On May 14 and 15, 2011, 43 dedicated and hard working bicyclists traveled the entire length of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail to raise much needed funds for the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. The FIRSTMERIT Towpath Trail Century Ride provides bicyclists with an opportunity to experience the 101 miles of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, including some yet to be developed sections of the popular trail. All of the members of the FIRSTMERIT Towpath Trail Century Ride secured pledges of at least $1,000, through pledges per mile, for the development of the Towpath Trail. All of the bicycle riders received a complimentary, custom designed bicycle jersey, limo shuttle service, snacks, lunch, bicycle support and personal massages at lunch and at the end of each day.

The adventure began at the Lake Avenue Trailhead in Massillon and Waterworks Park in New Philadelphia, as the bicycle riders gathered in the early morning light and prepared for the drive to the northern terminus of the Towpath Trail in the Cleveland Flats along the banks of the Cuyahoga River.  The bicycle riders toured the proposed route of the Towpath Trail in the Cleveland area and then rode to the Richard Howe House for lunch, in Akron, Ohio.  The FIRSTMERIT Towpath Trail Century Ride bicycle riders experienced new sections of the Towpath Trail, including the Floating Boardwalk across Summit Lake and concluded the first day at Lake Avenue Trailhead, in Massillon.  For the one-day century riders, they concluded their ride at Waterworks Park in New Philadelphia, Ohio.  On Day Two, the team of adventurers drove to New Philadelphia's Waterworks Park, and with a Sheriff's escort, the bicyclists toured the proposed route of the Towpath Trail in Tuscarawas County and concluded the day at Lake Avenue Trailhead, in Massillon, Ohio.

It was a wonderful experience for the members of the FIRSTMERIT Towpath Trail Century Riders, and a very successful fundraiser for the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition.
As Allan Krulak, Vice President with Forest City Enterprises stated, "This is a great opportunity to experience the natural, historical and recreational resources along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.  We are getting a chance to see new sections of the Towpath Trail and the proposed route of the trail.  This is a wonderful event and a great way to experience the Ohio & Erie Canalway."  Through their hard work and the generous support of their donors, over $45,000 was raised for the continued development of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.  Special thanks to FIRSTMERIT, Ernie's Bicycle Shop, Cleveland MetroParks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, Stark Parks and the Tuscarawas County Park Department for their generous support.

Plans are underway for the 2012 FIRSTMERIT Towpath Trail Century Ride on May 19 and 20, 2012, with 2 options for bicycle riders, including a 1-day 101-mile ride and a 2-day event.  The event is open to the first 75 bicycle riders, so if you are interested in joining us, please contact Dan Rice at (330) 374-5657 or drice@ohioeriecanal.org to sign up.  All bicycle riders pledge to raise at least $1,000 in pledges for the Towpath Trail.