More info on this year's PKR ride
the Lil Pecker, routes, and a question from a fellow cycopath
Hello fellow cycopaths.
Holy cats, how is it the end of April already? I’m not sure where the time has gone. Somehow, this semi-weekly newsletter became a once monthly periodical.
Nevertheless, some business.
First up: PKR25. We have seven Saturdays before this year’s ride and there are 20 of you who have signed up so far. That’s pretty good, but I know there are more of you out there who need to register. Do that by clicking the green button below.
And here’s an announcement. This year, we will introduce the Lil Pecker, a miniature version of the ride we love. Here’s how it will work.
Before the start of the ride, the littles (or bigs who don’t or can’t ride the whole thing) will lead us on a small route to the start line. A precession of sorts. They will then peel off to the side and let us all get on with our hammering.
Here’s a very low-tech illustration.
We will still have three routes. They will likely be super similar to routes in previous years, and they will be marked in the same way — a circle and arrow. Here are links to the routes from last year to give you an idea of what to expect.
1.) Half Pecker 2024
Just under 37 miles and around 1,800 feet of climbing, this is a good route for those of us cycopaths who might have something else to do that day. The route takes you out to the back hills of Lexington and Bellville, and then you take a straight shot back to PKRHeadquarters via the B&O rail trail. Nice and easy. But still relatively challenging.
2.) Full Pecker 2024
This is for those of us who wanna push, but also want an easier finish along the B&O. Just under 65 miles and 4,100 feet of climbing, it’s sure to put your endurance and hubris to the test. Beautiful scenery full of peckerheady climbs through Bellville and Butler.
The big dog. Coming in at 78 miles and 7,200 feet of climbing, the John Holmes goes out to all the frikin’ crazies who can’t get enough suffering in the saddle. This is the only route of the Peckerhead that contains some gravel roads. Loose stuff. So bring your rigs that allow for wider tires. This is still a road ride, though. So don’t go full spirit-of-gravel on us and wear your beenies and flannels.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message directly in Substack’s instant messenger. You can also email me. (brazdill DOT 25 AT gmail DOT com.)
Slightly related topic before I sign off:
One of our cycopaths posed a question recently. He wanted to remain anonymous, but I’ll include the question in its entirety here. It’s been redacted to keep some level of anonymity.
I am writing you on behalf of the (Made Up Bike Club Name) and I am the Vice President. We have always had liability insurance for our club, especially when we did the (One Annual Ride.) It has gotten very expensive and our club doesn't have the finances we had in the past. Since Jay and now you have organized the Peckerhead for many years, can you provide any information or insight into insurance for activities like this? Our club is an LLC but none of us are lawyers and they are probably more expensive than insurance. LoL See you at the Peckerhead! Thanks!
I told him I don’t have much experience obtaining insurance for events. And maybe Jay did at one point with PKR, but I haven’t yet. (Maybe I should??) Perhaps I’m showing my hand here, and I’d gladly entertain different thoughts, but I always thought the way around obtaining insurance was through getting every participant to sign a waiver that essentially says “I won’t sue if I fall off my bike.”
But I’m always open to new approaches. Anyone have experience with this? Please let us know in the comments. Or just email me or open up a chat with me and I’ll share the answers in another post.
PKR25
If you’re new here, first of all: welcome! We love bikes here. We also love riding them, so we organize an annual ride and then eat/drink together afterward. It’s a hoot.
Here are more details.
What: Peckerhead 2025 (Self-supported)
When: June 14, 2025
Where: We start and end at 451 Davis Road, Mansfield OH 44907
How much: Free (donations welcome)
Why: Because.
Should I RSVP? Yes you should. Click the button below.
So far, there are 20 brave souls who have signed up for PKR25. Will you be the 21st?
P.S. Deep thanks to Eric at Y-Not Cycling & Fitness for his financial support in this year’s PKR. We can’t do this without that support. If you’re moved to support PKR in this way, and want more details, send me a message.
Catch up on what the heck PKR is with links below.
