Title
To recognize the dedication of Charlie Pace in his efforts to promote bicycling in Columbus and throughout the country.
Body
WHEREAS, in 1965 Charlie Pace, an active member of the central Ohio chapter of American Youth Hostels, joined 15 other riders in a three-year-old annual bicycling "double-century" of back-to-back 100 mile rides dubbed TOSRV or the Tour of the Scioto River Valley; and
WHEREAS, despite crashing in his first ride, Charlie went on to take over the organization of TOSRV in 1967 and built the event into a nationally recognized phenomenon, drawing thousands of avid cyclists to Columbus on Mother's Day weekend; and
WHEREAS, in 1973 National Geographic, inspired and impressed by TOSRV, did an article on cycling that gave national attention to the sport of bike touring and TOSRV; and
WHEREAS, Charlie continued to offer his skills on the national level, as an early board member of Adventure Cycling Association, which sponsors and promotes more bike adventures worldwide than any other group, and on the national board of directors for American Youth Hostels; and
WHEREAS, TOSRV has been the blueprint for Indiana's Hilly Hundred, Michigan's DALMAC, Iowa's RAGBRAI, Montana's TOSRV West and many other organized rides; and
WHEREAS, TOSRV has been the blueprint for Indiana's Hilly Hundred, Michigan's DALMAC, Iowa's RAGBRAI, Montana's TOSRV West and many other organized rides; and
WHEREAS, Adventure Cycling has honored Charlie by naming the national "Pacesetter" Award after him, an award which recognizes and applauds the efforts of those who, through extraordinary efforts, have contributed to the success of bicycle travel in the United States; and
WHEREAS, 43 years later, Charlie Pace still directs TOSRV, and continues to inspire and challenge young and old alike to discover themselves through active living; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That the Council of the City of Columbus recognizes Charli...
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