Cycling Series 1 Day Rides
Cycling Series Rides
Columbus Outdoor Pursuits has offered these iconic rides for decades. Explore these time-tested cycling routes around central Ohio that have been a training staple to prepare for TOSRV and other big events.
Marked roads with RWGPS files will be emailed the evening prior to the event. Riders are responsible for their own food and water, maps will have guidance on other nourishment options.
Ride pricing is $10 each for Members or $20 each for non-Members.
Members Only Special Pricing
Members Only – Register for the entire Series and enjoy a discount.
Eight (8) rides for only $75!
You must log-in to the member portal to qualify for the member pricing.
Or, you can access the Members Only Series registration here.
52nd Woodstock – May 18, 2024
The traditional first event of Outdoor Pursuits Cycling Series is a smart way to prepare for your season. Relatively flat roads and light traffic to the north of Columbus, and the routes include some miles on the Ohio to Erie trail while visiting the towns of Galena and Sunbury. Longer routes go to Delaware also. The distance options are 33, 60, or 97 miles, and include the newly opened “high” bridge over Big Walnut Creek north of Sunbury.
Where did the Woodstock ride get its name? Once upon a time, the COP riders created a ride whose map seemed to resemble a famous bird. Over the years, the route has changed a bit, but the name remained. Register here
56th SPOT – May 26, 2024
SPOT is the second event of our traditional Cycling Series. Relatively flat roads and some rolling hills to the southeast of Columbus with distance options of 35/62/100 miles.
Why “SPOT”? This route was originally named after the dog in the Peanuts cartoon strip, because it resembled said dog. However, the copyright folks didn’t care for that, so the route name has been named “SPOT” ever since. – Register here
50th Mid Ohio Century (“MOC”) – June 29, 2024
Our annual Mid-Ohio Century ride starts in Delaware and heads north to explore the quiet agricultural areas of the Scioto river watershed. There isn’t much elevation change in this area of Ohio, so expect easy-riding terrain and many lush mid-summer crops in all directions. How high will the corn be? Depending on distance selected, you will pass through towns such as Prospect, Marion, and Waldo with numerous food options. If you’re thinking about riding a century, this mostly flat area provides you a great opportunity to succeed. Register here
42nd Top of Ohio – July 6, 2024
A great ride for your summer training season that visits Logan county, full of early Ohio historical sites. This ride offers varied terrain. Most of the routes start at Hilliard Municipal Park; several shorter routes that take in the “Top of Ohio” area (the hillier & most beautiful portion) of the route begin in Milford Center at the School bus parking lot on Middleburg-Plain City Rd on the east side of Milford Center. We offer many mileage options across seven routes! Register here
15th Steve Barbour Memorial – July 20, 2024
This is a perfect training ride for either Pelotonia or September’s TOSRV! Join us as we ride the relatively flat routes northwest of Columbus. Mileage options 32, 65, & 100 miles
We celebrate the life of our dear friend Steve Barbour, a dedicated & longtime ride leader for Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. We memorialize Steve and the other cyclists tragically taken from us by careless drivers. Register here
35th Ride the Darby – July 28, 2024
This is the PERFECT preparation ride for Pelotonia participants! Ride the scenic and nearly flat roads along the watershed of the Little Darby Creek in Pickaway and Union counties. Depending on the route chosen, you’ll pass thru the small towns of Orient, London, West Jefferson, or Plain City, any of which are strong reminders of the agricultural heritage of Ohio. Grain silos are still a pleasant sight in these parts of Ohio. Mileage options 32, 65, & 102 miles. Register here
39th Covered Bridge Tour – Sept. 14, 2024
Our popular Covered Bridge Tour is a very good training ride for TOSRV! Yes, there are mileage options: we offer three routes of 34, 62, or 96 miles, with elevation gains of 1200, 2800, and 4000 ft respectively. A summer of riding has made you strong, so you can do this!
Fairfield County is known around Ohio for its historic, preserved covered bridges, and these routes visit some of them. Register here
29th Knox County Bicycle Challenge – Sept 28, 2024
The return of everyone’s favorite challenge! This event has been cited as one of the most beautiful and challenging centuries in the Midwest.
Route offerings of 31/62/100 miles. KCBC’s shorter routes are moderately hilly (31miles/1,300ft & 62miles/2,800ft). These two routes/metrics can be enjoyed by most regular cyclists. The final miles are on the flat Kokosing Gap Trail. The century has 7,000ft of climbing and is a most worthy end-of-season challenge!
This is a limited-to-full support tour with two snack stops and a lunch stop provided. Register here