What started as a fun way of celebrating a 50th birthday amongst friends has grown into one of Wabash County's signature annual events.

In this episode of ThriveIN Wabash County, hosts Adam Stakeman and Christine Flohr welcome two men who were there from the very beginning—Bill Rauh and Mike Paul.

Sixteen years ago, a small group of cyclists set out to celebrate Bill's 50th birthday with a 100-mile ride along the country roads of Wabash County. They had no idea the event would eventually attract riders from across the country and become a major annual attraction for Wabash County.

Bill and Mike reflect on those early days, share stories from the first ride, and discuss what it feels like to watch Dam to Dam grow into an event that brings hundreds of visitors to the county each September. The conversation explores the power of grassroots ideas, the friendships forged on two wheels, and the lasting impact a single community event can have on local tourism, recreation, and community pride.

Whether you're a cyclist, a community builder, or simply someone who appreciates a great hometown success story, this episode offers a fascinating look at how one ride became a lasting legacy.

RESOURCES

Dam to Dam Bike Ride: https://visitwabashcounty.com/dam-to-dam/

A heartfelt thank-you to our community partners—The City of Wabash, Bowen Health, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County—for helping bring this podcast to life. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

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