Hot Tamale Bicycle Tour

Sat. June 3, 2023

Registration opens 7am,

Ride begins at 8 a.m.

The Hot Tamale is a beautiful, relatively flat ride in north central Ohio. This year we will offer 4 distance options, as well as an option for a virtual ride if you want to support the Tallgrass Trail, but just can’t make it to Waldo.

Stretch your donation! Many Hot Tamale participants add an optional donation for the Tallgrass Trail. This year Modern Woodmen of America has offered to match the first $2,500 of donations, and these donations plus the match will be used to purchase a machine to remove bumps from the Tallgrass Trail.

11 mile family fun route: This will traverse country roads northwest of Waldo, and cyclists can enjoy a snack upon their return to the start.

26 mile route: Cyclists on this route will cross both the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers as they journey on country roads. They’ll have a snack stop at the 16 mile mark in the pavilion at the beautiful Pleasant Township Park. Returning to Waldo, they will cross the Kings Mill covered bridge.

44 mile route: Starting out the same as the 26 mile route for 10 miles, this route will continue northwest along the upper reaches of the Scioto River before passing through the village of New Bloomington on the way to a snack stop at mile 22 in the shelter at DeCliff on the Tallgrass Trail. Cyclists will enjoy the shady trail for a few miles before heading south through the Big Island Wildlife Area and make their way to the Pleasant Township park for a final snack stop with 7 miles to go.

67 mile route: We’re really excited about this new and different route! You’ll cycle along the upper reaches of the Scioto River before stopping for a snack at mile 22 in the welcoming yard of one of our club members. Soon after you’ll ride into Hardin County’s Amish country, passing a business that makes log cabins by hand for delivery all over the Midwest. You’ll have the chance to stop in a wonderful old general store at mile 34, and join the shady Tallgrass Trail a few miles later. After a snack stop at mile 44 and more trail enjoyment, you’ll ride through the Big Island Wildlife area as you head to a final snack stop at Pleasant Township Park.

See pictures of past rides or read quotes here.

How Do I Sign Up?

Advanced registration has closed, but you can register on the day of the ride (see below).

Can I register on the day of the tour?

Yes. To save time, you can print a day of ride registration form to fill out at home and bring with you, or just fill out a form that day.

Is a GPS download of the route available?

Yes, here are the routes. If you have a Garmin or similar device, you can download the route to your device. Another option is to install the RideWithGPS app on your smart phone. The free option will let you see the route and see where you are, while the paid option can be set to talk and give you directions.

Here are the links to the routes:

11 mile route with snacks upon your return to base.

26 mile route with a stop at mile 15.4

44 mile route, with stops at miles 21.7 and 37.

67 mile route, with stops at mile 22.5, 44, and 60. You’ll also have the opportunity to stop at the delightful Pfeiffer Station General Store for food on your own at mile 34.5.

We’ll also have paper maps and cue sheets available on the day of the ride, or you can download them in advance.

Where's Waldo?

The ride begins in the Waldo Community Park in Waldo, Ohio. Waldo is on US Route 23, between Delaware and Marion, Ohio. If entering Waldo from Rt. 23, turn left at the BP station and right at G & R restaurant. The park is about 1/2 mile ahead on the left. Just follow the signs! Click here for a map.

Great Eats!

Homemade cookies, fresh strawberries, bananas, sandwich fixings, and much more!

Cool Shirts!

We think you’ll like the beautiful Carolina Blue shirt. These must be ordered by May 14, so our shirt printer can have them ready on time.

Got Questions?

Check our frequently asked questions page or send us a message on our Facebook page.

Bring Your Kids!

Kids love the Hot Tamale! We'll welcome you with smiling faces and special gifts for the kids. Our 26mile ride is perfect for older children, and our 11 mile family fun route is just the ticket for kids who aren’t ready to venture 26 miles. You'll love our homemade cookies! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Hot Tamale Bicycle Tour

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