Cycling Series One 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 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.

Questions or comments about our Cycling Series rides? Contact us at events@outdoor-pursuits.org.

Members Only Special Pricing

Members Only – Register for the entire Series and enjoy a discount.
Eight (8) rides for only $75!

Access the Members Only Series registration here

53rd Woodstock – May 3, 2025

The traditional first event of the Outdoor Pursuits Cycling Series is a smart way to prepare for your season. 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 resembled a famous bird. Over the years, the route has changed a bit, but the name remained. Register here

57th SPOT – May 10, 2025

SPOT is the second event of our traditional Cycling Series.  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 sad dog. However, the copyright folks didn’t care for that, so the route name has been named “SPOT” ever since. – Register here

51st Mid-Ohio Century (“MOC”) – May 25, 2025 (Sunday)

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. Depending on the 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 flat area provides a terrific opportunity to succeed.

Register here

43rd Top of Ohio (TOOH) – July 5, 2025

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

16th Steve Barbour Memorial – July 19, 2025

This is a perfect training ride for Pelotonia! Join us as we ride the 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

37th Ride the Darby – July 27, 2025 (Sunday)

This is the PERFECT preparation ride for Pelotonia participants!  Ride the scenic and flat roads along the watershed of the Little Darby Creek in Pickaway and Union counties.  Depending on the route chosen, you’ll pass through 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

40th Covered Bridge Tour – Sept. 13, 2025

Our popular Covered Bridge Tour is an exceptionally good training ride for the fall!  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 for its historic, preserved covered bridges, and these routes visit some of them. Register here

39th Fall Hoot (Heart of Ohio Tour) – Sept 27, 2025

The Fall HOOT (Heart of Ohio Tour) is a cycling event that features different routes, including 35-mile, 64-mile, and 100-mile options. The event has a rich history and is known for its challenging routes, making it a favorite among cyclists who enjoy a good challenge. Register here

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