Daily Times file photo
Cyclists pedal toward Portsmouth during last year’s Tour of the Scioto River Valley, which brings about 3,000 riders to the area.
By WAYNE ALLEN
PDT Staff Writer
The 51st annual Tour of Scioto River Valley (TOSRV) is set to take place this weekend, May 12-13. Organizers are anticipating nearly 3,000 cyclists.
TOSRV began as a father-and-son outing in 1962. Cyclists have come from across the country, and have ranged in age from 1 to 81. The tour is organized by the nonprofit Columbus Outdoor Pursuits to promote outdoor educational and recreational activities in Central Ohio. The event begins Friday with a Tour Expo in Columbus.
On Saturday morning, cyclists will begin leaving Columbus at dawn from the Ohio Statehouse on High Street. They will head down South High Street and turn east at Dering Avenue, and follow a route on the east side of the Scioto River to the traditional food stop at Ted Lewis Park in Circleville. From Circleville, the tour will follow the traditional route down State Route 104 to Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe, where entertainment is also provided, to Lake White State Park in Waverly, and Tracy Park in Portsmouth.
Kim Bauer, now in her 21st year as TOSVR’s local coordinator, said when the cyclists arrive in Portsmouth their route takes them past the murals and leads them to Tracy Park. If the weather is good cyclists should start to arrive in the Portsmouth area about 1:30 or 2 p.m., she said.
“Troopers will be working to ensure the event is as safe as possible for participants and the motoring public,” a press release stated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “The patrol asks local residents to stay alert for bicyclists and respect to the roadway,”
Cyclists depart Portsmouth and return to Columbus on Sunday.
More information about this year’s Tour of Scioto River Valley can also be found at www.tosrv.org.
Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 208, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.
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