Great Lakes - Cleveland BF.net group ride?

Anyone interested in getting together for a road ride? We could meet in the RR reservation and ride along the parkway to strongsville and back (or shorter/longer if people prefer?).

It'd be cool to meet some local bike forumers in person.

Any takers?

What's the riding like over on the west side of Cuyahoga county? I'm over in northern Portage county (northof Ravenna Arsenal). Would be quite a haul to meet in RR. Ever ride with Outspokin' Wheelmen?

Riding through the metroparks is a pretty good ride. Scenic, and cyclists are common enough that drivers aren't surprised to see you. The surface is decent, although it is NE Ohio so not perfect - but it's good enough for most group rides on the west side to use it above most other routes (minimal intersections/traffic lights). There's several detours off the side for climbs that loop back down into the metroparks too if you like.

In all, it's about 25 miles from Rocky River to Strongsville, although you can go all the way out to Cuyahoga National Park near Brecksville if you like.

I know there are a bunch of NE Ohio riders on these boards so it'd be cool to do a bf.net group ride i reckon.

Why not split the difference between east & west and do an out-n-back through the Cuyahoga valley on Canal & Riverview rds? More scenic, drivers are just as used to cyclists, a little more rolling with a couple of fair climbs & downhills.

I'd be cool with that.

FYI, another BF meetup ride could be one of Century's Night Rides on the Towpath down in Peninsula. Usually 15-30 miles on the O&E towpath, easy pace, drinks at the Winking Lizard afterward. This month's was last night...there will be another Friday, June 8 at 8pm. Meet point is Century Cycles in Peninsula.

Reminder bump...

Well how bout a group ride south of akron. Starting on tow path from the new vanderhoof trail head down to or towards zor? Me and a friend did vander hoof road to crystal springs yesterday 27.08 mile. We didn't bring enough food to go further. Hes a new cyclist so was unsure how far he could go. At any rate I was thinking tow path to zoar then hit the streets of zoar Its a historic canal village so lots of good sites to see there. Then back up along the tow parth. Maybe a stop for lunch at bluehering at masslion rec center area.

Also lots of various animals on the towpath in this area. Todate ive seen 12 or more deer on the new section 2 coyotes dozens of turtles even a red fox yesterday. Coyotes were a intresting treat As i aproached they seen me first and moved way from their kill and watched as i passed before returning to it.

The deer made me way more nervous than the 2 coyotes heh

In this area theres very little of the tow path that ruff. A couple 30 or so feet sections in stark ounty that could be smoother. It is ruff but passable even on my bike with 700cx23 tires. If your on skinny tires stay off the mohican trail its soft and sandy and just a bare to ride.

So when / where is the ride gonna take place?

bump???? I will be living in Avon Ohio (West of Cleveland) from September 12th on. Would love to meet some you.

Only if you stop off in Nashville and bring some Yazoo Pale Ale beer.

Saturday, 9/22. 12th NIGHT RIDES ON THE TOWPATH TRAIL. Peninsula. Free fun ride for cyclists of all skill levels starting at 8 PM. Covers 15-22 flat miles on the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Towpath Trail. Helmet and bike lights required. Century Cycles. 1621 Main St.; Peninsula, OH 44264. Doug: (800) 201-7433. www.CenturyCycles.com

Sunday, 9/23 4th RIDE FOR SIGHT. Copley. Travel 15/30/60 rolling miles through Summit and Medina Counties. Full services include breakfast and lunch. Rest stops in Medina County Parks. Tee shirts to the first 100 registered. Held in conjunction with Copley Heritage Days weekend the event benefits Lions Club charitable efforts. Copley Lions Club. Kathy Starkey; 1558 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd.; Copley, OH 44321. (330) 697-4137. Email: SubIimePi@aol.com

Sunday, 9/30. 16th CIDER FESTIVAL BIKE RIDE. Norton. Enjoy a scenic ride through portions of Western Summit, Wayne, and Medina Counties. Flat to rolling rides of 10/25/62 miles. All routes offer water and snacks. More food and giveaways at the finish to the first 125 riders. In association with Norton's Loyal Oak Cider Festival. Norton Kiwanis. Mike Barkey; 3080 Loyal Oak Dr.; Norton, OH 44203. (330) 825-8624. Email: mbarkey1@neo.rr.com

Sunday, 11/4. 33rd RED FLANNEL METRIC CENTURY. Oberlin. Plan now to attend the premier end-of-touring-season event. The ride has it all: homemade soup, cookies, and a raffle. The rolling 64-mile route visits historic Milan, birthplace of Thomas A. Edison. The scenic 32-mile route tours rural Lorain County. Dress for the weather and, if it's cold, be sure your red flannel is buttoned up! Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club. PO Box 102; Amherst, OH 44001-0102. www.LorainWheelmen.org

The Red Flannel is close to you, Gary, and you may want to check out the Lorain Wheelmen if you are looking for a club.

We could also probably come up with our own BF group ride...maybe on the emerald necklace or the lakefront byway from say Avon out to the Mentor Headlands and back.

Only if you stop off in Nashville and bring some Yazoo Pale Ale beer.


I was going to bring a pan of Corky's Bbq but if you would rather a 6-pack.........:D

Lorain Wheelman and the Lake Erie Wheelman both have rides near me as does Spin Bike Shop on Wednesday nights. I see a lot of riding in my future.....if I can handle the cold. I am wuss :)






The Red Flannel is close to you, Gary, and you may want to check out the Lorain Wheelmen if you are looking for a club.

Like it says on the CSC wristband that we did a group buy for - Harden the F__K up! :D

Harden the F__K up! :D

:D Done, My wife just checked......

:D Done, My wife just checked......

You better be able to do it again by Christmas, or she's gonna be ticked!
:beer: :lol:

Chip, Looks like a fun ride. Anyone else here on BF thinking about doing this ride? As a bonus it is my birthday .....Getting closer to my senior discount at Ihop everyday!!!!!!!!!!








Sunday, 11/4. 33rd RED FLANNEL METRIC CENTURY. Oberlin.

Chip, Looks like a fun ride. Anyone else here on BF thinking about doing this ride? As a bonus it is my birthday .....Getting closer to my senior discount at Ihop everyday!!!!!!!!!!

I'll most likely be there.

Saturday, 9/22. 12th NIGHT RIDES ON THE TOWPATH TRAIL. Peninsula. Free fun ride for cyclists of all skill levels starting at 8 PM. Covers 15-22 flat miles on the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Towpath Trail. Helmet and bike lights required. Century Cycles. 1621 Main St.; Peninsula, OH 44264. Doug: (800) 201-7433. www.CenturyCycles.com

Sunday, 9/23 4th RIDE FOR SIGHT. Copley. Travel 15/30/60 rolling miles through Summit and Medina Counties. Full services include breakfast and lunch. Rest stops in Medina County Parks. Tee shirts to the first 100 registered. Held in conjunction with Copley Heritage Days weekend the event benefits Lions Club charitable efforts. Copley Lions Club. Kathy Starkey; 1558 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd.; Copley, OH 44321. (330) 697-4137. Email: SubIimePi@aol.com

Sunday, 9/30. 16th CIDER FESTIVAL BIKE RIDE. Norton. Enjoy a scenic ride through portions of Western Summit, Wayne, and Medina Counties. Flat to rolling rides of 10/25/62 miles. All routes offer water and snacks. More food and giveaways at the finish to the first 125 riders. In association with Norton's Loyal Oak Cider Festival. Norton Kiwanis. Mike Barkey; 3080 Loyal Oak Dr.; Norton, OH 44203. (330) 825-8624. Email: mbarkey1@neo.rr.com

Sunday, 11/4. 33rd RED FLANNEL METRIC CENTURY. Oberlin. Plan now to attend the premier end-of-touring-season event. The ride has it all: homemade soup, cookies, and a raffle. The rolling 64-mile route visits historic Milan, birthplace of Thomas A. Edison. The scenic 32-mile route tours rural Lorain County. Dress for the weather and, if it's cold, be sure your red flannel is buttoned up! Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club. PO Box 102; Amherst, OH 44001-0102. www.LorainWheelmen.org

The Red Flannel is close to you, Gary, and you may want to check out the Lorain Wheelmen if you are looking for a club.

We could also probably come up with our own BF group ride...maybe on the emerald necklace or the lakefront byway from say Avon out to the Mentor Headlands and back.


With a tiny bit of luck ill at least be doing the cider fest ride on the 30th.

When does winter typically set in in Cleveland? What I mean by winter would be consistent high temps of 40ish and wet.

D'pends on the year. Some years we get long falls where the temps get up into the 50s-60s during the day and 40ish at night thru Christmas, some years it's below freezing and starts snowing in October and you never see another warm day. Every year you can pretty much depend on some cold/rain/snow periods between October and January. Of course the REAL winter don't start till January and February.

This year I'm hoping for one of them long falls...but I noticed the leaves already starting to change weeks ago...so my hopes may be dashed.

Thread back from the dead. Anyone interested in getting together for an easy/moderate Towpath ride?

First night ride on the towpath is April 26 at 8pm
Meet up at Century Cycles in Peninsula.

I would love love love to do a Cleveland BF ride but I am not so sure about the towpath.......
I liked Chips idea in post #4.

I would be up for a towpath ride. I've never been on it.

We could also probably come up with our own BF group ride...maybe on the emerald necklace or the lakefront byway from say Avon out to the Mentor Headlands and back.

That'd be awesome, umm...could we start at Headlands?:D

We really need to put this together guys. I guess the first thing we need to decide on is towpath or road. Is there an answer that will keep both camps happy? I do not own a bike that I would want to take on the towpath besides my rickety old mountain bike.

That'd be awesome, umm...could we start at Headlands?:D

Actually Ohio City Bike Coop used to have a ride that went from their place in the flats, to the Headlands and back, followed by a BBQ. We did it the year before last...guess I should ask Jim if he's doing one this year.

We really need to put this together guys. I guess the first thing we need to decide on is towpath or road. Is there an answer that will keep both camps happy? I do not own a bike that I would want to take on the towpath besides my rickety old mountain bike.

I'd prefer the road too...maybe we could do one of both?
What size bike do you ride, Gary? I bet you'd fit my old 56cm Bianchi xcross for a towpath ride.

If anyone wants to come down this way, I have some nice road routes down to Massillion and back up through Canal Fulton and Clinton. We could meet up at Silver Creek metro park.

Is much of the Tow Path, South of Rockside Road still crushed stone?

I'd prefer the road too...maybe we could do one of both?
What size bike do you ride, Gary? I bet you'd fit my old 56cm Bianchi xcross for a towpath ride.

You could ride stoker on my Tandem.....:D

What about a ride in the area of the towpath/canal rd an ride to a location like Quaker Steak, to all arive around a certain time, then eat and what not, then anyone wanting to ride further can group up. Sorry the run-on sentence.

Is much of the Tow Path, South of Rockside Road still crushed stone?

most of it

I'm thinking the Valley Parkway might be a good plan. One group can meet up in Lakewood, the other in Brecksville and all meet up at say Wallace Lake, were we might even have some non-riding spouses meet us with a picnic lunch. Those who want to ride the road can, while those who are more comfy on the mup can ride that.

You could ride stoker on my Tandem.....:D

Or you could ride on the back of my Dummy! :D

most of it

I'm thinking the Valley Parkway might be a good plan. One group can meet up in Lakewood, the other in Brecksville and all meet up at say Wallace Lake, were we might even have some non-riding spouses meet us with a picnic lunch. Those who want to ride the road can, while those who are more comfy on the mup can ride that.

I think that is what I was trying to say but you did a better job.:)

most of it

I'm thinking the Valley Parkway might be a good plan. One group can meet up in Lakewood, the other in Brecksville and all meet up at say Wallace Lake, were we might even have some non-riding spouses meet us with a picnic lunch. Those who want to ride the road can, while those who are more comfy on the mup can ride that.


Works for me.........