Join us for the wild ride June 17, 2023

Registration is NOW OPEN.

The 2023 Wild Ride is guaranteed to be WILD with 4 Paved and 2 Gravel routes.

Cyclists will roll through the heart of Ohio’s largest and hilliest state forest, Shawnee State Forest. Aid stations provided. Pre-order commemorative jersey with registration prior to May 15th.


Registration includes a tee, pub glass, and an edible medal. Registration is NOW OPEN.

Give-a-way items can be picked up at the registration table. If you did not pre-order a jersey, limited sizes and quantities may be available on the day of the event.

Check-in starts at 8 AM. We suggest you start your ride between 8-10 AM.

Aid stations will be open until 2 PM and the finish line will close at approximately 4:00 PM.

Cost: $25 (Cottontail Only), $45 (all other rides) until June 1st
Where: Shawnee State Park, 4044 OH-125, W. Portsmouth, OH
When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 // Suggested Start Times will be between 8-10AM
QUESTIONS? Email,

Wanting to make the wild ride event a weekend getaway? Save up to 15% when you book a two-night stay at Shawnee Lodge. Call  740-858-6621 and ask about the Wild Ride discount!

View the 2023 routes

Winter Hike Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023

Strap on your winter hiking gear and join Connex for our 2nd Annual Winter Hike. Hikers begin the 6-mile trek from the Turkey Creek Beach Parking Lot at Shawnee State Park. Hikers should hike counterclockwise. Connex will serve beans, cornbread, and hot chocolate at eh approximate mid-trail point until 2PM. Hikers are encouraged to begin the hike by 10AM. For more information, email 

Where: Shawnee State Park, West Portsmouth
When: January 14, 2023
Cost: Free

For more information email 

Past Board Chair wins the first ever Jeremy Burnside Community Spirit Award

Congratulations to our past board chair and current Public Relations Office, Wendi Waugh for receiving the first Jeremy Burnside Community Spirit Award presented by the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce! Such a well-deserved recipient. Connex and the community are lucky to have you.

Robert Black, 2022 winner of the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award, poses with Wendi Waugh 2022 winner the Jeremy Burnside Community Spirit Award