“Wouldn’t it be cool if …” is an expression the team at Pelotonia say on a regular basis. And, over the years, many of these “what if” ideas have become new programs and events and ways to engage and involve more people.

“We’ve been cognizant and thoughtful about listening to our community,” said Joe Apgar, CEO of Pelotonia. “We get an amazing amount of feedback from people and that leads to improvements and new things we can do.” In this episode, Apgar talked about all the new things Pelotonia has added in the past few years, including the Challenger platform, kids rides, a gravel ride (October 4 this year) in Hocking Hills that includes a camping option and, for the first time this year, a run/hike/walk. The gravel ride came from a suggestion from Eric Tippett, who has ridden every year and is a member of the JPMorgan Chase team. The idea to add the run/hike/walk was “something we heard from a lot of people,” Apgar said. “They said I don’t ride a bike but if Pelotonia would ever do a run or a walk; I’m in.” The run/hike/walk loop through the woods is at the same location as the gravel ride. “We penciled in 75 people for it, and we already have more than 200 people signed up,” Apgar said. Apgar also talked about the growing number of kids events Pelotonia teams have created with support from the Pelotonia staff. “We think this will be a huge program over time,” Apgar said. The opening ceremony will feature O.A.R., a popular rock band whose members include a few Buckeyes. “I think this will be the most fun opening ceremony we’re ever had,” Apgar said.