Join us for the 23rd Annual Pumpkinvine Bike Ride!
June 17, 2023
Beginning at Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen, Indiana.
Want to make a weekend of it? Add the Friday Thresher's Dinner Ride, on June 16th to your registration!
Pumpkinvine Bike Ride
Saturday-Only Ride*: $65
Enjoy a ride through Northern Indiana's rolling farm land on our 24, 37 and 50 mile routes.
24 Mile Route: ~95% on multi-use trail, with 2% grade most of the way. Check-in from 8 a.m. - 9: 30 a.m..
37 Mile Route: ~95% on multi-use trail, with 2% grade most of the way. Check-in from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m..
50 mile route: ~40% multi-use trail, ~60% country roads, mostly flat with some rolling hills. Check-in from 7 a.m. - 8 a.m.
SAG support will be provided for all routes during these times:
- Goshen, Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. (EDT)
- Emma, Westview Ball Diamonds (50-mile route only) 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. (EDT)
- Middlebury, Krider Garden: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (EDT)
- Shipshewana, Wolfe Building: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (EDT)
Friday Evening Dinner Ride
Friday & Saturday Ride Combo*: $80 Adults, $40 Children (under 14)
Get the complete Amish Country experience on our Friday night Dinner Ride. Meet at Woodlawn Amish Mennonite Church at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 16th for a 10-mile ride to the Carriage House where you will be served a delicious, authentic meal at an Amish home.
Space is limited to the first 100 riders, so register early to secure your seat at the table. You must register for the Saturday ride to participate in the Friday ride.
*No refunds after May 20
Volunteer
We're looking for passionate people to help us make this day a success!
Use the button below to volunteer with the Friends on the day of, or leading up to the ride.
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 Pumpkinvine Nature trail 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 PBR. 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.
- A roving sag will perform emergency repairs.
- Temperatures are normally moderate in June 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.
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- 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.
- are able to be aware of path hazards and of others on the path.
- 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.
- know road biking rules, like no more than 2 abreast
- 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
- This is why trails, like the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, are so important. We need safer and smoother options for recreational and commuter rides.
- know that wind and hills can build character or be a blessing.
