250Lex offers free ‘Tour de Lex’ bike ride through Central Kentucky
Editor’s Note: As Lexington celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Herald-Leader and kentucky.com each day throughout 2025 will share interesting facts about our hometown. Compiled by Liz Carey, all are notable moments in the city’s history — some funny, some sad, others heartbreaking or celebratory, and some just downright strange.
Lexington residents can celebrate the city’s 250th anniversary and take a scenic ride through Central Kentucky, now a free event.
As part of 250Lex, the year-long celebration of Lexington’s founding, the R.J. Corman Tour de Lex on will take bicycle riders through the Central Kentucky countryside on July 26, starting at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground and traveling along the Legacy Trail.
Riders will continue on to the North Lexington YMCA before heading back to the campground.
Originally $10 for kids and $15 for adults, the event will now be free to participants thanks to a donation from R.J. Corman, said Kip Cornett, one of the 250Lex commissioners.
Participants are asked to register in advance in order to anticipate the crowd size at bikesignup.com, Cornett said.
Other activities will include a “Touch a Truck” event that lets event attendees get up close and personal with various vehicles, including ones from R. J. Corman. The event will also feature horse interactions courtesy of the Kentucky Horse Park, a West Sixth Brewing Beer Garden, food trucks, and live music.
Officials said riders are welcome to bike the whole route, or to do just a portion if they choose.
The ride is an opportunity for area residents to enjoy what Lexington and the surrounding areas have to offer.
“The R. J. Corman Tour de Lex is more than just a bike ride — it’s a celebration of Lexington’s legacy and the spirit of community that defines our city,” said Ed Quinn, president and CEO of R. J. Corman Railroad Group. “We’re proud to serve as the main sponsor of this family-friendly event as part of the city’s 250th anniversary and look forward to riding alongside our neighbors in a show of unity, wellness and pride in our community.”
Benny Gettinger, director of corporate relations at R.J. Corman, said the company wanted to show its love for Central Kentucky and all the communities its trains travel through.
Rick Corman started the business after graduating from Jessamine County High School in 1973. After borrowing money from his uncle to buy a backhoe and a dump truck, Corman went to work rebuilding and repairing railroad crossings. Within five years, he had “dozens of backhoes, a few dump trucks, no debt,” the company said.
Today, the company serves all major North American railroads, as well as many regional and short line railroads, and owns or operates 19 short lines, some of which run through Lexington.
“Our railroad company’s Central Kentucky Lines operates from Lexington, and the city holds a special place in our hearts because of its proximity to Nicholasville, the hometown of our founder and the location of our headquarters,” Gettinger said. “Our involvement with this great event reinforces our dedication to giving back to the communities that have supported us throughout our 50-plus year history.”
The event had a special connection to the company because of its founder, he said. When Corman was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, he stayed active and rode a bike across Iowa in the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa multiple times.
Gettinger said the event has been well-received and the company is looking forward to providing a one-of-a-kind event for the city’s anniversary. As part of the anniversary celebration, he said, it offers a chance to celebrate, but also to reflect.
“Anniversaries are important because they allow us to take a moment to reflect on our journey, recognize our accomplishments and prepare for the future. They remind us of the obstacles we’ve overcome and the determination and innovation that have driven us forward,” he said. “As we celebrate these anniversaries, we feel a sense of pride and optimism, ready to face the future with renewed energy and a commitment to continue striving for excellence.”
Anyone interested in participating can sign up online. Registered participants will receive a commemorative Tour de Lex medal and have the opportunity to purchase a Tour de Lex T-shirt.
“This is not a race, but an opportunity to connect with your neighbors, enjoy our beautiful landscape, and create lasting memories as a community,” Cornett said.
The ride starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 26 at the Kentucky Horse Park and goes through 2 p.m. Police will provide traffic support along the bike route throughout the event. Officials with the Kentucky Horse Park and the Legacy Trail said motorized vehicles including golf carts, moped, ATVs and/or dirt bikes are not permitted on Legacy Trail, but e-bikes are.
Have a question or story idea related to Lexington’s 250-year history? Let us know at 250LexKy@gmail.com.