Champion – WOW 2014 – World Of Wildlife Bicycle Tour – will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2014. The tenth year for this event includes 20-, 40- and 68-mile routes. Riders will use the Trumbull and Ashtabula County portions of the Western Reserve Greenway for most of their miles, especially the 20- and 40-miles routes. The first and last miles use public roads. Event registration will occur at the Trumbull Campus of Kent State University in Champion, 7:30-10 a.m. The deadline for advanced registration is May 17, 2014, including T-shirt orders. Day-of registrations are welcome.
The Greenway passes through large sections of premier wetlands, home to much wildlife and many species of rare and endangered plant life. Riders might see a ground hog, deer, river otter, beaver or, for those really observant, a bald eagle or native black bear. Participants will also pass through the Mosquito Lake Wildlife Area where an observation deck has been erected by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Food and beverages will be provided at rest stops along the route and at the conclusion of the ride. Western Reserve Greenway Bike Patrol volunteers will assist riders along the route. Ride proceeds benefit the Trumbull County portion of the Western Reserve Greenway Phase Four. Ride organizers are conducting a raffle to raise additional funds, with prizes donated by Bike Nashbar, one of the event sponsors, and other area merchants and organizations. Tickets will be available at registration. Prizes will be drawn the day of the ride, but winners need not be present. For more information, a registration brochure and directions, visit our website at http://trumbullmetroparks.org/pages/WOW, or phone 330-647-3666.
