By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN Reporter

CRESTLINE — Local bicycle enthusiast Matt Echelberry will lead a 30-mile ride across the eastern portion of Crawford County on Sept. 29. The ride is organized to memorialize the life of the late Barb Dolch by riding the bikeway named in her honor.

“Last year, the Quality of Life Team, under Crawford: 20/20 Vision, had several discussions about a countywide bike path,” Echelberry said. “However, the existing Barb Dolch Bikeway had several missing or damaged signs. It made sense to improve an asset the community already has as a starting point.”

Dolch also was a bike enthusiast and lived in Bucyrus until her death in 2016.

Echelberry said Bethany Foy and Liz Dolan worked with the Crawford Park District to replace the signage.

“The route was also slightly revised to avoid the closed rail crossing on Crawford-Morrow County Line Road, so the route now follows Monnett-New Winchester all the way to Biddle Road instead of turning at Beach,” Echelberry said.

Echelberry originally was contacted by Bill Fisher, director of the Crawford Park District, to help promote the bikeway and new signage and to have a few experienced riders at the event.

“We want this event to be fun – not a race. I personally welcome riders of all experience levels to participate. The scenic views along this 30-mile trek through eastern Crawford County do not disappoint,” Echelberry said.

The bike ride will begin at 9 a.m. at Lowe-Volk Park and will travel through farmland, along wooded river corridors and through Galion and Crestline.

According to the Park District, there will be places along the way for breaks and water refilling. For those not wishing to ride the whole route, a pick-up is scheduled at the New Winchester Golf Course.

A rain date for October 6 has been set.

A couple notes for riders:

The route is NOT separated from vehicular traffic, so bikes should have front and back reflectors.

Bring helmet/safety gear and water bottle.

Brightly colored clothes recommended.

Lowe-Volk Park is located three miles north of U.S. 30 on Ohio 598. For more information, contact the Crawford Park District office at 419-683-9000 or visit the website or Facebook page.