Come for the routes. Stay for the pie.
Join us for the 25th annual Pumpkinvine Classic! A scenic bike ride through Northern Indiana that brings together families, casual cruisers, serious cyclists, and one of the best riding communities around. The ride supports the development and care of the Pumpkinvine Trail. Whether you're in it for the miles, the views, or just a good ride and a slice of pie, there’s a route for you.
240 U.S. 20, Middlebury, IN 46540
Schedule
Friday, September 11
4–7 p.m. : Early check-in, packet pickup and live music. Riders who check in on Friday will be eligible for giveaways announced on Saturday.
10 p.m. : Fireworks at Das Dutchman Essenhaus
Saturday, September 12
7–9 a.m. : Day-of registration, check-in and packet pickup.
8–9 a.m. : Rolling start for all routes.
11 a.m.–4 p.m.: Hot meal served at the ride finish.
4–6 p.m.: Riders finishing during this time will receive a hot meal in a carryout box.
No meals will be served after 6 p.m. Please plan your ride accordingly.
Useful Links
2026 Ride Routes
Click the links below for more information on each routes, including maps, descriptions and navigation downloads.
Road Routes
Part on-road, part on-trail—these routes offer a little of everything for riders looking for an adventure.
Trail Routes
All trail, all the way—these routes offer a smooth, scenic ride from start to finish.
What's Included
- Catered Amish-style lunch with homemade pie at the finish
- Supported rest stops with snacks, hydration, and dietary options (vegan/gluten-free)
- Optional event t-shirt to purchase with early registration
- Proceeds from your ticket help to sustain and grow the Pumpkinvine Trail Network.
What to Expect: Experience Northern Indiana in a New Way
A combination of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and country roads, the paved routes take you through a patchwork of fields, shaded trail segments, and rural towns. This is Northern Indiana: flat(ish), fast(ish), and a great place to spend a Saturday on two wheels.
Make a weekend of it with events happening all around the area:
- September 11-12
- Middlebury Fall Festival – Live music, food, family activities
- Love Comes Softly Musical, at the Blue Gate Music Hall
- September 11
- Gabby Barrett live at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
- September 12
- Football: Notre Dame vs. Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium
- Bristol Corn Dog Festival – Corndogs: Need we say more?
- Gladys Knight live at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
- Arts on the Millrace, Goshen
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are you offering the Friday night Thresher's Dinner ride this year?
A. While we are not offering the Friday night dinner ride this year, we are providing an Amish-style meal after the Classic. Packet pick-up and fireworks are scheduled on Friday evening at the Das Dutchman Essenhaus campus. Looking for more to do? There are lots of wonderful local events and festivals happening the same weekend in both Elkhart County & LaGrange County!
Q. Are there places to camp along the trail?
A. One RV campground in Goshen is connected to the Pumpkinvine through a connector trail at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds. Please be aware that the connector is crushed limestone.
Want to join the fun without riding?
We're looking for volunteers! Slots are available at Essenhaus and as rest stop attendants throughout the day. Training and a volunteer t-shirt will be provided. If you or someone you know would like to help, please follow the link below. Volunteers make events like this possible and we appreciate your consideration and time!
Pre-Ride Checklist
Here is a list of things you find helpful before you ride. If you have more ideas for the checklist let us know, we might add them.
Bike Equipment
- Brakes, gears, cables
- Wheels – wheels, tire pressure, spokes, axles
- Handlebars, seat
- Water bottle, water reservoir pack
- Bike lights
- Bike bag: tools, spare tires, small bike air pump, plastic bag, rag snacks
Clothing & Protection
- Extra change of clothes for after the ride, especially socks
- Check the weather – we’ll still have the ride in a light rain
- Light windbreaker or rain jacket
- Biking shorts, shirt
- Helmet, biking gloves
- Sunglasses, sunscreen
Energy & Hydration
- Snacks – extra snacks for between SAGs
- Plastic bag to keep your snack trash from gunking up your pockets
Training
- Check all gear and go for a 10+ mile bike ride 2-4 weeks before the ride.
Tools & Tips
Ride Rules
- A parent or legal guardian must sign for and accompany children age 17-and-under.
- All riders must wear helmets. A CPSC or SNELL approved or equivalent helmet must be worn by all bicyclists.
- All riders are required to respect traffic signs and rules of the trail network and public highways.
- There will be two-way traffic on the trail so try to stay to the right so faster riders or on-coming riders can pass safely.
- Be attentive. There may be others on the trail (bikers/pedestrians/families) who are not taking part in the ride. They may not be aware of our rules.
- This is a family-friendly ride and not a race. We reserve the right to ban without refund anyone who behaves dangerously, obscenely or rudely.
Equipment, Repairs, Clothing
- Your bicycle must be in good repair. Bring extra tubes, air pump, tire repair kit, tools, etc.
- Several support vehicles will be available throughout the ride to assist with unexpected mechanical issues and other rider needs.
- Temperatures are normally moderate in September but be prepared for anything from chilly to hot. Rain gear may also be needed.
Assumptions For All Riders
- can be flexible when it comes to routes.
- Routes could change the day of the ride if there was a recent storm or major changes to road or trail conditions.
- have recently ridden your bike at least 75% of the distance you plan to ride.
- When you ride this distance you discover the condition of your bike, your body and your gear.
- know basic biking rules, like ride on the right, pass on the left, use a bell or sound to alert people when you are advancing from behind, ride no more than two abreast.
- are able to be aware of path hazards and of others on the path.
- understand this is a rain or shine event*. Please dress accordingly.
- will bring a good water supply and a “just-in-case” snack.
- Water bottles or bladders, like Camelbaks, are a must. Avoid dehydration or becoming peckish as it is difficult to recover while riding.
- understand that road budgets are limited, therefore county roads can seem rough, have potholes and gravel/road hazards may exist if you choose to ride on road routes
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- This is why trails, like the Pumpkinvine, are so important. We need safer and smoother options for recreational and commuter rides.
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- know that wind and hills can build character or be a blessing.
*Exceptions may be made for extreme or severe weather.
