North Ridgeville Review The Community That Cares
Courtesy North Ridgeville Historical Society
Last month we celebrated Thomas Stevens Day here in town. In case you don’t know the story of Thomas Stevens – this man can enlighten you! You might see him riding along the Center Ridge bike path, or at the library sometime.
Thomas Stevens was the first man to ride a bicycle around the world and he did it in 1884-1886. In July of 1884 he passed through North Ridgeville and spent the night here. All along his route he documented his travels and the many adventures he had and “Doc”, pictured here, can relate some of these stories to you. Doc loves spreading the story of Thomas Stevens and he welcomed people to stop him along his path and visit with him on April 27. He started at the library, then traveled from the west end of the path towards the east end.
This event was part of a nationwide effort by the national Wheelmen group to commemorate the feat accomplished by Stevens and to promote the enjoyment of bicycling! People all over the country planned cycling events, cataloging their mileage and all were compiled by the Wheelmen – hoping to exceed the mileage done by Stevens over 100 years ago as he followed wagon trails, shorelines, canal towpaths and trails all across our country.
The journal kept by Stevens is available online, or in the Book he published upon completion of his tour – “Around the World on a Bicycle”. Happy cycling!
