The Battle of Toledo, a competitive mountain bike race, will take place for the first time at Ottawa/Jermain Park on Sunday, August 31. This USA Cycling (USAC) sanctioned event will bring together riders from across Ohio and Michigan while shining a spotlight on Toledo’s growing mountain biking community and newly improved trail. The city’s Parks and Youth Services Department is proud to provide the park as the venue for this exciting event.
The Battle of Toledo is part of the Northern Ohio Mountain Bike Series (NOMBS), which hosts races across the state. Each race raises funds to support local trail and youth organizations. Proceeds from this race will benefit the Black Swamp Riders, an affiliate of The Right Direction, two organizations dedicated to empowering young people through action sports.
The Black Swamp Riders, founded in 2021, began as a mountain bike team for students in grades six through 12 and expanded to include kindergarten through fifth in 2023. Their mission is to teach life lessons and character development through mountain biking, a lifelong sport where every participant has the chance to compete. The team joined forces with The Right Direction in 2023, a nonprofit that provides resources, equipment and community programming to help youth succeed through action sports.
“The Battle of Toledo is more than a race. It is a celebration of youth development, community engagement, and Toledo’s mountain biking culture,” Karen Ranney Wolkins, commissioner of parks and recreation, said. “We are excited to showcase this hidden gem of a trail and encourage more residents to experience it.”
Riders can expect a challenging course designed by local trail stewards, and spectators are encouraged to attend and cheer on participants. The event also highlights Toledo’s expanding outdoor recreation opportunities and the role of local partnerships in building a healthier, more connected community.
The race starts at 9 a.m., at 2201 Kenwood Boulevard, near the Liz Pearson Shelter, Ottawa/Jermain Park.
Online registration is available at bikereg.com/ events.
