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May is buzzing with excitement!

What an exciting issue of this month’s Thunder Roads Ohio magazine!  It’s Bike month, not only in Ohio, but internationally as well. The staff of TRO has been busy gathering events for this big month of bike nights and of course Ohio Bike Week.

I touched briefly last month about International Female Ride Day. It is honored the first Saturday in May and has grown by leaps and bounds all over the world. Female riders are encouraged to post photos of their ride with the hashtag #IFRD. IFRD was created in 2007 by a Canadian woman rider, racer and motorcycling advocate, Vicki Gray. Her mission was to bring awareness and respect for women who ride and enjoy motorcycling. IFRD promotes all women in motorcycling and encourages women to engage in the activity. Just Ride!  www.motoress.com

Speaking of women riders, I have participated the past two years and created a route for the annual Ladies Adventure Weekend sponsored by the Adventure Harley Davidson Group. The 9th Annual Ladies Adventure Weekend theme is Rockabilly-Curves, Chrome and Cruisin’. This event was established in 2011 to unite women who love the sport of motorcycling. Each year attendance grows upwards to 400 lady riders from various states and includes prizes, several led routes to choose from, entertainment and an evening banquet. All types of motorcycles are welcome!

Register at www.adventureharley.com

North Central Ohio Bandana Babes and Mettle with Grace Sisterhood created a great all day ride for IFRD. There will be a few stops to meet up at along the route. The ride will originate in Delaware, Ohio at 8:00 AM and continue to Route 30 Harley Davidson in Upper Sandusky. From there, it will continue to Ashland and end at Portage Lakes for a group photo. 

Another fast-growing community of riders is springing up within local churches. One example is Heartland Riders, which is a motorcycle connect group at Heartland Community Church in Medina. The Heartland Riders have around 125 members and many are female as well. Riders do not have to be a member of a church, as the group is designed to spend time together in community and Sunday rides. 

www.heartlandcommunity.org

As you plan your rides for the season, we have 10 new partners to introduce you to. I met with Mindy Brems, director of the Coshocton Visitors Bureau. She offers bikers a dream destination easily located from anywhere in Ohio. Also located within the visitors’ bureau is The Coshocton Supply Company, featuring an assortment of Annin flags and a plethora of locally produced offerings. 

This makes for a full day ride but would be perfect if you’re looking for a 3-day, 2-night getaway. Their annual Hot Air Balloon Festival is coming up on June 6-8 and would be the perfect place to spend the weekend. Stop in and see Mindy at the Visitors Bureau at 432 N. Whitewoman Street in Coshocton for a map of their “Three Rivers Ride.”  www.visitcoshocton.com

A fairly new attraction in Coshocton is the Killbuck Creek Distillery ~ Premium Rum, Vodka and White Whiskey. Tasting tours are available Thursday – Sat, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.  www.killbuckcreek.com

After being in the “Saddle” awhile, take a break and enjoy a slower pace on the Monticello 111.  This horse-drawn canal boat replica takes visitors on a 40-minute ride into Ohio’s colorful past with a glimpse of a 1 1/2-mile restored section of the original Ohio-Erie Canal.  www.coshoctonlakepark.com/canal-boat

Satisfy your taste buds at the Warehouse Steak & Stein. Perfect for both small and large groups. Enjoy their outside patio with entertainment. Built around 1828, the building was used not only as a warehouse for canal cargo but also as a general merchandise store. It also served as the Roscoe Post Office. 

www.warehouserestaurants.com

Unusual Junction makes for another ride stop to refresh and have a light lunch. Located East of Coshocton on SR 36, they are directly across the road from Raven’s Glen Winery. Riders have plenty of parking with a choice of fine dining, shopping, wine tours or a light lunch.  www.theunusualjunction.com

www.ravensglenn.com

For your overnight lodging, accommodations can be secured at the Coshocton Village Inn and Suites. 

Located on the banks of the Muskingum River, this down-to-earth hotel is a 13-minute walk from the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum, and 1 mile from both Highway 36 and the Muskingum River
www. www.hotelsone.com/coshocton-hotels-us

Roscoe Motor Inn welcomes bikers as well as pets. Easily located at the intersection of SR 16 & 36 at the edge of Roscoe Village. www.roscoemotorinn.com

Complete your visit with an ice cream stop at the Ridgewood General Store, offering a full-service deli with a breakfast and lunch menu, baked goods from Dutch Valley, meats and cheeses from regional producers, Hershey ice cream and espresso bar.

Ladies– don’t forget to get out and ride on May 4th. Remember to take a photo of your group and hashtag #IFRD. You can find them on Facebook too!   

P.S.  I’ll be attending the Outer Banks Bike Week in Harbinger, North Carolina with 2 other local Spyder riders besides myself. It should be interesting!

“Don’t count the wheels, just enjoy the ride”!

Spyder Lilly Luvee

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