Bring the heat ... and PKR routes
plus more info
Wow, it’s gonna be hot.
It seems we avoided the rain and got heat instead. But we’re all cycopaths, right? BRING THE HEAT, BABY.
I’m happy to report that all the routes have been marked.
By the way — if you haven’t registered for this year’s ride, you still have time! Here’s the link.
And if you still don’t know what I’m talking about (or you’d like a reminder), here’s the quick and dirty:
What: An annual (self-supported) road ride with friends followed by eat/drink at our house in Mansfield
When: Sunday, June 22, 2025. Doors open at 8 a.m. Rollout at 9 a.m.
Where: We start and end at 451 Davis Road, Mansfield, OH 44907
How much: Free (donations of money and food and drinks are welcome)
Why: I adopted this free, annual bike ride from Jay Allred in 2024 because I believe riding bikes with others is an endeavor worth perpetuating. I'm inviting you because I think you feel the same way.
Should I RSVP? Yes please. This is the only way we know how much food to buy/prepare. Do that here.
Before I share links to the routes, a few notes.
1.) All three routes incorporate the "Lil Pecker" route. This is the precessional being led by my daughters and friends. They will lead us on a little quarter mile loop before we all head out.
2.) All three routes avoid Denman Road, out by Lexington by the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Instead of taking that chattery, gravelly, narrow road, we'll be taking the next road to the west: Ross Road. The course is marked, but please make this mental note.
3.) Holmes folks, please note that there are two sections on your route that are gravel roads. The first section is very small, but uphill. Most notable is Township Highway 3234. Loose in some spots on this road, well-packed on others.
*The links below are Strava links. But each are downloadable as TCX and GPX files to be compatible with your GPS units. (If you need help with this, just email me.)
**Half and Full pecker riders will be on the lookout for green arrows. Holmes folks, you will also have green arrows until the Mohican area. I ran out of green paint, so the arrows will turn orange.
Half Pecker: https://www.strava.com/routes/3370825556422403326
Full Pecker: https://www.strava.com/routes/3370828103160835898
John Holmes: https://www.strava.com/routes/3370831189302322606
PKR FAQ
Is the Peckerhead a supported race?
Nope. No timing chips, no aid stations. There will not be a sag wagon. This is a self-supported road ride through Ohio’s greatest country. Bring water, electrolytes and snacks in your saddle bags and pockets. Each route will pass the Duchess gas station in Bellville, where you can stop to refuel if you wish.
Any gravel on the routes?
None on the Half and Full Pecker routes. Just nice and smooth asphalt with the occasional pebbles and sticks and potholes and roadkill. There are some short sections of gravel on the John Homes route.
I know this is a free ride, but I want to contribute in some way. How can I do that?
Thank you! There are a few things you can do.
If finances are your thing:
1.) Become a paying member of Cycotherapy. Your support guarantees the continuation of this annual ride and this newsletter devoted to reminding you to have fun on your bike.
2.) You have my mailing address, so you could snail-mail a check. Write them out to “Dillon Carr.”
3. ) Send funds to my Venmo account: @Dillon-Carr-1
You can also bring a side dish for the food festivities after. Think cold, carb-heavy dishes like potato salad, pasta salad, beans, regular green salad, chips, dips, veggies, etc. Most cyclists also enjoy beer, so you could bring a six pack, too. Or you could bring non-alcoholic options, like Gatorade or other sports drinks.
If you bring something that requires refrigeration, we will likely store it in one of several large coolers until it’s time to eat. (Most cyclists will start showing up between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.)
I have a food allergy, how can I communicate with you on those specifics?
Please send me an email and we’ll make sure we have what you like. (brazdill DOT 25 AT gmail DOT com.)
Will there be merch to buy?
Not this year, sorry.
Where do I park?
Woodland Elementary School has ample parking in its lots on the north and east side of the property. When those are all taken up, you can park along the street at your own risk. The pic below shows the school’s lots.
Where do I pee and poo?
Well, on the route … you’re kinda on your own. Might I suggest a great buy: Sh*t Kit. It has everything you need when porta-johns aren’t available.
I request that you take care of business before you come over to PeckerHQ. But we will have a porta-john on the premise for those last-minute tinkles and pre-race rumbles.
Can I use your shower?
Probably not. We will provide a hose outside that you can use to sprinkle off if needed. If you need to change into dry clothes, let me know and we’ll work something out.
*Any other questions? Please don’t hesitate to send me an email or leave a comment.