LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — With just less than 1,000 bicyclists expected to convene on London for the annual Redbud Ride next weekend,  local and out-of-state cyclists are warming up their wheels on Laurel County’s roadways in preparation.  The fifth annual Redbud Ride will take place on April 20-21, launching from a blooming downtown London to the scenic roadways leading into Jackson and Rockcastle counties.

Kristen and Nathan Dinges of Indianapolis, Ind., visited Laurel County a month ago to ride the “Green Route,” a 70 mile intermediate course of rolling hills and farm-scattered valleys, on a tandem bicycle.  Amongst the beauty of the outdoors, the couple began to appreciate the local definition of a “hill.”

“We didn’t know you had a different definition of hills here; you have mountains,” Kristen Dinges said. “It was our first time riding in Kentucky. We usually ride all around the state of Indiana. (In Kentucky,) it’s a lot more challenging than riding through a cornfield and there’s all kind of scenery.”

The longest route of the Redbud Ride, or “Red Route,” is 102 miles.  Moderate and beginner cyclists are offered a Yellow Route of 23 miles and an Orange Route of 38 miles.  A casual pace is encouraged for all riders, but for those enthusiasts tackling the Green and Red Routes, like local Keith Cottingim, they can’t seem to suppress their inner competitor.

“The Redbud Ride isn’t a race, but as a cyclist, everybody has a little competitive nature in them.  When you ride 100 miles, that’s going to come out somewhere,” Cottingim said.

Cottingim estimates he rides about 10,000 miles a year. He finds it hard to pedal faster alone, but with a drove of other cyclists from all over the U.S. — the challenge has been set.  Along the Red Route, cyclists will take a turn down an attractive Slate Lick Road that is home to a large “hill.”  A hill Cottingim first mastered eight years ago after his career in motocross dwindled.

“It’s not as thrilling, but to me it feels more rewarding,” he said.“Cycling is just different. The element of danger isn’t there but I’ve never been on a ride and got back thinking I wish I hadn’t been riding.”

Throughout the Redbud Ride, coordinators encourage companionship through sharing the road and support the pursuit of healthy living.  For the Dinges, they find cycling brings them closer together and they encourage each other’s endurance — no matter how big the climb.

“Eastern Kentucky has some of the best riding around,” Cottingim said.

Visit www.redbudride.com to register for the century ride of the year, as well as learn more about the weekend’s events.  The Redbud Ride is a London Downtown event.



mmccrarey@sentinel-echo.com