Tour de Buckeye Lake: Ride along, if You are (Literally) Up For It

One tradition that is simultaneously a cause of excitement, anticipation, and dread is getting up before sunrise to load up the car, with bikes, helmets, water bottles and snacks, before heading out to a large-scale community bike ride. There is no dread of the ride ahead — let me be clear about that. It’s about having enough coffee on hand this early in the morning, on a Saturday at the end of the summer.

Whether the ride is a slow-stroll tour of your hometown, bike camping three states away, or an hour drive to an historic resort town that is now a center for modern water-sports, the routine is the same. You’re likely to forget something (e.g. bike gloves, sunglasses, or your favorite water bottle) until this becomes habit, so I suggest riding early and often.

The biggest perk of setting your alarm clock and making all this happen? It’s that sunrise, cutting through the early morning fog!

There’s a special vibe at the start of a ride, an excitement, as bikes are unloaded, tires are pumped up, and anything’s possible. The day stretches ahead, along with the miles. There’s the chatter of cyclists who have ridden together before and are happy to see each other again. There’s the warmth of the morning sunlight and the promise of a great ride with friends, old and new.

On this day I’m covered in sunblock, had plenty of coffee on the way to Buckeye Lake, and am happy to meet up with friends at the ride start.

Riding in the Midwest means long country roads and corn fields, and on this day we were blessed with sunshine and temperatures that are tolerable, if you start by 8 am. Socializing, meeting new friends, and sipping coffee (for me, because I’d brought mine along) or Gatorade (provided by ride organizers) slowed our role a bit, but we were on the road by 8:30 am.

The route, starting in Millersport, OH and taking us on a scenic tour around Buckeye Lake, began on the fairgrounds where the local harvest-time celebration, known as the Sweet Corn Festival, is held. The ride raises funds to build, maintain, and expand the bike path around the lake. It was a treat to spend part of our morning on that path, enjoying lake views and planning our retirement or weekend getaway at one of the properties. Ask us again in January, when the lake is frozen and seasonal businesses are closed down, if we feel the same way. It’s debatable!

I have to give credit to the area chambers of commerce, local businesses, and the Millersport Lions Club, where the ride begins. They have put incredible effort into building up and promoting the area as a destination for fun and relaxation. “Land, Lake, and Leisure — Buckeye Lake, Ohio’s Original Playground: You Made it to the Lake. Now Make the Most of It!” (Buckeye Lake tourism brochure)

Fun Facts:

1st of Ohio’s State Parks
20+ islands at Buckeye Lake
3 counties making up the Buckeye Lake region — Fairfield, Licking, and Perry
3000+ acres of water
35 miles of shoreline
30 minutes east of Columbus, Ohio

In the 1900s, due to the local rail company offered attractions on a 9 acre plot at the north end of the lake. “By 1911 the Buckeye Lake area held two amusement parks, an arcade, two dance pavilions, a swimming beach, power boat races, and more.… In its prime during the 1940s, the dance halls hosted big Hollywood names, such as Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and more.” (Buckeye Lake tourism brochure)

The area has made it to the year 2025, so join them: “For those can’t miss events, hidden gems around the lake, local dining & beverage spots, thrilling outdoor recreation & MORE … It’s all right here in our app!” (Escape to Buckeye Lake app)

Riding along the lakeshore was a highlight, so we took that part of the ride slow. Once we were back out on the country roads…one of us found a nail with their bike tire. I’m admittedly no help, so I let my husband step in for the assist.

The community also steps in to support this ride. In busier areas we had a police escort directing traffic or stopping busy, dangerous intersections, to ensure our safety. One of those intersections was at the bottom of the hill, just before a significant climb, so I truly appreciated that and waved as I went by. It never hurts to say “thank you!

There was even a kid-run, parent-supported strawberry lemonade stand, marketed several blocks away by one neighborhood kiddo calling out to cyclists as they rode by. As we rode closer, we saw chalk markings on the road, letting us know that it was, in fact, a drive-through lemonade stand. I’ve never seen such a thing! I did not have to get off my bike — I was handed a glass of the refreshing summertime drink while I was still straddling my bike.

Donations were, of course, accepted and this appeared to be a profitable approach. These kids would be going into the school year with their pockets, or Velcro wallets, full.

There were several clearly marked routes that cyclist could choose from. We selected to ride 28 miles that day. At the end of the ride we returned to food and drink, local music, and a raffle where first prize could be a large painting by a local artist or an E-bike. Winner’s choice!

Surprisingly, the painting went first, and we still had hope that we would win the electric bike. Nope! It went next. (By the way — thanks Cyclist Connection, for the generous donation.)

It was, without question, a beautiful day to ride a bike. I was happy to be there, and look forward to doing this ride again in the future.

If you are interested in helping to support Buckeye Lake Trails, helping to grow their legacy, consider supporting their endowment fund at Thrivent. Donations can be made payable to Bike Buckeye Lake Inc., and mailed to PO Box 523, Buckeye Lake, OH 43008. You are asked to write “endowment“ in the memo line.