Pedals & Pour Overs: Celebrating World Bicycle Day in Knox County

Happy World Bicycle Day! World Bicycle Day is an official global observance celebrated annually on June 3 to recognize the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly means of transportation. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2018, the day highlights how cycling fosters environmental stewardship, personal health, community development and local connection.

Around here, we believe that any adventure can be made more fun with just two wheels. If you’ve been looking for a sign to dust off your bike, pump up the tires, and head outside, this is it.

We are officially challenging you to experience the Knox County Coffee Trail in a whole new way: by pairing your caffeine cravings with our incredible local bike trails. As you can see in this trail map our local geography naturally connects our charming villages and vibrant city with perfect, bite-sized "fuel stops" along the way.

Whether you are looking for a casual backroads road trip or an all-out trail ride, the destination remains the same: a joy-fueled adventure.

Choose Your Cruise: The Mileage Breakdown

You don't need to be a professional cyclist to tackle this challenge. Below is our suggested routes, you can easily customize your route based on your preferred mileage, starting points, and coffee cravings:

Owl Creek Trail: A Morning in Fredericktown

• The Route: Fredericktown’s Owl Creek Trail is a 1.5 mile trail located in the heart of the village. While it currently doesn’t connect with the entire Ohio to Erie Trail, it’s a great option for families wanting a quick trip or balancing busy itinerary.

• The Journey: Start your trip with a fuel stop at The Brickhouse Grind. Enjoy the patio as your gear up for the day or stay to create something from their Art Cafe Menu. If you left your bike at home, stop by The Shoppe on Main to rent one for the afternoon.

• The Reward: After your ride, stay for some shopping and dining on Main Street, or continue the outdoor adventures at the Ackerman Nature Preserve or the Kokosing Park Splash Pad.

The Heart of Ohio Trail: Centerburg to Mount Vernon (14 Miles)

• The Route: You can grab a quick pre-ride fuel-up at Half Baked Bistro (Centerburg) or Kolacheez Coffee Bar before hitting the path. Park and unload your bike at the Ohio To Erie Trail Mid-Point Selfie Station (N. Hartford Ave, Centerburg). Forgot your bike? Check out a rental from More Space at your Place, a great stop for trailside souvenirs.

• The Journey: Enjoy 14 miles of scenic, paved trail riding as you pass the highest point on the Ohio to Erie Trail and cruise right through Ariel-Foundation Park.

• The Reward: You'll land right at the CA&C Visitor Center in Mount Vernon, putting you right at the confluence of downtown, and just steps away from North Main Cafe, Happy Bean, or Half Baked Bistro (Mount Vernon).

The Kokosing Gap Trail: Mount Vernon to Gambier (5.9 Miles)

• The Route: Looking for something short, sweet, and family-friendly? This under-6-mile stretch is absolute perfection.

• The Journey: Start in downtown at the South Main Plaza Dog Fountain, the CA&C Visitor Center or at the "I Heart" Kokosing Gap Trail (KGT) sculpture at the Mount Vernon Ave. trailhead.

• The Reward: Follow the scenic Kokosing Gap Trail along the Kokosing River, and climb the hill into the beautiful village of Gambier to earn an iced latte at Wiggin Street Coffee. Take a cycling break along Middle Path and don’t miss the Caboose & Locomotive at the trailhead.

Kokosing Meets Mohican: Gambier to Danville (10 Miles)

• The Route: Roll out from Gambier and head east toward the "Gateway to Amish Country". The Kokosing Gap Trail connects to the Mohican Valley Trail right in the heart of Danville.

• The Journey: This peaceful 10-mile ride takes you past the gorgeous Howard Arch and rolling farm lands.

• The Reward: Celebrate finishing the trail challenge with a delicious stop at The Blonde Robin in Danville. After your refreshing stop, connect to the Mohican Valley Trail to continue on to the Bridge of Dreams, in Brinkhaven.

  *If you need a bike rental, visit our friends at Danville Outdoors.

Are you up for the challenge? Follow these steps to get started on your Knox County Coffee Trail Biking Challenge

1. Download Your Pass: If you haven't already, make sure your Knox County Coffee Trail digital passport is ready to go on your phone. Follow this LINK to sign-up for the FREE Knox County Coffee Trail Digital Pass.

2. Pack the Essentials: Helmet, water bottle, bike lock, and a safe pocket for your phone so you can check in at each stop. Don’t forget to visit Y-Not Cycling for all your tune up and bike gear needs.

3. Ride & Recharge: Pedal your way from village to city, make a purchase at each coffee fuel stop location and scan the QR code at the counters. Earn a sticker for completing three of the stops, and when you finish all eight stops visit us to pick up your limited edition Knox County Coffee Trail Tumbler!

4. Explore More: Each fuel stop, village and trail offers a unique experience. With endless shops, attractions and nature to explore, this challenge can be a day, two or more. We invite you to slow down and connect with each unique stop along the way.

   No matter how you choose to move today, whether you're spinning your pedals on the trail or cruising the winding country roads by car, we hope youradventure is packed with fresh air, local flavor, and plenty of joy.

   Where are you riding to first? Tag us in your trail photos using #VisitKnoxOhio, #BikeKnoxOhio and #KnoxCountyOHCoffeeTrail so we can cheer you on!