Lakeside 120 Bicycle Ride

On Thursday, July 13, over 60 cyclists will ride into Lakeside’s East Second Street Gate to the Pavilion Circle, completing their 120-mile journey from Ohio Wesleyan’s campus in Delaware, Ohio.

Started by Lakesiders Sean Gill and Brian White during the pandemic, the Lakeside 120 aims to honor Lakeside’s history and bring more people through its gates.

In past years, the ride has honored founding members of Lakeside, including Gill’s great-great-grandfather, Samuel Richard Gill. This year, they will continue to pay homage to Lakeside’s origins by beginning their journey on Ohio Wesleyan’s campus, where two of the founders of Lakeside attended school. For the fourth inaugural Lakeside 120 ride, celebrating Lakeside’s 150th Anniversary is a top priority.

The Lakeside Sesquicentennial logo is featured prominently on this year’s jersey, which is blue and orange to ensure the cyclists stay safe and recognizable. The jersey, which is mandatory for all cyclists, will also feature a map of their route on one sleeve and a “x4” patch on the other.

When describing the jersey, Gill also spoke about cyclists all over the country and the globe sporting the jerseys, from Columbus to California and even in Kenya.

“It’s really great how far it reaches,” he said. That reach helps bring people to Lakeside, and Gill estimates that just this year the ride will draw over 100 people between the cyclists, ride team and their families.

The ride also supports Ohio charity the Cleveland Angels, which helps generate money for foster families. Each cyclist donates at least $15 to the Cleveland Angels, and spectators and families are invited to consider donating as well.

“We’re not a charity,” Gill said speaking on how the Lakeside 120 gives back to the community, “but we want every bit of money we take in as registration to go to the Cleveland Angels. That’s our final goal.”

Help welcome the cyclists at the end of the Lakeside 120 as they ride through the East Second Street gate, down Second Street, and into the Pavilion Circle around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13. For more information, visit lksd120.com.