PORTSMOUTH- In recent years, bicycling has been growing in popularity, both on hillsides and on the streets. Groups like Portsmouth Connex have been striving to make the sport more social and mainstream in Portsmouth again, with an entire season of events to draw people out and about.

This was emphasized, once again, as Connex joined as partners of the Tour of the Scioto River Valley (TOSRV) bicycling event, which took last weekend for the 63rd year with even more registered riders than Connex’s Wendi Waugh can remember in recent years.

The bike ride had six route options, three starting points, and was the longest-running century ride of the nation.

“Riders can start in Columbus and ride to Portsmouth, and then stay at Portsmouth High School overnight and head back,” Waugh said of the ride prior to launch. “However, there are many options.”

Connex participated in the ride by leading a group of 15 riders starting in Portsmouth, going to Chillicothe and back. They also encouraged riders who didn’t believe they were ready for that long of a distance to potentially join Connex in Chillicothe or even Waverly and ride down. These options gave people 55-mile or 30-mile opportunities.

Waugh said the point of the event is to meet riders where they are and engage them, however they may feel comfortable.

“There are all kinds of rides options,” Waugh said prior to the ride. “We advertise the six options and three starting points, but, honestly, you can start wherever you’re comfortable and go from there—whatever it takes to get that rider to cross the finish line and feel comfortable. If this is your first event, at least you accomplished something by starting somewhere.”

Waugh accomplished 104 miles herself, leaving from Portsmouth and making it to Chillicothe and back. It had her reflecting on the changes made over recent years.

TOSRV organized the third installment of Party in the Park at Three Bridges Park, just at the west end of Second Street. There will be a DJ and other attractions for the community and riders to enjoy once they arrive in Portsmouth.

The party welcomed riders and the community at Three Bridges Park to celebrate celebrate. A DJ was spinning tunes, the Brew Pub was there with DORA bracelets and beer for purchase. There was also pizza by the brewery for the riders. Guests also floated back and forth between St Mary International Festival.

Despite the longevity of the ride, this year’s event was called The Last Revolution.

“I’ve never seen so many people invade the park, the Brewing Company patio; there were people and bikes everywhere, it was amazing. I am so very disappointed that this was the last year. I ‘ve talked to so many riders who have said they were just getting used to it being moved to September,” Waugh said. “They have raved about how they no longer have the endure the wind and rain of spring. The September date was awesome. I captured the most beautiful sunrise Saturday morning than I’ve ever seen while riding. Riders leaving Portsmouth on Sunday had a totally different experience, because the fog in Portsmouth was so thick and last up until 11 a.m. I saw posts all over Facebook of people asking about fog pictures because it was so beautiful. This year was beautiful and wrapped up TOSRV in a magical way.”

Waugh hopes to continue something of similar fashion in the future.

“I think TOSRV as we know it may not exist in the future, but I think there will be some version of it occur,” Waugh said. “Regardless, this will be the last one where riders will be able to come all the way from Columbus to Portsmouth, spend the night, and go back the next morning.”

Despite this, Waugh said that she has heard there are more riders registered this year than there have been in recent years. In addition to that, she says no less than 50 locals registered.

“I’m very sad about it, to be honest. 63 years. There has been a lot of history and cool things that have occurred to our city and people over those years,” Waugh said. “TOSRV has meant a lot to our community over the years, in terms of visitors and tourism. It has been a staple on the murals that represent our city; it is part of this community. There aren’t many people who haven’t seen the ridders, welcomed them to the community, and recognized them as part of an important tradition.”

Despite the news of the longest-running bike event in the United States undergoing massive changes, Waugh isn’t letting it be a complete negative.

“Of course it is sad, but with endings come new beginnings and I’m looking forward to the future of cycling,” Waugh said.