Tips for SAG Support

A Support and Gear (SAG) driver plays an important role in helping riders complete the Ohio to Erie Trail safely and enjoyably. Whether you're supporting one cyclist or an entire group, good planning and communication make all the difference.

Before the Ride

Become familiar with the Ohio to Erie Trail before departure. While much of the route follows dedicated trails, there are sections on roads and through towns. Download maps, understand daily destinations, and identify alternate driving routes since support vehicles cannot access most trail sections.

Plan meeting locations

Rather than trying to meet riders randomly, establish specific rendezvous points throughout the day. Good meeting locations include:

• Trailheads
• Parks
• Small-town trail crossings
• Visitor centers
• Restaurants
• Campgrounds or hotels

Share the day's planned stops with everyone before the ride begins.

Stay Connected
Cell phone coverage is generally good but not universal. Exchange phone numbers, consider sharing live locations through a smartphone app, and have a backup communication plan in case service is unavailable.

On the Road
Drive the Roads—Not the Trail

Support vehicles should never drive on multi-use trail sections. Always use public roads to travel between meeting points.

Be early

Plan to arrive at meeting locations before your riders. This gives you time to set up water, snacks, chairs, or repair supplies and avoids making riders wait.

Watch the weather

Keep an eye on changing conditions throughout the day. Summer rides can bring extreme heat, thunderstorms, or strong winds. Be prepared to adjust plans if weather becomes hazardous.

Support, don't pressure

Every rider has different goals and abilities. Encourage riders without rushing them to maintain a certain pace or schedule. Flexibility often makes for a better experience.

Be flexible

Mechanical problems, weather, and fatigue can all affect a day's ride. Sometimes the best support you can provide is helping riders adjust expectations, shorten a day's mileage, or simply take a longer break.

Keep supplies handy

A well-stocked SAG vehicle should include:

Respect Communities Along the Trail

Many Ohio to Erie Trail communities warmly welcome touring cyclists. Help preserve that reputation by:

• Parking only in legal spaces.
• Avoiding blocking trail crossings or driveways.
• Cleaning up trash.
• Supporting local restaurants, grocery stores, and businesses whenever possible. 

Celebrate the Journey

End-to-end riders often spend 5–10 days crossing Ohio. SAG drivers become part of that adventure. Taking photos, encouraging riders, and helping solve problems behind the scenes creates lasting memories for everyone involved.

Thank you for supporting Ohio to Erie Trail riders and helping make their journey safe, memorable, and successful.

Suggested SAG Meeting Locations Along the OTET

The best SAG stops are easy to reach by car while remaining directly adjacent to the trail. Parks, trailheads, visitor centers, campgrounds, and downtown trail crossings make excellent rendezvous points. They offer parking, restrooms, water, picnic areas, and plenty of room for riders to take a short break.

Tip: Don't try to meet riders every 10 miles. Plan stops approximately every 20–35 miles, depending on the weather, rider ability, and daily mileage.

Tips for Choosing SAG Stops

The best meeting locations generally offer:

• Public parking directly adjacent to the trail
• Restrooms
• Drinking water
• Shade
• Picnic tables
• Cell phone coverage
• Nearby food or convenience stores
• Enough space for multiple riders to safely gather

Avoid planning stops at road crossings with no parking or along narrow shoulders. If riders are traveling in a group, parks and trailheads provide much safer places to regroup than roadside pull-offs.

If you're supporting riders for several days, consider using overnight destinations such as Xenia, London, Columbus, Mount Vernon, Millersburg, Massillon, Akron, and Cleveland as major resupply points. These communities offer grocery stores, laundromats, bike shops, and lodging, making them ideal places to restock supplies and prepare for the next day's ride.