COLUMBUS, Ohio – More than 7,000 cyclists are ready to head out from three locations Saturday morning for the sixth annual Pelotonia, a bike tour that has raised millions of dollars for cancer research at OSU.
EXTRA: Map of Pelotonia routes
Race organizers announced a second downtown starting location at McFerson Commons in the Arena District to relieve congestion at the start of the ride.
The 100- and 180-mile rides begin at 7:00 a.m. at the Columbus Commons as in years past.
The 75-mile ride will start at Pickerington High School North at 7:30 a.m.
NEW: The 25- and 50-mile rides now begin at McFerson Commons at 8:00 a.m.
Downtown drivers should watch for bicycle traffic Friday for registration and the opening ceremony.
11:00 p.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday – Rich Street closed for event staging between S. High and S. Third streets
Motorists are reminded to watch for cyclists on various roads including S. High Street, Dering Avenue, Parsons Avenue, Corr Road, Lockbourne Road, Williams Road, Groveport Road, Bixby Road, Ebright Road, Shannon Road, Gender Road, Wright Road, Bowen Road and through Pickerington, Blacklick, New Albany, Johnstown and on to the Mt. Vernon area.
Organizers say Pelotonia raised more than $61 million for research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center- James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute in its first five years.
According to the event website, more than $11 million has been raised so far this year.