The large contingent of bicycle riders in this year’s Lakeside 120 gathered in Delaware, Ohio last Thursday morning for the 122-mile annual adventure.

BY PHIL WHEELER

The 2nd annual Lakeside 120 Founders bicycle ride took place last week, with a large group of intrepid riders and their support team making the 122-mile trek to Lakeside Marblehead.

The cyclists left St. Mary’s Catholic Church, next to Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, at sunrise.

It was an appropriate starting point. Two of the Lakeside founders of a century ago attended the university.

Overall, it took 6 hours and 31 minutes of actual riding time to complete the journey, mostly over back roads. A tailwind of 15 miles per hour helped accomplish the grueling trek, said the bicyclists.

“The event is designed to raise awareness of Lakeside, its history, and support this year’s charity, Cleveland Angels,” said event organizer Sean Gill, whose family helped to establish what is now Lakeside Chautauqua.

“This year, we also honored my great-great-grandfather, Samuel R. (SR) Gill,” said Gill. “He was instrumental in the Chautauqua movement at Lakeside. The youngest participant was a teenager, with the oldest bikers being in their 60’s.”

The Cleveland Angels charity helps foster families. Its mission is to walk alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship.