Amish Country Tour Bicycle Ride Enjoyed by 225 Riders
Riders on Rt. 36 turning into Atwood were assisted by Atwood Police Chief Rob Bross and Tim Shadwell of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.
By Doris Elmore
Staff Writer
The Decatur Bicycle Club presented their 36th annual Amish Country Tour last Saturday, September 18. According to coordinator Dorothy Miller of Decatur, 225 riders participated in the event which began at the Arthur Community Building at 7 a.m.
The weather cooperated to the fullest and riders enjoyed riding through the largest Amish community in Illinois. Riders chose routes of approximately 20, 42 or 60 miles through small rural villages of Arthur, Atwood and Arcola. The terrain is flat to rolling, appropriate for all riders and bicycle types.
There were bike stops at Arcola and Cooks Mill and one at the United Church of Atwood on N. Main Street, sponsored by the church. Lunch was catered by Pauly’s BBQ in Arthur.
The riders were thrilled with the beautiful day and appreciated the SAG (Support and Gear) drivers along the way. They enjoyed passing horse-and-buggies, surroundings some of them are not accustomed to seeing.
