Cycling Adventures Await Dayton-Area Residents!
This region is home to one of the largest recreational amenities in the country! The Miami Valley claims 330 miles of connected, paved, off-street bike trails that tie tourism hot spots, family-friendly activities, historic landmarks, shopping and commerce, and other recreational features together.
Cycling Adventures Await Dayton-Area Residents!
This region is home to one of the largest recreational amenities in the country! The Miami Valley claims 330 miles of connected, paved, off-street bike trails that tie tourism hot spots, family-friendly activities, historic landmarks, shopping and commerce, and other recreational features together. "The bikeways are easy, safe and fun to use, and best of all, it doesn't cost you a thing to use them," explains Those who have never used the bikeways or are still a little uncertain about where to should check out resources available at metroparks.org/cycling. The site features highlighted access points that are easy on and off with adjacent amenities, plus links to maps, local retailers, and information about upcoming cycling programs like these:
Wegerzyn Bike Rodeo, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark: Five Rivers MetroParks Ranger Division hosts a special program for children 3-15 years old. Free helmets (available on a first-come, first-served basis) and a safety riding course will be offered.
Bike to the Dragons, 1-6 p.m. Sunday, May 12, Fifth Third Field: The first 50 cyclists to register on the Dragon's website and bike to the game will win complimentary lawn seats and prizes courtesy of Five Rivers MetroParks, the Dayton Dragons, and the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.
Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast, 7-9 a.m. Friday, May 17, RiverScape MetroPark: Ditch the drive and bike to work, capping off National Bike to Work Week with this annual pancake breakfast featuring live entertainment, cycling-related exhibitors, and a team challenge.
Fundamentals of Commuting, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2nd Street Market: This class teaches participants about gear and trip preparation needed to start commuting by bike. Registration required; $10 cost to attend.
Intro to Bicycle Touring, 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, Five Rivers MetroParks main office: This lecture-style class will review gear and trip-planning techniques required to start bicycle touring. Registration required; $10 cost to attend.
Mad River Bikeway Trail Extension Grand Opening, 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 21, Eastwood MetroPark: A 3-mile segment connecting Fairborn, Riverside and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to downtown Dayton via Eastwood MetroPark will open in June.
Bike for the Health of It, 9 a.m. Saturdays April through October, various locations. Earn a T-shirt by reaching a goal of 125 miles. Visit metroparks.org/bikehealth for upcoming ride locations.
Visit metroparks.org/cycling or browse the current issue of ParkWays for a list of upcoming biking programs.
For those who don't have their own bike, Ride the River Rentals at RiverScape MetroPark offers bikes and child-toting bike accessories (bike seat and pull-behind trailers). Bikes are available to rent 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Download or grab a copy of the Hub Trex cycling day trips from the RiverScape MetroPark kiosk. These suggested routes start and finish bicycling adventures at RiverScape MetroPark.
The Bike Hub at RiverScape MetroPark features coin-operated lockers, bike parking, drinking fountains and restrooms, and a tire pump for recreational cyclists. Members of the Bike Hub have exclusive access to special amenities for commuter cyclists, such as showers, lockers and bike storage all located in a secure facility.
Don't forget to grab lunch! The concessions at RiverScape MetroPark are open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and special hours during festivals, concerts and other events. The concessions will feature New Zealand-style treats from 2nd Street Market vendor favorites, Cheeky Meat Pies.
The Market also will celebrate bicycling in May. Patrons who ride their bikes to the Market on any Saturday in May will be entered to win $50 in Market Money. Partners from Bike Miami Valley will be on hand to help participants enter, snap a photo of them (and their awesome bike) and supply riders with valuable information on bicycling in the Miami Valley. There is no entry limit; cyclists are encouraged to roll in every Saturday. The winner will be announced June 1 (winner need not be present to redeem prize).
Five Rivers MetroParks wants to make it easy for anyone to ride the region's bikeways. Visit metroparks.org/cycling for resources, such as links to downloadable maps and interactive maps that make trip planning a snap, lists of programs and events aimed at turning couch surfers into cycling enthusiasts, and local clubs and retailers that will get people up and riding.
Links & Tags
Five Rivers MetroParks.
