HOWE — Riding the back roads of rural LaGrange County on a bicycle has become an annual event for hundreds of tri-state area residents.
The three-day Amishland and Lakes cycling event has been happening for 38 years. This year organizers expect around 800 participants for the Aug. 3, 4 and 5 ride.
The cycle circuits take riders through the back country lanes of Indiana and Michigan. The route is lined with bucolic scenes of livestock, farms, Amish buggies and lakes. Stops along the mapped routes, called SAGs, provide a place for riders to relax and enjoy a refreshing snack. The routes are meant to appeal to cyclists of all skill levels. Children younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Depending on which program bicyclists pay for, each day offers camping, showers, food, entertainment and activities for all participants. The campus of the Howe School plays host for the weekend and their dining hall is party central for dining, socializing, entertainment and registration.
Jeff Stearn-Gilbert has been a rider most of his life. “When I was younger, it was mainly to get around town. After I married, my brother-in-law renewed my interest. I have been riding ever since, around 20 years,” Stearn-Gilbert said. He even commutes to work, weather permitting, and he averages almost 100 miles per week. Although they live in the Elkhart area, Jeff and his family will be camping at the Howe School for a full weekend of family cycling.
“Our kids have grown up on bikes,” Stearn-Gilbert said. “My father-in-law is an avid biker. My son (15) has wanted to ride a century (100 miles) since he was 10, so this year I promised him we would do one together. For us, it is a great family event. All the post-ride activities are fun. Some Amish families along the route sell drinks or homemade food. It is so tempting to stop at every little stand, but you would never finish your ride.”
“I just started riding this year as part of what I refer to as my ‘get fit or die trying’ campaign after my husband started riding,” explained Mary Frenger. “Now I even cycle to work, so I average 50 or so miles a week.”
Frenger rides with her husband Adam and her father Bill Cavanaugh — both are avid cyclists.
“We love the Pumpkinvine trail and we also ride along country roads, city streets, you name it!” Frenger said. “This is my third Amishland and Lakes. I especially love the first day of the ride, it is very scenic. We live in the Elkhart area, so we drive home each day after the ride.
One of the senior riders at this weekend’s event has got to be George Buckingham. George has been riding for 70 years. He even competed in the Indiana 500 Bike Race back in his college days.
“I ride about 20 miles a week now,” Buckingham said. “This is our seventh year attending Amishland and Lakes.”
“We bring the whole family along, including grand kids,” he said. “The younger ones camp over the weekend. We love riding through the countryside and stopping to chat and buy baked goods from the Amish families along the way. It is so nice to ride in a group with friends and family. I highly recommend it, because it sure beats riding alone,” Buckingham said.
For further information, maps, and prices or to register for the Aug. 3, 4 and 5 ride, go to the website Amishlandlakes.com, or call (574) 387-6449.
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Bicyclists from the 2011 Amishland and Lakes bike tour pass a buggy on a rural road. amishland.smugmug.com
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