Cycling for community

FINDLAY — After a five-year hiatus, the Hancock Horizontal Hundred bike event is returning to Findlay this Sunday, offering experienced cyclists and newcomers a unique way to end the summer. Now in its 51st edition, the HHH is being revitalized through Making Miles Matter, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to improving physical, mental and emotional wellbeing through movement and community. Known as the flattest 100-mile ride in Ohio, the HHH is a favorite for cyclists who are looking to go the distance without the strain of major hills or climbs. The event was created by the former Hancock Handlebars, a local cycling club that in its prime would welcome over 1,000 HHH riders annually. In 2019, however, the club disbanded due to uncertainties with the pandemic and aging founding members, putting the ride on hold. "A lot of the founding members were getting up there in age and it was a lot to handle," Making Miles Matter organizer Brandon Glomski said. "With the uncertainty of COVID, they decided to cease as an organization, which meant the ride would go away as well. They rode religiously every single year at the end of summer and it was an event a lot of cyclists looked forward to." Today, Making Miles Matter has taken over the HHH and has given it a brand-new mission. The event now serves as a fundraiser to support future initiatives spearheaded by the nonprofit, similar to efforts made by Handlebars in the past. "I think there's a lot of nostalgia for individuals that have done it in previous years," Glomski said. "A lot of our current riders that are scheduled for this weekend are actually some of the old handlebar members." This year, the HHH offers four different route options to accommodate all skill levels: 15 miles, 30 miles, 62 miles (metric century) and 100 miles (full century). Riders will take off at the University of Findlay, at 316 College St. in Findlay, with the 100-mile century ride departing at 7:30 a.m., and all other routes at 8:30 a.m. The 15-mile route is free to ride and is designed to be inclusive, for families, casual riders and anyone who wants to join in. "If you own a bike, come ride with us," Glomski said. "There are a lot of new cyclists that either don't have the experience or the endurance to be able to do those types of rides, so we wanted to be able to appeal to them as well and that's why we introduced the 15 and the 30." For more experienced riders, the 100-mile century offers cyclists a chance to test their physical and mental limits. "I think mentally we're weaker than we are physically," Glomski said. "With the 100-mile, we're able to allow our bodies to do what they're meant to do, what they're capable of doing, and I think that does something for us mentally, that really can ignite motivation in other areas of your life as well." All routes are fully supported with marked roads, staffed rest stops, stocked food and water, support and gear (SAG) vehicles and a complimentary lunch. Participants also receive a goodie bag and raffle tickets for a chance to win additional prizes, including gift cards, a $500 car detailing package, and even a new bicycle donated by Stout Cyclery. The event is set to kick-off with a pre-ride party at Community Core Wholesale, located at 721 W. Hardin Street., from 4 p.m. to midnight. The event will include live music, food trucks, outdoor games and beverages. Both cyclists and the community are encouraged to attend. After Sunday's ride, participants can relax at the after-party, where riders, community members and local businesses such as Stout Cyclery and Further Bikes will be in attendance. "I want the people to get to know their fellow cyclists in the community," Golmski said. "I think there's a lot of misunderstanding about cyclists and what organized cycling looks like. A lot of our initiatives here in 2026 are educating and training for cycling efficiently and safety that will benefit both people that are driving on the road as well as cyclists that are riding on the road." Proceeds from the ride will help launch the Van Buren Mountain Bike Initiative, a project by Making Miles Matter designed to revitalize local trails and expand biking opportunities in the region. Looking ahead, the organization hopes to create weekly community rides, educational programming and collaborative events with UF. Interested riders can still sigh-up for all route options, with the organization seeking additional volunteers as well. For more information, visit www.hancockhorizontalhundred.com.