Knox County Biketoberfest
Pedal into Fall Fun at the First Knox County Biketoberfest!
October 3-5, 2025 | Mount Vernon, Ohio
Get ready to shift gears and embrace the autumn spirit at the inaugural Knox County Biketoberfest (KCBO)! This exciting new festival combines the beauty of fall foliage with the thrill of cycling, all set against the charming backdrop of historic Mount Vernon, Ohio.
KCBO is presented by Outdoor Pursuits to support our Bicycle Development Fund. Outdoor Pursuits has granted over $1 million to the development of bicycle infrastructure like the Ohio to Erie Trail, and to advocacy and awareness initiatives across Ohio.
- All Levels Welcome: Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting, we have routes for everyone! Choose from a variety of distances and difficulty levels exploring the scenic roads and trails of Knox County. There are two community festivals occurring during our stay for built-in entertainment. We’ll also include two light breakfasts and a post ride meal on both days.
- E-Bikes are very welcome!
Cycling Options for all! Each day offers the choice of traditional road routes or routes almost exclusively on the Ohio to Erie Trail:
Jim Buchwald and Ed Honton Memorial Trail Routes
Ohio to Erie Trail Connection: Mount Vernon is a key stop on the renowned Ohio to Erie Trail, offering cyclists a chance to experience the most vibrant portions of this iconic trail. KCBO will feature dedicated Ohio to Erie Trail routes, allowing you to enjoy this flat, scenic path with full support.
- Saturday’s Buchwald Memorial Route will explore the Kokosing Gap Trail portion from Mt Vernon northeast to Glemont (up to 55 miles).
- Sunday’s Ed Honton Memorial route will explore the Heart of Ohio Trail portion from Mt Vernon southwest to Sunbury (up to 50 miles)
Traditional Road Routes
Conquer the Knox County Bicycle Challenge: For experienced riders, the legendary Knox County Bicycle Challenge into Amish country to the east of Mt Vernon has been a longtime end-of-season challenge.
- Saturday’s route will use the traditional Knox County Bicycle Challenge route toward Coshocton. Routes options of 100 (6,000ft), 74 (3,200 ft) 65 (3,000 ft), and 42 (1,400ft) miles will be offered.
- Sunday’s route will be more relaxing – traveling to the northwest of Mt Vernon to communities like Sparta, Chesterville, Fredericktown, and Ankenytown. Routes of 38 (1,500 ft), 43 (1,700 ft) and 56 (2,300 ft) will be offered.
- Both days’ routes travel through many Amish settlements.
Family Fun: KCBO is more than just a ride – it’s a festival for the whole family! Enjoy live music, delicious food, local craft vendors, and activities for kids of all ages.
Fall Foliage: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Ohio’s fall colors as you pedal through picturesque landscapes.
Explore Mount Vernon:
Ariel-Foundation Park: Our base of operations is at this stunning park which will offer camping options for those wanting an immersive experience. Enjoy the serene lake, walking trails, and unique historical features.
Historic Downtown: Discover charming shops, local restaurants, and historical landmarks in Mount Vernon’s vibrant downtown.
- Friday night: Enjoy the Johnny Appleseed Festival in downtown Mt. Vernon
- Saturday night: Enjoy a beverage on us at several establishments with live entertainment.
- Sunday afternoon: Enjoy the Knox County Food Truck Festival in downtown Mt. Vernon.
Register now and join us for a weekend of cycling, fall festivities, and family fun!
email: kcbo@outdoor-pursuits.org
Friday Cycling Option:
- Come to Mt Vernon early and enjoy some bonus exploration. These routes are unsupported by KCBO.
Mt Vernon Historic Landmark Route
Friday – KCBO Friday to Gambier
Knox County Biketoberfest Friday: 15-mile trail and street route spotlighting Mount Vernon and Gambier as popular destinations for trail visitors. A family-friendly 8-mile option turns at the first iron bridge on the Kokosing Gap. This ride will have support and no set time. Participants ride at their convenience. It is recommended to enjoy the Downtown Mount Vernon Johnny Appleseed festival at the South Main Plaza dog fountain stop, where a bike corral will be provided.
Daily Activity Schedule:
-
- 12:00pm – 1:00pm – Bikepacking Group riding from Westerville – Meet Ride Leader Penny Marchal at Trek Store back parking lot at 5985 Maxtown Rd, Westerville, OH 43082. Depart 1:00pm sharp.
- 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm – KCBO check-in at Urton Clock House in the heart of Ariel Foundation Park – 10 Pittsburgh Ave, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
- 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm – 5th Annual Johnny Appleseed Apple Festival on E Ohio Ave, on the south edge of downtown Mt Vernon. There will be vendors, music, food trucks, and more!
Saturday Cycling Options
Jim Buchwald Memorial Trail Route from Mt. Vernon to Glenmont and return (up to 55 miles)
-
- Rest stops in Danville & Glenmont
Knox County Bicycle Challenge Road routes:
-
- 100 miles – Loop to Nellie, Danville & more
- 74 miles – Loop to Nellie & Danville
- 65 miles – Loop to Danville
- 42 miles – Loop to Danville
Daily Activity Schedule:
-
- 6:30 am – 9:00 am – KCBO check-in at Urton Clock House in the heart of Ariel Foundation Park – 10 Pittsburgh Ave, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
- 6:00 am- 9:00 am – Light continental breakfast and coffee provided by KCBO – Foundation Park Pavilion
- 7:30 am – Riding routes open
-
8:00 am – Ceremony honoring Jim Buchwald (10 minutes) – Urton Clock House – Trail Route Group mass start following ceremony
- 10:30 am – 2:00pm Lunch provided in Danville
- 1:00pm – 4:00 pm – Post-ride soup meal provided by KCBO Live entertainment provided.
- 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm – KCBO will provide a complimentary beer/beverage token to be redeemed at 3-4 establishments in downtown—dinner on your own. Live entertainment is available at several of the establishments.
Sunday Cycling Options:
Ed Honton Memorial Trail Route from Mt. Vernon to Sunbury and return (up to 50 miles)
-
- Rest stops in Centerburg & Galena
Road routes:
-
- 56 miles – Loop to Sparta, Chesterville, Ankeytown, & Fredericktown
- 43miles – Loop to Chesterville & Fredericktown
- 38 miles – Loop to Fredericktown
Daily Schedule:
-
- 6:30 am – 9:00 am – KCBO check-in at Urton Clock House in the heart of Ariel Foundation Park – 10 Pittsburgh Ave, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
- 6:00 am- 9:00 am – Light continental breakfast and coffee provided by KCBO – Foundation Park Pavilion
- 7:30 am – Riding routes open
- 8:00 am – Ceremony honoring Ed Honton (10 minutes) – Urton Clock House – Trail Route Group mass start following ceremony.
- 11:00 am-6:00 pm – 6th Annual Knox Foodies Food Truck Festival – Venue: Downtown Mount Vernon Square – KCBO will provide you with “Food Truck Bucks”
- 5:00 pm – KCBO closes. All campsites must be vacated and vehicles must be out of Ariel Park.
About KCBO
October 3-5, 2025, | Mount Vernon, Ohio
The inaugural Knox County Biketoberfest (KCBO) is being presented to showcase the huge variety of cycling options in Knox County! This exciting new festival combines the beauty of fall foliage with the thrill of cycling, all set against the charming backdrop of historic Knox County and Mount Vernon, Ohio.
KCBO is presented by Outdoor Pursuits to support our Bicycle Development Fund. Outdoor Pursuits has granted over $1 million to the development of bicycle infrastructure like the Ohio to Erie Trail, and to advocacy and awareness initiatives across Ohio.
All Levels Welcome: Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking for an end-of-season challenge, a trail enthusiast looking to experience the most vibrant sections of the Ohio to Erie Trail, or a cyclist looking to experience your first multi-day event, the KCBO has you covered! Outdoor Pursuits has decades of experience providing safe, full-service cycling events.
Cycling Options for all! Each day offers the choice of traditional road routes or routes almost exclusively on the Ohio to Erie Trail:
- Jim Buchwald & Ed Honton Memorial Trail Routes – These routes will be supported by the Ohio to Erie Trail, Kokosing Gap Trail Inc., and Heart of Ohio Trail Friends, to honor the two visionaries that led the development of the Ohio to Erie Trail.
- Traditional Road Routes – these options will include the legendary Knox County Bicycle Challenge routes and new routes to the north of Mt. Vernon. These routes have been longtime favorites for Ohio cyclists and venture through some Amish areas.
Festivals and Entertainment – Knox County and Mt Vernon are hosting two community festivals during our stay for built-in entertainment.
Full Service – in addition to our traditional on road support and snack stops, we’ll also include two light breakfasts and a post ride meals both days.
Family Fun – KCBO is more than just a ride – it’s a festival for the whole family! Enjoy live music, delicious food, local craft vendors, and activities for kids of all ages.
Explore Mount Vernon:
Ariel-Foundation Park: Our base of operations is at this stunning park which will offer camping options for those wanting an immersive experience. Enjoy the serene lake, walking trails, and unique historical features.
Historic Downtown: Discover charming shops, local restaurants, and historical landmarks in Mount Vernon’s vibrant downtown.
- Friday night: Enjoy the Johnny Appleseed Festival in downtown Mt. Vernon
- Saturday night: Enjoy a beverage on us at several establishments with live entertainment.
- Sunday afternoon: Enjoy the Knox County Food Truck Festival in downtown Mt. Vernon.
Cozy Accommodations: Choose from a variety of hotels and lodging options in Mount Vernon and the surrounding area.
Safety & Fun: Our top priority is your safety, ensuring a secure environment for you to achieve your cycling goals.
Register now and join us for a weekend of cycling, fall festivities, and family fun!
email: kcbo@outdoor-pursuits.org
#KCBO
Register Here!
What's Included and Not Included
What your registration fee covers:
- KCBO plans and marks all the routes.
- Paints arrows on the roads to guide you.
- Provides a limited number of campground sites for basic tent camping.
- Provides free showers, porta-potties, and some indoor restrooms in camp.
- Provides free and secure parking for the weekend.
- Provides security in towns and on the route.
- Arranges emergency medical services.
- Provides a souvenir KCBO patch.
- Provides rest stops with snacks and fluids on the route.
- Provides a post-ride meal on both days (Saturday lunch fare at Ariel Foundation Park and Food Truck Bucks to redeem at the Knox County Food Truck Festival on Sunday.)
- Pays for post ride entertainment.
- Provides route maps that you can download on your GPS.
- Provides a Charging Station to top off your devices and E-Bike batteries.
What your registration fee does not cover:
- Merchandise (T-shirts, jerseys, etc.).
- Bike repair services.
- Ambulance transport.
- Entrance fees to attractions.
- Additional costs include trailer/RV passes and any lodging other than tenting.
Register Here!
Cycling Route Options - Road & Trail!
Saturday Cycling Options
Jim Buchwald Memorial Trail Route from Mt. Vernon to Glenmont and return (up to 55 miles)
-
- Rest stops in Danville & Glenmont
Knox County Bicycle Challenge Road routes:
-
- 100 miles – Loop to Nellie, Danville & more
- 74 miles – Loop to Nellie & Danville
- 65 miles – Loop to Danville
- 42 miles – Loop to Danville
Sunday Cycling Options:
Ed Honton Memorial Trail Route from Mt. Vernon to Sunbury and return (up to 50 miles)
-
- Rest stops in Centerburg & Galena
Road routes:
-
- 56 miles – Loop to Sparta, Chesterville, Ankeytown, & Fredericktown
- 43miles – Loop to Chesterville & Fredericktown
- 38 miles – Loop to Fredericktown
Packet Pickup and Start Logistics
Packet Pickup and Start Logistics
The Urton Clock House in the heart of Ariel Foundation Park is the headquarters for KCBO
10 Pittsburgh Ave, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Packet Pickup:
- Friday Evening (2:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Saturday Morning (6:30 – 9:00 AM)
- Sunday Morning (6:30 – 9:00 AM)
- Volunteers: Our friendly volunteers will be on hand to assist you.
Weekend Parking: Secure daytime & overnight parking is available at Ariel Foundation Park.
Please arrive early to allow enough time for parking, packet pickup, and any last-minute preparations.
Click Here for the “How to KCBO” Weekend Schedule and Logistics document.
Camping & Lodging Options
Camping & Lodging Options
Tent Camping – in Ariel Foundation Park, 10 Pittsburgh Ave, Mt Vernon, OH is included in KCBO Registration. Space is limited to 100 tent sites. You must reserve your tent space during registration proccess.)
Camp set-up and will be available beginning Friday at 2 pm.
Vehicle Camping on site – In-Car, Small Camper Vans, & Light Trailers – Ariel Foundation Park at KCBO – There will be a limited number of sites available for purchase during KCBO registration. There are NO HOOK-UPS or electric services available for this option. Use of these sites will require self-sufficiency or “boondock” mode.
Camp Rules: Click Here for our Camp Rules
Hotel Partners:
Comfort Inn Mt Vernon Downtown – 0.8 miles from Ariel Park – Special rate $129/night. Must make a reservation by Sept 3, 2025. 150 Howard St, Mt Vernon, OH Call 740 392 6886 and reference the group name – “Knox County Biketober Fest Participants” for special room rate.
Other Hotel Options:
Mount Vernon Grand Hotel – 1 mile from Ariel Park – 12 Public Square, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Holiday Inn Express – 4 miles from Ariel Park – 11555 Upper Gilchrist Rd, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Hampton Inn Mt Vernon – 4 miles from Ariel Park – 1560 Venture Dr, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Airbnb – check Airbnb.com or VRBO.com for options
Off-Site Campgrounds:
Rustic Knolls Campsites and Cabins: Located at 8664 Keys Rd, Mt Vernon, OH 43050.
These options provide a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you prefer the comfort of a hotel, the charm of an Airbnb, or the adventure of camping, Mt Vernon has something to offer for everyone attending KCBO 2025.
Merchandise and Additional Add-ons
Jerseys & T-Shirts
A limited number of KCBO jerseys and T-Shirts will be available at Check-in.
Jerseys – $75
T-Shirts – $25
Host Community Activities & Entertainment
KCBO event details and schedule are listed in the “Daily Tabs” section of the website above.
Pricing & Deadlines
- Early Bird Registration: $150 until Sept 1, 2025 ($125 Members)
- Standard & On-site Registration: $175 (Sept 2 – Oct 5, 2025)
- Single Day Registration: $85 until Sept 1, 2025 ($75 Members)
- Minors aged 2-17: $50 for full weekend access.
Group Discounts: Available for groups of 10 or more. Contact us for more details – kcbo@outdoor-pursuits.org
Register Here!
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Photos and Videos
Rider Resources
This document “How to KCBO” has everything you need to know
Rider Resources