Thursday, April 8, 2021

Wooster Bike Trail

 Yesterday I had an appointment for physical therapy (more about that later) in Wooster, Ohio.  So I popped my bike onto the carrier, locked it up with a cable, and took off for my 7:30 am appointment. 

My plan was to find a trail near Wooster to cure my geographic boredom.  I've been doing some training rides on the Richland B&O trail near me.  It is a wonderful, 18.5 mile trail that is really well-maintained that runs from Mansfield to Butler, running through Ontario, Lexington, Bellville .  You can park your car at any of the trail lots and ride to the end, double back, and ride to the other end, return to your car for a 37-mile ride. It connects to the Mansfield city loop, and there are plans in the works for the park system to be connected.  But repeating it over and over does get stale after a while.

So, I took my bike to Wooster.  After my PT appointment, I stopped in at Panera Bread to collect my coffee-club brew, while I considered my options.

There was a group of old men (retirees?) at the next table, having coffee and discussing world events from their view in Wooster, Ohio.  I almost jumped up to provide an alternate point of view a couple of times, but I managed to restrain myself and dedicated myself to looking up a rail-trail near Wooster.  I didn't find any.  So I turned on the bicycling layer in Google maps and saw a defined bike path a block away from where I was sitting.  It led to a park and a big circular route.

I parked between the Children's services building and the soccer complex.



  I asked a soccer mom if there was a restroom nearby, and she pointed out the field house at the other end of the complex.  She offered that if the water is turned on, maybe I could fill my empty water bottles at the drinking fountain.  I rode off to check it out. Turned out the restrooms were open, but drinking fountain was shut off.  Probably due to Covid-19.

I noticed a bike repair station next to the trail.  It looked new.  



I kept riding along the paved trail.  Someone had painted directional arrows on the path. So, since I wasn't really sure where I was going, I followed them.  They led to a path that ran along the street.  Then to a area that was under construction, and I could see that the path went on across the street.



So I hopped off my bike, crossed the boardwalk, and kept going.  A rider in Spandex whizzed past me, so I guessed I was on the right path.

The path led to another park.  This was the 
Oak Hill park.  The pavilion near the entrance had a map.  My photo is poor, you can see my reflection in the glass.


A plaque on the building gave the names of several donors.  I recognized the name of a local grocery store chain. The water fountains were turned off.

As soon as I entered the park, I noticed a "King of the hill" feature with a couple of benches on top.  I tried to ride up, but had to dismount.  The view was incredible.  I felt like I could see all the way to Mansfield.  



I had to dismount to go down, as I was afraid I could not make those right-angle turns at the end.



The Park was situated on a slope, so as I entered the loop, I was mostly going downhill.   I knew I would pay the price on the return leg, and I was correct.  I am working on my hill-climbing ability, but I am not there yet.   

I saw a couple ahead of me.  I called out "on your left", preparing to pass them.   The girl moved to the right and the guy moved to the left.   I had slowed a little, so I was able to pass between them safely.  You can never depend on people knowing trail etiquette.  When someone indicates they are passing, don't jump into their lane!  Just keep doing whatever you are doing, move to the right a little if it is safe.  I called out "ooooh-kay?" as I went past to let him know that his action had been unexpected.  He yelled "Just take the whole road!" I wasn't sure if it was friendly or not!  

A few minutes later I was climbing a hill and ran out of air in my lungs.  So I stopped at a convenient bench to rest.  The couple passed me and made a friendly remark, so I guess all was forgiven.  

I returned to the park entrance and back to my car by a slightly different route.   I accidently bumped my phone and ended the tracking prematurely, so there are two maps for this ride.





The total mileage was not very much, but it satisfied my need to get out of town.

So, why am I getting physical therapy?  It seems that I have not been stretching properly before or after my rides and am suffering from a common cyclists' overuse injury.  My quads and hamstrings have shortened in the leg with the knee replacement, which irritates the tendons and is causing tendonitis. So the physical therapist is teaching me techniques to stretch the muscles.  I regret to say that if I had kept up with my yoga during the pandemic, I might have avoided this.

One other way I am branching out is that I have accepted the invitation to lead a local chapter of Women's Cycling group.  There are a couple of local women I have ridden with during the last week and we have agreed to ride on Tuesdays during the day.  We'll meet at the Richland B&O parking lot north of Lexington at 10:00 on Tuesdays.  







Last thing.  This morning I got a chance to get a few more les in before the rain.  Spring is coming, trees are starting to leaf out.  








Thanks for following!








Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Mountain bike trail in Mid-Ohio


 Mohican State Park

I took my bike for a ride today.  By that I mean I put it on the carrier on the back of my car and drove around.   

My knees are still hurting from my ride a couple of days ago, and today, my fanny pack was pressing into my kidney as I drove, making me aware of a kidney stone that hasn't moved for a while.  Some days are better for this woman in her 60's than others.

 I drove to the bike trail.   The sky was overcast, the temperature had not yet hit the promised 70 degrees, and I just did not feel like riding.  

So I put the car in drive and detoured to Malabar Farm State Park.   The roads around Malabar are pretty hilly and winding.  There are not good shoulders on the roads, they drop off sharply due to erosion.   I was not inspired to park the car and ride the bike.

I kept driving.  I stopped at the scenic overlook where you can look out upon the Clear Fork river Valley and took a photo.  It is too early in spring for the trees to have leafed out and the view was meh.
  
 I ended up at the intersection of Route 97 and Route 3, at the Mohican State Park.   

I checked out the Mountain bike parking area.  There was a sign with a map stating the trail was marked, and that there was a crossing at the bridge, but I could not spot the actual crossing. 


 I did see a paved entrance to the camping area across the street, so I drove to the parking lot.   There is quite a long camping area that is paved, with cabins and spots for RVs along its length.  There were several road bikes parked at some of the cabins. There were people riding bikes on the paved surface.  I saw the mountain bike trail as I drove by.  It was a dirt path that snaked up the side of a hill.    It is a marked trail, 25 miles long.  The map indicates that it runs along the topography lines.  This looks like it would be a fun ride on a mountain bike or even a gravel bike.

I noticed as I left the area that State Route 3 has a marked lane for bicycles.  This continued for a mile or more, where it changed to a paved trail heading towards Loudonville.   The Loudonville area was previously heralded as the "Fun Center of Ohio" and there are many campgrounds and canoe liveries in the area.  So Loudonville seems to be a bike-friendly town.   

I want to come back when the weather is warmer and the sun is shining.




Sunday, February 28, 2021

Trainer

 Medical Recommendation

I visited the doctor for my annual checkup.  It turns out he also cycles.  He asked me if I had a trainer.  I told him I was seriously thinking about it, but I was cautious because when I had a stationary cycle previously, it became a place to hang clothes.   And it would mean laying out cash, as well as re-arranging my yarn storage.  

I have had a lot of people tell me what a good experience they have had using Zwift.  I need a trainer to do this! I read a post yesterday where someone said it doesn't even have to be a smart trainer.  

I am edging closer to getting a trainer. 


Thursday, February 18, 2021

Winter non-cycling activities

 What does a cyclist in Ohio do in the wintertime, when it is too cold to ride, and no trainer yet? 

Read about cycling.  Plan cycling trips.  Sign up for rides.  Dream about cycling. Knit hats with pictures of bicycles! 

I am knitting these (see my post on BrightMeadow Bicycles to see more) to raise money for my Great Cycle Challenge.  My goal is $2500 this year.   

They are available for purchase at my Etsy shop 


Saturday, February 6, 2021

Potential Purchases and Acquisitions

 I am thinking about getting a trainer.  Specifically a Wahoo.  I need to make sure I understand the features of the different models.  

I am torn between buying it at the Local Bike Store and REI.  REI will give me a ten percent rebate.  But it's not all about money, the LBS will also give me support. 

I am also thinking about the movement-tracking cell phone camera mount that keeps coming into my Facebook feed. Pivo is the brand that is advertised, they show a horseback rider taking video.   The starter kit is under $200.   I think I could possibly use it for taking some excellent video of me riding my bike down the trail.   But, my phone is not listed as compatible.  I would have to upgrade my phone.  The specific Motorola phone that is listed as compatible is not one available from my cell phone carrierS, and from Motorola it is $1K.  I would need to call and make sure the SIM card from my current Motorola phone could be moved, or they could provide a new one, bringing the cost of the equipment to $1200.  Hmmm.  Need to give this some more thought.  Especially if I am going to use it to take of video of me riding on the trainer.  

Hey, wait, do I really need movement tracking to ride on a trainer?    




Friday, January 22, 2021

Dates of Bicycling Events in and around Northeast Ohio

Non-comprehensive list of events related to bicycling in Ohio! 

This is a list of events that pique my interest.  There is a more comprehensive list of tours and races on the ohio.bike web site

01-27-2021  - Rails to Trails Webinar  

The first webinar of the 326 Miles of Smiles webinar series.

Start here to learn the nuts and bolts of the 326-mile Ohio to Erie Trail whether you are visiting on wheels or by foot. The trail offers miles of smiles for the day visitor, friends looking for a weekend getaway, or adventurers setting out on a weeklong tour.

Join the trail and guest speakers on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm EST. The webinars are offered via Zoom and streamed to the trail’s Facebook page.

Registration Link:

02-10-2021  Ohio to Erie Trail Zoom meeting 7:00 pm

See Facebook event for more info. 

4/17/29. 29th THINK SPRING RIDE. Stow. 

A free ride ushering in the 2021 cycling season, select from routes of 20 miles of multi-purpose trail riding, or 34 rolling to hilly road and trail miles. Ride support consists of snacks and limited sag. All participants are asked to observe state and local precautionary guidelines regarding COVID-19. Helmet Required. Akron Bicycle Club. Walter Kudlaty; 975 Canyonview Rd. Apt. 105; Sagamore Hills, OH 44067. (330) 806-9106. AkronBike.org

06-04-21 through  06-06-21  Bike Travel Weekend

Join me on an Italian leg of my Grand Tour of Ohio cities named after European capitols.  My route will include Rome, Florence, Parma and Lodi, and will be a mix of roads and trails.  50-60 miles per day.  

06-19-2021 through 06-25-2021 Pedal Across Lower Michigan - 

POSTPONED TILL 2022
PALM, taking its name from the shape of the state, is an exciting six-day ride across Michigan. We use paved scenic routes, geared to the novice and intermediate touring rider. The daily distances and terrain combine to make PALM unusually well suited to family bicycling. More experienced riders are welcome: optional longer routes are provided. The emphasis is on the social and recreational aspects of bicycling. We hope that the fun of PALM will persuade our riders to use bicycles more frequently. We also hope that the people who encounter our riders will increase their awareness of safe bicycling and perhaps become frequent, safe cyclists themselves.

06-19-2021 through 06-26-2021 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure

As usual, Michigan and Ohio rivalry means that I must choose one or the other.  See the website for status, this event is subject to cancellation due to COVID-19.  Currently registrations are open to new riders on March 15.

 07-16-2021 through 07-18-2021 - Velosano

Latin for “swift cure”, VeloSano is a year-round fundraising initiative to support lifesaving cancer research at Cleveland Clinic. Since the inaugural ride in 2014, more than $24 million has been raised and 1OO% of those funds are hard at work in the fight against cancer.

07-22-2021 through 07-25-2021 - Pan Ohio Hope Ride 

 The 15th Annual Pan Ohio Hope Ride is planned to be a 328-mile tour of Ohio during the 3rd weekend of July, 2021. Cyclists also have the option to join for just one or two days of the tour. Those who are unable to be with us in person or who prefer a more casual cycling experience can participate in the “Create Your Own 328” option and challenge themselves to complete 328 miles on their own throughout the entire month of July.


07-25 through 07-31 RAGBRAI 

09-11-2021 through 09-17-2021 Moffit Memorial Ride 

 The annual Ohio to Erie Trail adventure ride is named the “Moffitt Memorial Ride” in memory of our former Board of Directors President Tom Moffitt (Dr. Thomas Lawson Moffitt, III). Tom passionately served as Board President for over 16 years and worked tirelessly to fulfill Ed Honton’s vision of a multi-purpose cross state trail/greenway. Tom’s leadership and enthusiasm in working with local agencies and trail organizations to complete the Ohio to Erie Trail will forever be appreciated by present and future generations of trail users. Tom was a devoted educator in the greater Cincinnati area for over 45 years and as many of you may know an avid cyclist. He completed several cross county rides and rode the entire length of the Ohio to Erie Trail a number of times before his departure in 2017. Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

09-18-2021 MORON  - Mid-Ohio Ride Outa Nowhere (Mifflin, Ohio)  

09-27-2021 Bike Your Park Day

Explore your parks and public lands by bicycle for Bike Your Park Day, when thousands of others throughout the world ride to and through parks and public lands on the same day. Ride any distance on roads, paved bike paths, or single track. Stop to enjoy a spectacular view, treat yourself to your favorite ice cream, cool your toes in a lake, or learn something new at an historical site. You'll be elbow bumping your friends and feeling a sense of accomplishment for discovering your public lands in a new way-- by bicycle. 

10-9-2021 Women's Cycling Day

Women's Cycling brings together women to experience, share and express their love of cycling!  Check the web site for local events.

 

10-16-2021 Fall'N Leaf Ride 

Annual Ride of the Mid-Ohio Bikers


Recurring Rides

Y-Not Cycling - Lexington, Ohio

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening beginning in May.  See website for details.


Cycling Sports Center - Mansfield, Ohio

Indoor cycling on trainers during winter months.  Outdoor rides, organized by average speed, on Wednesdays during warmer weather.  See website for details. 

Mid-Ohio Bikers - Mansfield/Richland county area

Weather Permitting, we typically meet almost every Saturday at 9:30AM at the Bike Parking Lot next to Lexington City Park. This summer we also have a trip planned for a week in the Xenia area. There are a lot of nice roads and bike trails in the area. Details to follow.  See website.

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Bicycling Advocacy and Clubs for Northeast Ohio cyclists

Biking with others

Below I have attempted to start a list of groups and clubs that I have found useful to me in my biking journeys.  I may add to this as the days go on.  Note that this list is specific to my location in Northeast Ohio.  You may want to use this as a jumping-off point to start your own list. 

Clubs and Organizations

Adventure Cycling 

Bike tours and maps.  Monthly magazine for members.  Store for upper-echelon products. They bill themselves as "As a nonprofit organization, Adventure Cycling Association's mission is to inspire and empower people to travel by bicycle. Established in 1973 as Bikecentennial, we are the premier bicycle-travel organization in North America" 

League of American Bicyclists

"For generations past and to come, THE LEAGUE represents bicyclists in the movement to create safer roads, stronger communities and a Bicycle Friendly America. Through information, advocacy and promotion, we work to celebrate and preserve the freedom cycling brings to our members everywhere."

The League focuses on advocacy for safe streets and bicycle friendly communities.  

Mid Ohio Bikers 

The Mid Ohio Bike Club (MOB) is a comprised of riders of all ages and riding levels. Most of us are touring riders but we also have members who enjoy bike trail riding and mountain biking.

We have a weekly ride schedule, many impromptu rides, activities and monthly meetings every 3rd Tuesday.  Many of us participate in large organized rides like TOSRV, Horsey Hundred (Kentucky), and GOBA, along with supporting rides sponsored by other area clubs.  We also take a trip in the summer to a recreation area that has some nice biking 

We support our community.  Our club members volunteer to help maintain the B&O Bike Trail and we have installed benches and fix-it stations.  We as a club also adopt a family or two at Christmas time. In the winter many of us ski at Snow Trails and we have a yearly ski trip to New York.  We always find reasons to gather! 

Ohio Bicycle Federation 

The Ohio Bicycle Federation (OBF) is the only state-wide advocacy organization representing Ohio's bicyclists.

The OBF is an alliance of individuals and groups interested in promoting the use of bicycles for recreation, transportation and other appropriate purposes.

It serves by providing opportunities for the betterment of bicycle education, engineering, legislation, the encouragement of activities involving the use of bicycles and by serving as a forum for the exchange of information and ideas.

Publishes Ohio Bicycle Events Calendar

Website: ohiobikes.org

People for Bikes 

Since 1999, PeopleForBikes has created a prominent place for bikes in transportation, mobility and recreation decisions at all levels of government. We ensure bikes are prioritized and positioned as a real solution to improve Americans’ health, connect communities, boost local and state economies, strengthen our nation and protect our planet. 

We accomplish this by being proactive and planning for the future, adopting a broad and inclusive vision for government affairs and making it convenient for leaders at all levels to take advantage of opportunities and legislation that prioritize bikes. 

Together, we work with federal, state and local officials to make biking better for everyone. 


Rails to Trails

At Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), we believe that communities are healthier and happier when trail networks are central to their design. Since 1986, RTC has worked to bring the power of trails to more communities across the country, serving as the national voice for the rail-trail movement.
With more than 1 million grassroots supporters, 24,000+ miles of rail-trails on the ground nationwide and more than 8,000 miles of rail-trails ready to be built, our focus is on linking these corridors—creating trail networks that connect people and places, bringing transformative benefits to communities all across the country. Our flagship initiatives—the Great American Rail-Trail™, TrailNation™ and TrailLink.com—bring that strategy to life, connecting millions of people by trail. 

Website: Rails to Trails

Women's Cycling Club of America 

Women's Cycling brings together women to experience, share and express their love of cycling! 

Founded to encourage all those who identify as women, regardless of age, ethnicity, or background, to explore and share their passion for the bicycle through racing, recreational riding, family outings, or transportation. Women’s Cycling is a platform for like-minded enthusiasts to connect and grow their love for the sport of cycling. Using dedicated social media platforms, Women's Cycling communicates with women nationwide to encourage participation and connection online and at rides and events in 2021. Providing cycling tips, personal messages, inspiration, and other cycling industry- related topics to our followers via social platforms. Women's Cycling works with individuals, bike shops, and brand partners to develop cycling passion within communities.

Facebook Groups

NE Ohio Cycling Community

Cycling forum for knowledge, coaching, events and meetups for all ages and abilities.
I want to hear about your rides, I want to share best places to ride in NE Ohio and it can be about best roads to ride, century rides, gravel, MTB riding in Cuyahoga falls, Tuscarawas County and what section of the towpath do you love. This is for all cyclist , ages and abilities!  '


Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail / Ohio To Erie Trail Enthusiasts Group

This group has been created to help provide information and awareness about the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and The Ohio to Erie Trail. Your questions, stories, pictures, and videos are welcome here.


Social Distance Cycling Club  - 

The whole purpose of this group is to encourage each other to get outside and ride a bike in a safe, appropriate, socially distant way, or to pedal indoors. When you get outside and pedal in the fresh air, or cycle indoors, please share a post with a pic, the location and some encouragement! Please feel free to opt out, or to add others to the group. Pedal on! 

Charity Rides

Pan Ohio Hope Ride

VeloSano

Great Cycle Challenge

Instagram

Advocates for plus-sized cyclists -   Marley BLonskey            Kelly Kornhauser

Safety First

In September, my bike club travelled to Lake Ontario in Canada to do the Circle Tour again.   We visited Niagra Falls.  We had a...