Return to OHIO WHEELMEN home page.

This page was last modified on July 16, 2012.

The Wheelmen 2012 Annual Meet

July 19-21, 2012
University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio
Optional activities July 17, 18, and 22

Hosted by

OHIO WHEELMEN

The Ohio division of

45th Annual Meet Info

We'll take a look back 100, 125, and 130 years and feature Wheelmen machines and memorabilia from 1912, 1887, and 1882. 1912 was Findlay's centennial year and 1882 was a founding year of The University of Findlay.

Are you thinking about doing a fast century or your first century? Well, the rural area around Findlay is flat. Once away from Findlay, the traffic is light for most of the county and township roads we'll use.

How flat can flat be?

WHEELMEN! REGISTER FOR THE MEET!

Registration for WHEELMEN MEMBERS is open and you may use one of two ways to register. Visitors please read the next section below.

On-line registration is available at http://vark.us/oh. Look for the small menu at the very bottom of that page. Select the REGISTER ON-LINE and hit the GO button. After you register, don't forget to follow instructions to send your payment! The meet now includes a Kids Pizza-N-Soda-N-Veggie banquet for Saturday night in parallel with the regular banquet. If you want to register using the on-line form before it's modified, just make a note to that effect in the form and add $6 per child to your check.

A MAIL-IN FORM (rev 2) is available in PDF format. Wheelmen may print a copy, fill it out, and send it with the proper payment to the address on the form. Make your check or money order payable to OHIO WHEELMEN.
This registration form now includes the kid's banquet for Saturday night in parallel with the regular banquet.

If you have questions about the form or registration, please contact Richard DeLombard, Meet Director, at ohiowheelmencapt@gmail.com or Alison Torpey, Registrar, at gogreenlouisville@yahoo.com by e-mail.

VISITORS!

You are welcome to observe Wheelmen activities during the meet. In particular, the demonstrations scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday afternoon are excellent chances to learn about antique bicycles, adult tricycles, childrens' bicycles, and talk with Wheelmen members. A 3-hour time trial race of high wheel bicycles will be held Sunday morning.

What does it look like when 10 or 20 or 150 Wheelmen ride their high wheel bicycles? Read a newspaper article and see a video about the 2010 Annual Meet held in New Jersey. Come to Findlay this summer and see for yourself on Saturday afternoon!

Owning an antique bicycle is not a prerequisite for membership in The Wheelmen. Many Wheelmen do not own an antique bicycle but enjoy collecting memorabilia and ephemera from the pre-1918 bicycle boom era. You may also read more about The Wheelmen HERE.

Interested in joining The Wheelmen? Download a membership application. You can send in a membership form along with your Annual Meet registration form if you so desire!

Updates and New Stuff

New features of the meet will be highlighted here.

Why not consider riding to the meet as wheelmen did "back in the old days"? We know of three groups planning to ride to the meet. Groups will be starting from Ontario, Indianapolis, and Detroit and all groups will consider additional riders.
- Contact Glen Norcliffe to discuss joining the group from Kincardine, Ontario. Their route in the U.S. includes Sandusky, Fremont, Elmore, Bowling Green, and Findlay. They plan a century day on Wednesday, July 18 from Sandusky to Findlay.
- Contact Steve Carter to discuss joining the group from Plainfield, Indiana. Their route includes Plainfield, Indianapolis, Anderson, Muncie, Portland, Lima, and Findlay. Overnights at Anderson and Portland and they plan a century day on Wednesday, July 18.
The meet now includes a Kids Pizza-N-Soda-N-Veggie Banquet for Saturday night in parallel with the regular banquet. Some games, activities, and movies will be included. Young volunteers will be with the kids during this banquet in an adjacent room. Adult chaperones are also welcome. This kids banquet is only $6. If your registration form doesn't include this, just add a note and include an extra $6 per kid when you register.
We are establishing swimming times in the university swimming pool. The dates and times will be announced later, so bring your suit! There will be a charge per session of $2 to cover the lifeguard and pool costs.
On Saturday morning, we will be trying to establish a world record for the number of high wheel bicycles and riders in a stack. So, bring a high wheel bicycle to participate. If you can bring extra high wheel bicycles, please do so for others to use.

Preliminary Schedule (subject to many changes)

Our preliminary schedule is now available in a PDF format with forecasted times. Please keep in mind that events may be adjusted before the meet.

July 17
Tuesday

Optional - A Wheelmen Ride to the Meet group will be riding from the Indianapolis area. Starting date has not been established yet.
Optional - A Wheelmen Ride to the Meet group that starts in Ontario, Canada will arrive in Sandusky, Ohio on the Pelee Islander ferry.
Optional - Any other Ride to the Meet groups this year? Why not consider doing as Wheelmen did in the 'old days' and ride to the meet? You could join one of the other groups for the whole ride or the last day or two on their ride into Findlay. You could also be dropped off a day away from Findlay and ride in by yourself or with friends. For a real adventure, ride from home. Please inform the Meet Director if you plan to ride to the meet to ensure proper recognition.

July 18
Wednesday

Optional - Touring century round-trip tour from Findlay. This route will go through Bowling Green to Grand Rapids (canal boat and Memory Lane) and on to Napoleon before returning to Findlay. This will be an unsupported ride day to visit the sites. An alternative is to drive to Grand Rapids, visit the sites, and then riders can ride back to Findlay on their bicycles.
Optional - Touring century round-trip tour from Findlay. This route will go through Bowling Green and Woodville to Elmore before returning to Findlay. This will be an unsupported ride day to meet up with the Canadian and Detroit Ride to the Meet groups at about 12:00 p.m. An alternative is to drive to the route and let riders head back to Findlay on their bicycles with the Ride To The Meet group.
Optional - Wheelmen Ride To The Meet groups will be arriving in Findlay. These groups have ridden from Ontario (Canada), Indianapolis, Detroit, and Missouri.
Registration and century meeting

July 19
Thursday

Century Day in and around Hancock County and Findlay
26 mile laps will allow riders to accomplish a 26, 52, 78, and 104 mile rides
Non-rider activities on University of Findlay campus, in Findlay, and in Hancock County
Basic ordinary riding instruction & trick riding instruction
Junior Wheelmen Drill Team practice
Executive Board meeting

July 20
Friday

1912, 1887, and 1882 Machine and Memorabilia Discussion
Memorabilia showcase
Junior Wheelmen Drill Team practice
Swap meet and sale
Casual games
Findlay Bike Night downtown Findlay, Trick riding demo, History of Bicycles, Area bike shops, BMX bicycle demo, Bicycle-mounted police units
Junior Wheelmen Drill Team perform

July 21
Saturday

Wheelmen Annual Business meeting
Group Photo (period dress)
World Record attempt of high wheel stack
Official High Wheel Tour / Official Antique Safety Tour Ð Saturday afternoon
Public display and Public Demonstrations in Dorney Plaza
Junior Wheelmen Drill Team perform
Riding Instruction for Public; Hard Tire Safety, Ordinary, Boneshaker, etc.
Evening Banquet with presentations and awards
Kid's Pizza-N-Soda-N-Veggies and activities

July 22
Sunday

Church Services
Four-corner Ordinary Race for Three Hours (FORTH) at clay pits area south edge of Findlay from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon - Optional
Ride The Rails on a quarter-scale steam-engine train at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation. Take a look at one of their steam engines in operation. - Optional

Important Reminders

Sheets, pillows, towels, etc. are NOT supplied by the university. So, bring sheets for a standard TWIN SIZE bed and towels, etc. There are coin-laundry facilities in the dorm for our use.
The dorms are AIR CONDITIONED (as opposed to 1991) so bring a blanket if you will feel chilly (again, as opposed to 1991).
Dorms will be available for Tuesday and Wednesday nights before the meet for those wishing to arrive early and ride with us to Grand Rapids or explore around Findlay.
Self-contained, free-standing motorhomes will be allowed to park on campus. Please make a note in your registration if you need this service.

Volunteers Needed

Offers to help organize and work the meet will be gladly accepted. Please contact Richard, the Ohio Wheelmen Captain. To help with a session of registration at the meet, please contact Alison Torpey, the meet Registrar.

Timely Trivia and other Fun Stuff

Check on some fun activities related to the meet. A couple of trivia questions, songs from 1911, and an interactive puzzle. Take a look at the T-shirt design. Check it out!

1991 Wheelmen and IVCA Meet in Findlay

This meet was huge! Read about the meet on the Bowling Green, Ohio PBS station report about the meet and view their video trailer.

Here is a video overview of many of the meet's activities.

Here is a video overview of the meet's machines.

Findlay Bicentennial Information

Findlay Bicentennial Committee
Findlay & Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Other activities while coming to or leaving from the Meet

Bicycle Museum of America, New Bremen, Ohio - the name says it all (West of I-75, south of Lima)
Memory Lane Classics shop, Grand Rapids, Ohio - classic and antique bicycles and parts and other cool stuff (SW of Toledo)
Sauder Village, Archbold, Ohio - historic village and site of the Ohio Wheelmen's biennial Sauder Village Regional Meet (West of Toledo, just off the Ohio Turnpike)
Public Library, Elmore, Ohio - 1899 Elmore bicycle on display (SE of Toledo)
Toledo-area attractions
- Toledo Botanical Gardens
- Toledo Metroparks
- Toledo Mud Hens Baseball
- Toledo Museum of Art
- Toledo Zoo
- Memory Lane Classics shop, Grand Rapids, Ohio - classic and antique bicycles and parts and other cool stuff
- Sauder Village, Archbold, Ohio - historic village west of Toledo - site of the Ohio Wheelmen's biennial Sauder Village Regional Meet
- Public Library, Elmore, Ohio - 1899 Elmore bicycle on display
Sandusky-area and western Lake Erie Attractions
- Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio - amusement park between Toledo and Cleveland on the North Coast (Check for three old safeties in the museum in Frontiertown)
- Thomas A. Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan, Ohio
- Lake Erie Islands
  - Kelley's Island
  - South Bass Island and Put-In-Bay
Cleveland-area Attractions
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- A Christmas Story house - Yes, the "You'll shoot your eye out" and the "leg-lamp" house.
- Blossom Music Center, summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra and host of major concerts, is between Cleveland and Akron
- Ohio and Erie Canalway - 81 miles of Towpath Trail, train, canal boat between Cleveland and New Philadelphia
Dayton-area attractions
- Carillon Park, Dayton, Ohio - includes an exhibit of antique bicycles
- Wright Brother sites in and around Dayton, Ohio
- National Museum of the US Air Force near Dayton, Ohio
- Extensive Miami Valley RailTrails in Dayton area
- Kings Island, Mason, Ohio - amusement park near Cincinnati
Columbus-area attractions
- Center Of Science and Industry (COSI) , Columbus, Ohio - science center for the whole family in downtown Columbus
- Replica Santa Maria ship in the Scioto River (near COSI) - the world's most authentic, museum-quality replica of Christopher Columbus' flagship
Bardstown Road Bicycle Co., Louisville, Kentucky
Ruff Memorial Wheelmen's Bench , Louisville, Kentucky
Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta (South of Lima, just off I-75)
Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan - Display of antique bicycles. The Titanic - The Artifact Exhibition will be at the Ford Museum from April through September 2012. (Check their website for details and price.)

Ohio State attractions

Natural Wanderings - As you journey around Ohio, take time to wander off the beaten path.
Scenic Byways - Do you want to take a scenic route on your way to Findlay?
Miami and Erie Canal - Historic area south of Findlay
Historical Society - Would you like to visit more historical sites while you are in Ohio? By the way, Findlay is in the Northwest quandrant.
State Parks - Would you like to visit a state park or perhaps camp overnight?
Discover Ohio - Nearly everything in one spot!
Visit some period-appropriate Presidential memorials in Ohio. Read an on-line summary.
1. Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont. President Hayes was in office from 1877 to 1881.
2. James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor. President Garfield was in office for only 200 days in 1881 before being assassinated.
3. William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum in Canton. President McKinley was in office from 1897 to 1901. His assassination was accomplished with an Iver Johnson pistol.
4. William Howard Taft National Historic Site in Cincinnati. President Garfield was in office from 1909 to 1913.

FINDLAY HOTELS

The hotels near the I-75 exit 159 (U.S. Route 224) are within two miles of the University of Findlay. Here is a riding route to the campus.

University of Findlay Hotel List. The University of Findlay street address is 1000 North Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840.

I-75 exit near University of Findlay

COUNTRY INN & SUITES
903 Interstate Drive
Findlay, OH 45840
419-422-4200

DRURY INN & SUITES
820 Trenton Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
419-422-9700

HAMPTON INN
921 Interstate Drive
Findlay, OH 45840
419-422-5252

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
941 Interstate Drive
Findlay, OH 45840
419-420-1776 or 1-800-465-4329

QUALITY INN
1020 Interstate Court
Findlay, OH 45840
419-423-4303 or 1-800-672-7935

Findlay, further from University of Findlay

COMFORT SUITES
3700 Speedway Drive
Findlay , OH 45840
419-420-1212

EXTENDED STAY DELUXE
2355 Tiffin Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
419-425-9696 or 1-800-527-1133

FAIRFIELD INN
2000 Tiffin Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
419-424-9940

FINDLAY INN & CONFERENCE CENTER
200 East Main Cross Street
Findlay, OH 45840
419-422-5682

RED ROOF INN
1951 Broad Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
1-800-621-1429 or 419-424-0466

ROSE GATE COTTAGE BED & BREAKFAST
423 Western Ave.
Findlay, OH 45840
419-424-1940

SUPER 8 MOTEL
1600 Fox Street
Findlay, OH 45840
419-422-8863 or 1-800-800-8000

TRIPLE T BED AND BREAKFAST
6717 Township Road 215
Findlay, OH 45840
419-424-1417

TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT
2501 Tiffin Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
419-425-9545

Any questions about matters on this page, suggestions for improvements, offers to help on committees may be addressed with an e-mail to the Ohio Wheelmen Captain.

	We'll take a look back 100, 125, and 130 years and feature Wheelmen machines and memorabilia from 1912, 1887, and 1882. 1912 was Findlay's centennial year and 1882 was a founding year of The University of Findlay. Are you thinking about doing a fast century or your first century? Well, the rural area around Findlay is flat. Once away from Findlay, the traffic is light for most of the county and township roads we'll use.	How flat can flat be?

WHEELMEN! REGISTER FOR THE MEET! Registration for WHEELMEN MEMBERS is open and you may use one of two ways to register. Visitors please read the next section below. On-line registration is available at http://vark.us/oh. Look for the small menu at the very bottom of that page. Select the REGISTER ON-LINE and hit the GO button. After you register, don't forget to follow instructions to send your payment! The meet now includes a Kids Pizza-N-Soda-N-Veggie banquet for Saturday night in parallel with the regular banquet. If you want to register using the on-line form before it's modified, just make a note to that effect in the form and add $6 per child to your check. A MAIL-IN FORM (rev 2) is available in PDF format. Wheelmen may print a copy, fill it out, and send it with the proper payment to the address on the form. Make your check or money order payable to OHIO WHEELMEN. This registration form now includes the kid's banquet for Saturday night in parallel with the regular banquet. If you have questions about the form or registration, please contact Richard DeLombard, Meet Director, at ohiowheelmencapt@gmail.com or Alison Torpey, Registrar, at gogreenlouisville@yahoo.com by e-mail.

VISITORS! You are welcome to observe Wheelmen activities during the meet. In particular, the demonstrations scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday afternoon are excellent chances to learn about antique bicycles, adult tricycles, childrens' bicycles, and talk with Wheelmen members. A 3-hour time trial race of high wheel bicycles will be held Sunday morning. What does it look like when 10 or 20 or 150 Wheelmen ride their high wheel bicycles? Read a newspaper article and see a video about the 2010 Annual Meet held in New Jersey. Come to Findlay this summer and see for yourself on Saturday afternoon! Owning an antique bicycle is not a prerequisite for membership in The Wheelmen. Many Wheelmen do not own an antique bicycle but enjoy collecting memorabilia and ephemera from the pre-1918 bicycle boom era. You may also read more about The Wheelmen HERE. Interested in joining The Wheelmen? Download a membership application. You can send in a membership form along with your Annual Meet registration form if you so desire!


July 17 Tuesday	Optional - A Wheelmen Ride to the Meet group will be riding from the Indianapolis area. Starting date has not been established yet. Optional - A Wheelmen Ride to the Meet group that starts in Ontario, Canada will arrive in Sandusky, Ohio on the Pelee Islander ferry. Optional - Any other Ride to the Meet groups this year? Why not consider doing as Wheelmen did in the 'old days' and ride to the meet? You could join one of the other groups for the whole ride or the last day or two on their ride into Findlay. You could also be dropped off a day away from Findlay and ride in by yourself or with friends. For a real adventure, ride from home. Please inform the Meet Director if you plan to ride to the meet to ensure proper recognition.

July 18 Wednesday	Optional - Touring century round-trip tour from Findlay. This route will go through Bowling Green to Grand Rapids (canal boat and Memory Lane) and on to Napoleon before returning to Findlay. This will be an unsupported ride day to visit the sites. An alternative is to drive to Grand Rapids, visit the sites, and then riders can ride back to Findlay on their bicycles. Optional - Touring century round-trip tour from Findlay. This route will go through Bowling Green and Woodville to Elmore before returning to Findlay. This will be an unsupported ride day to meet up with the Canadian and Detroit Ride to the Meet groups at about 12:00 p.m. An alternative is to drive to the route and let riders head back to Findlay on their bicycles with the Ride To The Meet group. Optional - Wheelmen Ride To The Meet groups will be arriving in Findlay. These groups have ridden from Ontario (Canada), Indianapolis, Detroit, and Missouri. Registration and century meeting

July 19 Thursday	Century Day in and around Hancock County and Findlay 26 mile laps will allow riders to accomplish a 26, 52, 78, and 104 mile rides Non-rider activities on University of Findlay campus, in Findlay, and in Hancock County Basic ordinary riding instruction & trick riding instruction Junior Wheelmen Drill Team practice Executive Board meeting

July 20 Friday	1912, 1887, and 1882 Machine and Memorabilia Discussion Memorabilia showcase Junior Wheelmen Drill Team practice Swap meet and sale Casual games Findlay Bike Night downtown Findlay, Trick riding demo, History of Bicycles, Area bike shops, BMX bicycle demo, Bicycle-mounted police units Junior Wheelmen Drill Team perform

July 21 Saturday	Wheelmen Annual Business meeting Group Photo (period dress) World Record attempt of high wheel stack Official High Wheel Tour / Official Antique Safety Tour Ð Saturday afternoon Public display and Public Demonstrations in Dorney Plaza Junior Wheelmen Drill Team perform Riding Instruction for Public; Hard Tire Safety, Ordinary, Boneshaker, etc. Evening Banquet with presentations and awards Kid's Pizza-N-Soda-N-Veggies and activities

July 22 Sunday	Church Services Four-corner Ordinary Race for Three Hours (FORTH) at clay pits area south edge of Findlay from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon - Optional Ride The Rails on a quarter-scale steam-engine train at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation. Take a look at one of their steam engines in operation. - Optional