Duncan’s Run Bicycle Patch Ride July 9

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On Saturday, July 9, bike riders from all over central Ohio will be at the John Beltz Retreat on Harlem Road in Harlem Township for the sixth annual Duncan Run Bicycle Patch Ride.

In 2011, Tom Nied and Vicki Tieche came up with the idea of a bicycle patch ride to raise money for the community’s Harlem Township Days in August.

Nied has been the ride’s director every year; and Tieche picked the name Duncan’s Run for the ride, commemorating the largest creek in Harlem Township and the centuries-old tale that the original owner of part of Harlem Township, a man named Duncan, defaulted on payment for the land – and ran.

There are several route and distance options — from a 15-mile bike ride to at least 75 miles. The ride has grown from 75 participants in 2011 to 157 riders in 2015 – most taking the longest route.

The Duncan Run Bicycle Patch Ride is a fully supported ride, with rest stops with restrooms and snacks at Condit Presbyterian Church and at Branstool Orchards on the north side of Utica. SAG wagons will assist riders needing help.

There is also an end-of-the-ride luncheon at Beltz Retreat from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunchtime entertainment provided by Columbus music legend Arnett Howard.

Harlem Township Heritage hosts the Duncan Run Bicycle Patch Ride with all funds raised by the ride used to provide entertainment and activities at the annual Harlem Township Days — this year on Aug. 20 and 21.

The ride begins and ends at the John Beltz Retreat, 4834 Harlem Road. Registration is from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The first 100 registered riders will receive a commemorative Duncan’s Run patch.

By Lenny C. Lepola

For The Gazette

Lenny C. Lepola can be reached at 614-266-6093. Email: [email protected].

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