General Information

The Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society (AABTS) presents its 46th annual One Helluva Ride (OHR) on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Join us for a day of scenic bicycle touring over tree-lined, paved and gravel roads in Washtenaw, Ingham, Jackson and Livingston counties. The routes wind through rural and recreation areas on beautiful rolling terrain and vary enough to appeal to a broad range of bicyclists.

The 2024 routes are similar to last year's improved routes and are designed to provide optimal road quality.

All rides start and end at the Chelsea Community Fairgrounds in Chelsea, Michigan (20501 W Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118). Take I-94 Exit 159 North (see map).

OHR is a fun event and riders have loved particpating.  Click here to see some photos from past OHR events!

 

Registration Information

Registration	Dates	Ride	Adult	Minor
Early Bird	2/15	Short	$30	$15
		Med/Long	$55	$25
Spring	4/1	Short	$35	$20
		Med/Long	$60	$30
Summer	6/1	Short	$40	$20
		Med/Long	$65	$35
Late /	7/1	Short	$45	$25
Day of Ride		Med/Long	$75	$40
Under 7 Free

Register via RunSignUp Today!
Online registration now closed. Day-of-ride registration is available - see below.

• On-line registration opens February 15 and closes July 8.  On-line registration is via RunSignUp (click link above).
• Day of ride registration at the Chelsea Fairgrounds will be available.  If registering the day of the ride please download and print the registration form/waiver to speed up your registration process!
• Class 1 eBikes are allowed.
• Refunds: we will return 90% of your checkout fees until May 31st.  No refunds after May 31st.  Request a refund via the RunSignUp site.
  

Routes

Type	Road	Rest Stops	Gravel	Rest Stops
Short	21 mile	1	22 mile	1
Medium	44 mile	1	41 mile	1
	63 mile	2	63 mile	2
Long	101 mile	3

 

• Routes are subject to change based on road construction and repair. 
  
• All routes will have road marks and maps will be provided.
• GPS files are available via RideWithGPS.
• All routes start and end at the Chelsea Community Fairgrounds (20501 W Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118). Take I-94 Exit 159 North (see map).
• Recommended start times for each route can be found on 2024 OHR Rest Stop Hours and Distances.
  GPS files and cue sheets can be found on 2024 One Helluva Ride Routes.  

Merchandise

We will have three items for you this year; a jersey (short, long-sleeve, and wind jacket), a t-shirt and custom DeFeet Socks.  T-Shirts and socks are available in the store on the registration system (RunSignup). Jerseys are ordered directly from the manufacturer (Voler). More information on how to order is on the 2024 OHR Merchandise page.  

Pre-Registered Check-In and Registration / Parking

Pre-registered check-in and day-of-ride registration is 6:30 am to 10:00 am at the Chelsea Fairgrounds
Ample free parking is available at the Chelsea Fairgrounds (where the ride begins/ends)

Schedule for the Day

6:30 Pre-registered Check-In and Day-of-Ride Registration Opens
10:00 Pre-registered Check-In  and Day-of-Ride Registration Closes
10:00 Watermelon at the Fairgrounds
11:00 Lunch at the Fairgrounds
4:00  Watermelon Service Ends
4:30 Lunch Service Ends
6:00 Ride Ends - Fairgrounds Closed

Lunch & Snacks

The registration fee includes lunch after the ride at the Chelsea Fairgrounds, live music and OHR's traditional Ice Cold Watermelon.

Volunteers will provide a wide variety of snacks and beverages at the Rest Stops.  Please review the 2024 OHR Rest Stop Hours and Distances to ensure that you do not arrive before they open or after they close. The routes pass through several small towns where additional food and drinks can be purchased. You are encouraged to stop, rest and take a break while replenishing your energy and making new friends!

There will be restrooms and/or porta-john facilities at the Rest Stops with the exception of the short rides (21 mile paved and 22 mile gravel).  

 

Support Assistance

SAG vehicles will be making continuous circuits of all routes from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Their help is available to all riders with problems. Priority will be given to those riders with serious medical problems, followed by those with significant mechanical difficulties, and lastly to those who simply “tire” or need to fix a flat tire!
Mechanics will be available at the Fairgrounds and at the Stockbridge rest stop.
In case of a medical emergency, call 911!

Shower Facilities

Showers will be available at the Chelsea Fairgrounds until 4:45 PM. Bring your own towel and toiletries. Please be neat!

Information for Minors

All minors (17 years and younger) participating in One Helluva Ride must be registered and accompanied by an adult while on the ride. The minor’s parent/legal guardian must complete and sign a AABTS Release and Waiver of Liability form for all minors.  By signing the waiver the parent or legal guardian attests that they are responsible to see that the minor is accompanied by an adult.

Parents and legal guardians are expected to read the AABTS’s safety guidelines which can be found here: 2024 OHR Ride Safety and Decorum.

Minors may be registered online through July 8 (waiver is signed electronically) or registered on the day of the ride (waiver is signed manually).

If a minor is being registered on the day of the ride the waiver may be handled one of two ways:
1) The minor’s parent or legal guardian comes in-person on July 13 and completes and signs the Registration form and the AABTS Release and Waiver of Liability for their minor to participate.
2) In advance, the minor’s parent or legal guardian prints out and completes and signs this form (Registration form and the AABTS Release and Waiver of Liability) for their minor to participate, and then on July 13 the minor and the adult that will accompany the minor on the ride presents the completed and signed forms for the registration process.

Safety: YOU MUST WEAR A HELMET!

• Cyclists are expected to obey all traffic laws. Like motorists, you can be ticketed if you fail to do so.
• Ride with the traffic and never more than two abreast. Move into single file when motorists or other cyclists approach from the rear.
• Signal all your intentions to motorists and the cyclists near you!
• No cell phones, headphones, or texting while riding.
• If you have to stop for a rest or an emergency, move yourself and your bike completely off the pavement. 
• Rear bike lights and rearview mirrors are recommended.
• Helmets are required.
• Please review our 2024 OHR Ride Safety and Decorum page for more safety information.
• Please carry personal contact and emergency contact information on your person while riding.

Preparation

Cyclists can minimize potential problems by having themselves and their bikes in good condition for this ride. A pump, patch kit, extra tube, on-the-road tools, sunscreen, and 1 or 2 water bottles are highly recommended accessories. You should know how to fix a flat tire and how to do your own repairs.

Accommodations/Local Activities

For a list of hotels/motels/campgrounds and a listing of special events, area attractions, and restaurants, see our 2024 Weekend in Ann Arbor page.

Courtesy

The people living along the One Helluva Ride routes are generally interested in the event and friendly to riders who give them the courtesy of riding to the right, obeying the traffic laws, and forming a single line to allow traffic to pass. Please review our 2024 OHR Ride Safety and Decorum page.

Other

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to other questions.

 

Contacts

You may reach us via e-mail at: ohr@aabts.org You may also reach us at: OHR, PO Box 1585, Ann Arbor, MI 48106

You may call us at: 734 719-0101. Leave a message and we will return your call.