Negotiation with the family for bike riding time can be a challenge, especially when on family trips. Still, I knew I had to get out at least once. My opportunity came Saturday afternoon when there were no other activities planned. Out the door I went.
My parents are fortunate to live almost adjacent to a fantastic cycling resource, the Little Miami Trail. The trail is part of a web of cycling paths reaching out from Xenia, Ohio, to all points of the compass. The Little Miami trail follows the grade of the Little Miami Railroad. The trail also follows closely the course of the Little Miami River. Last year I did a southward section, but I have many miles of trail yet to explore.
I opted to ride north, following the mostly shady path to Springfield, Ohio. When the path joined a road and became a bike lane under Interstate 70, I followed it a mile to the Springfield city limits, but chose to turn around there. I believe that you can get to another section of trail from Springfield to Urbana, but that exploration will have to wait for another day.
On the return course, I called my wife and asked her if she wanted to bring the kids for a treat at Youngs Jersey Dairy. This Ohio instution is less than a mile off the path, first along a quiet road, then along a slightly busier one, but with good wide shoulders.
Suitably fortified with a wonderful "Bullshake" I continued on through Yellow Springs. I stopped for a while to listen to some folks playing banjos on the main street and was invited to dinner, but couldn't attend due to other commitments. Next time we visit I'll be sure to bring the banjo as well as the bike and look up my new friends.
| Classic tourist shot of one of the railroad bridges, where the trail crosses the Little Miami near the site of Old Chillicothe (now called Oldtown), the capital of the Shawnee nation. |
| The trail passes the Glen Helen Preserve, a 1000 acre ecological preserve, a protion of which is designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. At this point we are also quite near to the John Bryan State Park and it's mountain bike trails. |
| A typical trail view. Lots of nice shade to keep me cool in the ninety degree temeratures. |
| The trail joins the road here and passes unter Interstate 70. After about a mile of hot noisy road, I turned around on the edge of Springfield. |
| Sometimes, it is OK to succumb to temptation. |
| It is good to see other riders out and about. |
| Youngs enjoy's its location close to the trail. |
| Trailside graffitti. Feel the rage of the oppressed liberal arts students from the nearby Antioch College. |
| A rebuilt train station offers restrooms and information. |
| Downtown Yellow Springs. |
| After a break in town, I crossed Antioch's campus to get back to the trail. This is a sculpture in "Emily's Garden." |
| Another garden, parallel to the trail is the Women's Garden, celebrating the women of Yellow Springs, past and present. |
| Another visitor to the garden while I was there. |
| Heading back to Xenia, passing Goes Station and a complex that just begs to be restored into some kind of trail related amenity. These buildings are the remnants of a gunpowder manufacturing mill. Several earlier versions blew up, but this set survived to be neglected. Wish I had unlimited money. |
| Today's Map, and out and back with a litle spur to the Milkshake nirvana. |
| Today's Profile, Almost no climbing, which was OK by me. |