in their excursions.

“It makes it a blast,” Wayt said. “You’re among people with a common goal, enjoying something you love, doing what you love and doing it all together.”

The entire cycling community gets excited for events like the Wheeling Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour, said Valerie Reed, whose family owns Quick Service Bicycle Shop in Bridgeport. The energy kicks up inside the shop, too.

“It’s just nice to see people come in before the ride and get their bikes tuned up and ready for the summer,” she said. “A lot of people who do this ride have done it every year. You see the same people, everybody knows each other. It’s just a nice, small grassroots organization.”

And while it may be small, Ohio Valley Trail Partners is active and important. The money raised from Sunday’s ride goes into the organization’s work to make the bicycle trail a fun and safe place to ride for everyone.

Funds go toward trail paving and bridge repair, and adding portajohns, bike racks and repair stands along the trail.

“It’s fantastic,” Wayt said of the Trail Partners’ mission. “It’s purpose. We absolutely take pride in that.”