The primary purpose of this event is to introduce self-contained bike touring to riders who have little or no bike touring experience. The ride is also a fun social event, with riders of all experience levels welcomed. The route is 53 miles one way on mostly flat, paved surfaces. Experienced tour leaders will share their knowledge about bike touring throughout the trip. You must register for this event, so please register and pay the non-refundable camping fee early if you want to attend. Registration is limited to 12 campers on a first-paid, first-reserved basis.
The group will meet at the Linda Cox overnight parking lot on Saturday, May 17, at 8:30 am. Overnight parking is allowed. Depart at 9:00 AM for Morrow for a group photo. (Morrow is an alternate start/finish location).
The route follows the Little Miami Bike Trail north towards Yellow Springs. About one mile before Yellow Springs, the route leaves the trail and follows local roads to the state park (campsites #01 and #02). The entire route consists of paved surfaces. We will not ride as one group. You will ride at your own pace, and take breaks whenever you feel like it. Riders have the choice of eating dinner at a Yellow Springs restaurant, or cooking dinner at the campsite. Note that it is a 3 mile ride one way from the campsite to the nearest restaurant. You could also cycle on the trail directly to Yellow Springs, order take-out, and carry the food to the state park. The campsite has showers, water and pit toilets.
On Sunday morning, riders will either cook breakfast at the campsite before departing for Morrow and Loveland, or have breakfast at a restaurant in Yellow Springs.
Ride Cost: There is a $20 non-refundable camping fee to cover the shared cost of non-refundable campsite reservation fees. The ride leaders must receive your non-refundable camping fee before your registration is confirmed. Registration is limited to 12 campers on a first-paid, first-reserved basis.All other costs are the responsibility of the individual. If you only want to ride up to John Bryan State Park and not stay overnight, then you do not need to register and pay a fee.
Ride With GPS Bicycle Routes:
Saturday https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39485274
Sunday https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38592918
Campground to Yellow Springs https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38592941
Mandatory Equipment: All cyclists must wear helmets while riding.
If inclement weather is forecasted for Saturday, the ride might be delayed one day (depart Sunday from the East Loveland Nature Preserve, return Monday).
There will be no SAG support for this ride. If you do not want to camp, then there are hotels/B&B’s in the Yellow Springs area.
Riders must have the tools for, and be able to perform, basic bike repairs, e.g. fix a flat tire.
This event is a perfect opportunity for an equipment check-out ride prior to our extended trips planned for July and August.