Recovery — It’s a ride, not a race

On Saturday, Aug. 23, everyone is invited to support OneEighty’s recovery services by joining the 15th annual Break the Cycle. Ride or walk in Wayne or Holmes counties to help break the cycle of addiction. The event is not a race and is centered around the mission to reduce the stigma surrounding the issues of substance-use disorder and addiction and to support the treatment/prevention services offered at OneEighty.

Break the Cycle honors individuals on their recovery journey and pays tribute to lives lost to addiction. An individual can choose between three bike routes: a Holmes County Trail bike ride or walk the trail and a 5k walk in downtown Wooster. The bike ride consists of either a 24-, 50- or 72-mile ride through the scenic countryside of Wayne and Holmes counties. Each route varies in elevation and level of fitness.

Holmes County Trail, also known as Rails to Trails, includes asphalt trails that are typically flat or gently sloping, with no vehicles sharing the road. This ride is for beginner and intermediate riders or families who like to ride together.

Participants also can partake in a casual 5k walk on the Holmes County Trail or a 5k walk through historic downtown Wooster and visit OneEighty's Main Office and Recovery Club.

Christy VanSickle, OneEighty’s director of development and marketing, said before the event at the fairgrounds, a person in recovery will speak about their journey. Participants also will learn how many individuals were lost in Wayne County last year from an accidental drug overdose.

“We are using the traditional symbol of roses to represent the lives and most importantly the loved ones lost this past year to an overdose,” VanSickle said. “Traditionally, roses and crystals are used to celebrate a 15th anniversary. Roses represent commitment, love, gratitude, courage, and perhaps fittingly so, red roses represent the strength of love that transcends life.”

Preregistration for the event is $40 and closes at noon on Friday, Aug. 22. Day-of registration is $50. Children age 12 and under can walk with the 5k or ride the trail for free. Start times vary according to event. The 72-mile and 50-mile rides will begin at 7:30 a.m., the 24-mile will begin at 8:30 a.m., the Holmes County Trail ride will begin at 8 a.m., and the Wooster and Millersburg 5k events will begin at 9 a.m. Refreshments and a hot lunch are included.

The bike rides are SAG-supported. SAG stands for Support and Gear and refers to a vehicle that follows a cycling group to provide assistance and supplies. SAG vehicles, also known as SAG wagons, are crucial for safety and convenience during long or challenging rides. They carry essential items like spare parts, food, water and first-aid supplies and also can transport riders who need to drop out due to injury, fatigue or mechanical issues.

Sponsors and volunteers are always welcome. For sponsorship levels, call VanSickle at 330-804-4402. For volunteer opportunities, call Dwight Sprang, volunteer coordinator, at 330-264-8498.

VanSickle said it’s important to note the event is not a race. She said the significance of this is recovery is a personal, ongoing journey that does not have a fixed endpoint like a race would. There may be detours and challenges along the way, yet it is the continual progress forward that is what counts.

The event’s presenting sponsors are Hometown Advocates — Mathur Family and Steve and Cheryl Shapiro. Its business sponsors are Rea Business Advisors, The J.M. Smucker Company and Wayne Insurance Group.

“A donation of $15 in honor of our 15th anniversary or $51 in honor of 51 years of OneEighty in our community is another great way to support this event,” VanSickle said.