PORTSMOUTH – TOSRV, said to be America’s oldest cycling event since 1962, is hosting a ride in the fall for the first time this year.

The TOSRV trip will take place on Saturday and Sunday this weekend (September 24-25). This year they will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of TOSRV (Scioto River Valley Tour).

“TOSRV was canceled last year, but for 58 years it’s been held in May every year,” said Wendi Waugh of Portsmouth Connex. “This will be the first time it will be done in the fall. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, the entity that hosts TOSRV, may be planning to do so in the fall on a permanent basis, giving many more people the opportunity to train and participate rather than having it in. spring when you haven’t had much time to get your drive miles on the road.

Waugh shared that she expects to have over 400 runners, some runners will start from Columbus and travel to Portsmouth, some runners will start from Portsmouth and travel to Columbus and a group of Connex runners plan to start in Portsmouth. stop at Chillicothe and return to Portsmouth.

When asked if there are a lot of runners doing this every year, except this year, Waugh replied that while she can’t speak statistically, she knows there are runners who have been participating for more. 30 years old.

Regarding the accommodation of runners here in Portsmouth, Waugh said some stay all over Portsmouth, some in hotel rooms, some stay in tents, some stay in the forest and many have historically stayed at the center of the friends or at Portsmouth High School and this year they are staying at Portsmouth High School. Waugh said many runners have met people over the years and stay with friends or other people they’ve met, or their families have met since they’ve been hiking ever since. many years.

“There really won’t be a crowd because people are arriving at all times and it’s an outdoor event, so worrying about COVID isn’t as bad as maybe other events,” he said. said Waugh. “The route the runners take is mostly down St. Rt. 104, it’s next to the main St. Rt. 23 road, and it’s just a nice ride.

Waugh concluded: “Connex is doing different things this year, we have an official finish line to welcome the riders in Portsmouth and we set it up on Tuesday at Mound Park just to test it. So we will have a finish line, there will be a live band at Three Bridges in Bonneyfiddle. There will also be vendors serving food for purchase. Then on Sunday morning there will be free yoga from the River Cities Adventure Company going to open there, they just aren’t open yet. Then, Mistro’s serves up hot burritos for purchase to keep runners on the go. “

For a little background, on TOSRV.org. He indicates that there are many rides, but only one is the classic of American cycle touring; TOSRV. The Scioto River Valley Tour began as a father-and-son outing in 1962, before becoming (at one point) the biggest cycling weekend in the country.

Pictured is Teresa Hicks crossing the finish line for TOSRV this weekend. Nathan Mullins and Logan Stringer are busy at work on the side post.

Yoga will take place on Sunday morning at 3 –Ponts. The public is welcome. Bring a mat and bring water.

Join Kimberly Jenkins (740)353-3101 ext. 1928

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