Bike Medina County kicks off 2025 slo roll program

BRUNSWICK — Cyclists rode on Brunswick's Plum Creek Greenway Trail on Thursday to launch Bike Medina County's slo roll program for the summer. A slo roll is a slower-paced bike ride that is about 8 to 10 miles. Organization president Beth Schnabel said each ride allows participants to explore a different part of Medina County. "People actually say things like, they live on the other side of the county, they never make it out here and it's kind of pretty over here," she said. Last year's program was successful with nearly 30 participants on some rides, Schnabel said. A slo roll is not just for exercise but for socialization. "When you're going slower, I can hear more conversations going on between people," she said. "Also, by going slow, it doesn't scare individuals who may not ride quite as much, or they're getting a little older, and they still want to ride." The following are upcoming slo rolls: Start at the Chippewa Yacht Club on Longacre Drive south of the Oaks Restaurant on June 20. There will be an ice cream social following the ride. The Wadsworth Blue Tip Loop will start at the Wadsworth Central Intermediate School on July 3. The Fair Loop Scoop starts on the Chippewa Rail Trail at 5700 Chippewa Road on July 17. Go from Brunswick Lake to North Park by starting in the Brunswick Panera parking lot on July 31. The Medina Historic Home Pedal starts at Lake Medina's state Route 18 entrance on Aug. 14. Start at the Medina County Career Center back lot on Aug. 28. Riders assemble at 6:15 p.m. each time, and rides start at 6:30 p.m. People can arrive early at 6 p.m. for free safety checkup and minor maintenance. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All riders must wear a helmet and bright clothes. Front and rear blinking lights are highly recommended by Bike Medina County. "They want to enjoy nature," Schnabel said. "Thank goodness Medina County is getting more and more trails so that we can keep people on trails in our beautiful parks." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.