Scenic Irish Hills bicycle tour, Sept. 21

The Toledo Area Council of Hostelling International (HI-Toledo) hosts its 36th annual Irish Hills Bicycle Tour on Sunday, September 21, 2008 in Sylvania, Ohio. This Tour is one of only two left in HI-Toledo’s Bike Tour Season, with the Tombstone Bicycle Tour following on October 19, 2008.

The Irish Hills Bicycle Tour takes riders through the beautifully varied-terrain of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Riders may complete the tour at their own pace and choose from varying distances—10 miles, 31 miles, 65 miles, and 100 miles. This makes the ride ideal for both novice and experienced riders, and is a great opportunity for children. However, children under 16 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

While the shorter loops offer flat, scenic routes, the longer routes ride through rolling hills, passing farms and beautiful lakes. Fruit, snacks, and drinks are provided at rest stops along all four routes, and a lunch is provided for those on the 65- and 100-mile routes in Tecumseh, Michigan. Volunteers are always welcome to help at these rest areas throughout the day or in shifts.

Riders will be photographed with their bikes and will receive their photos at check-in at the end of the ride. Pictures of previous Irish Hills Bicycle Tours, as well as additional information regarding this year's Tour, can be viewed at http://iht.home.att.net

All four routes of the Irish Hills Bicycle Tour begin at Centennial Terrace at 5773 Centennial Road in Sylvania, Ohio. Registration will take place the day of the ride from 7:30am-10:00am, or by pre-registration before August 16, 2008. Registration forms and fee information is available at www.hitoledo.org.

The Irish Hills Bicycle Tour draws a mixture of riders from Northern Ohio, Southern Michigan, and even from across the country. All Bicycle Tours of the HI-Toledo Bike Season complement the organization's mission, which is to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling.

For more info, contact Nancy at: HI-Toledo, 419-536-4826.