Great Lakes - Columbus Ohio, Any riders out here?

nice area... I love it when we ride and once we get out of the columbus/270 loop, it opens up and is just a blast to ride.

I use the olentangy trail all the way.

I'm in about the same area (Worthington-Galena Road). I come strainght down High Street in the AM, and take the Olentangy home in the evenings. There's very little traffic on High Street at 6:00AM.

noob here too. Nearby Hilliard. Just hitting the bike path and trying to get some fitness and stability. 2nd ride and much better though. :) I hope to use my bike for a bit more than just exercise though.

For you, getting to Dublin, yeah.... that's all pretty busy. It's crossing the river that's limiting your options.. Looks like Henderson crosses over, but I'm not sure how far out of the way that is.

Going to try to ride a route or two this weekend just to see how it feels. My son (also a born-again rider) just got a job at MAG so we might be riding together, depending on how the work schedule works out.

Casey
2007 Giant Cypress SL
1993 Mt. Shasta Arrowhead MTB
1984 Centurion Comp TA

I'm in about the same area (Worthington-Galena Road). I come strainght down High Street in the AM, and take the Olentangy home in the evenings. There's very little traffic on High Street at 6:00AM.

very true, but those steel plates SUCK, eh?

Hey there!
I ride just for fun & exercise, and am shy of traffic so have been pretty much sticking to the neighborhood and the area MUPs--can any of you suggest some nice, low-traffic, 15-30 mile routes outside the outerbelt for a change of scenery & a little more challenge? I live in south Worthington.

This great weather, bad for the garden, great for the bke!

Hey, new to the site, i live in Hilliard. i ride the heritage trail sometimes but mainly back roads or down to campus. im usually on a blue/white Gitane or my all flat black Leader Fixie, hope to find others in the area to ride with.

New to Columbus? Looking for new routes to ride? Want to know what others know in Columbus? Go to http://www.considerbiking.org/site/cb/index.php the only website dedicated to bicycling in Columbus.

Wooo! didn't see this thread before!

About to get an 09 Allez for my first road bike. I've been riding hard on a Giant Hybrid. I live right next to the Olentangy trail and ride daily, usually up to 270 and back. I need to find out how to get past that area that it dead ends in though (that worthington hills mall parking lot). I need, need, NEED, to find some of those more country-ish roads past 270, where I can really put some miles behind me.

I live near Zanesville
Wish i rode more but work currently prohibits that.

I'm in Columbus in the Grandview area. I commute to work a couple/three times a week (Goodale to Olentangy to just a bit north of high street) mostly take the bike path through OSU now, but expect to be back to the roads/sidewalk as the weather begins to turn.

Wooo! didn't see this thread before!

About to get an 09 Allez for my first road bike. I've been riding hard on a Giant Hybrid. I live right next to the Olentangy trail and ride daily, usually up to 270 and back. I need to find out how to get past that area that it dead ends in though (that worthington hills mall parking lot). I need, need, NEED, to find some of those more country-ish roads past 270, where I can really put some miles behind me.

I don't know how far you are willing to ride or if putting your bike on a car rack and doing a little driving to get to some rural roads but there are plenty of them where I live in Westerville. You can get here from the trail by exiting it just north of 161 behind Thomas Worthington HS. Ride up Evening st to North st. Take Norht st to Proprieters rd and take Proprietors to Shrock rd. Use the bike lane to get to Westerville. Once in Westerville, you an take a couple of the bike paths to get to the Hoover dam area. Beyond this point you'll have plenty of rural roads to ride on. If loading your bike on your car is an option, you can drive down to the dam area. You can also take the same paths to get north to the Genoa area in southern Delaware country and have plenty of rural routes there as well

Go to Hills Market. Make your way to Worthington Hills. Climb the hill, turn right at the first street(Clubview N.) take that to Oakview to Fairway, turn right. Go to the deadend. Cut thru to the next subdivision. Take that to Jewett rd. Turn left to Smoky Row(Liberty Rd.) Turn right. You are now heading to Powell. Get a map and ride to your hearts' content! I usually go to Carriage Rd. and make my way toward Alum Creek. If you cross the Olentangy at the Orange Rd. bridge, take a left on the country lane all the way to Winter Rd. The map will show you. The Orange Rd. bridge is closed to traffic. So cross at your own risk. I do it all the time.

Go to Hills Market. Make your way to Worthington Hills. Climb the hill, turn right at the first street(Clubview N.) take that to Oakview to Fairway, turn right. Go to the deadend. Cut thru to the next subdivision. Take that to Jewett rd. Turn left to Smoky Row(Liberty Rd.) Turn right. You are now heading to Powell. Get a map and ride to your hearts' content! I usually go to Carriage Rd. and make my way toward Alum Creek. If you cross the Olentangy at the Orange Rd. bridge, take a left on the country lane all the way to Winter Rd. The map will show you. The Orange Rd. bridge is closed to traffic. So cross at your own risk. I do it all the time.Awesome. I ride up to the worthington hills all the time (mostly because that hill leading into them, next to the Hills Market, is wicked good). Good info to know.

I ride my bke to and from work 3 times a week. I see an awful lots of cyclist on the trail and a lot of them are very fast. Some are commuters and others are decked out in their team colors and are really cruising. I carry all of my work clothes with me in a backpack, but I still like to motor. I don't like to be passed and if I am I make them work for it. I find riding a bike for me is similar to driving, in that I don't like to be passed or tailgated.
I am slowly gathering biking gear for the cold weather that is coming. I would appreciate any advice other riders could give me about riding in the fall, winter and early spring.

For winter, look for cross country ski clothing. SportHill is my choice. Read blogs from Alaska and Canada to see how it's done. Here's a start: http://alaskabikeblog.blogspot.com/ Google around to find the best price on something that catches your eye. Check out the Winter Cycling forum also.
Campmor, Sierra Trading Post, Cabelas, and Lands End, all have excellent winter gear at good prices. They beat the junk the bike merchants sell. Last winter I was in BikeSource and the guys in there commented to me "How's the weather?" I said "Not bad". The one snickers and says "I don't believe you". I told him that if you get good ski clothing its better than the over-priced junk they sell. If you prepare yourself and read what others do then riding in Winter weather is just as fun as riding in the summer. The best part is you have the roads and MUP's all to yourself. And I got a kick out of the drivers faces when they'd see me riding in frigid temps. TJ Maxx has good stuff and low prices, they start stocking there winter stuff right about now.

ScottNorthSide http://www.considerbiking.org/site/cb/index.php (http://www.considerbiking.org/site/cb/index.php)

Yeah, I just started thinking about winter. Being a clyde I have some built in warmth, but I will want some good clothing that helps me not be discouraged from riding to work.

Yeah, getting a bit chilly in the mornings. Been busting out some Champion thermals to help out..... got the booties on the other early morning.

Getting darker too, so more drivers not paying attention. Yay.

I'm just out enjoying the warm weather we're having. Knowing that this is the last of it. Next week will be back to the normal low's. But it's nice to ride in 70f temps. Had the sandals on this morning and this aftn. Very comfortable. I got to try out my new headlight this morning which was like night and day compared to the Opticube that I had. We'll see how the runtime is. As long as it lasts for 4 or 5 days that will be good enough for me. Looking forward to wearing shorts and sandals the rest of the week.
...P.S. I got my winter tire combo set up this week, so I'm ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at us in January and February.
_________________

I'm in Columbus, too! I just started cycling (got my first road bike in October) but I've been on the Olentangy path 6 times so far and I really like it. I also got to enjoy the nice weather the first weekend in November. I went riding on the path twice that weekend and went my farthest distance to date!

I'm in Carroll, just SE of Columbus near Canal Winchester. New the the site and riding. Picked up a 09 Giant FCR in August and have enjoyed riding the country roads of Fairfield county and a few charity rides so far, the Trek Breast Cancer ride and the AF Challenge. I've also turned into a bike nerd already, which has led to a large deficit in my checkbook...oops.

I'm in Carroll, just SE of Columbus near Canal Winchester. New the the site and riding. Picked up a 09 Giant FCR in August and have enjoyed riding the country roads of Fairfield county and a few charity rides so far, the Trek Breast Cancer ride and the AF Challenge. I've also turned into a bike nerd already, which has led to a large deficit in my checkbook...oops.

I went to middle and high school in Carroll. I don't get out that way very often, but looking back I reckon there are some great rides out that way. Might actually run into a hill or two.

Okay, here we are into the meat of the season. I left this morning with 34f and a light snow. Yeah! that's what it's about. I was actually getting a little warm with the gear I had on. I was trying out the mid-weight WICKERS balaclava I got from Sierra Trading Post. Wierd, because this aftn I didn't feel the over-warmth that I did this morning. This aftn I was quite comfortable. Goggles, Mittens, Snow sneakers on the feet, radio playing rock'n'roll, had the OBP all to myself, I could have ridden all day. I got the usual incredulous looks from people that I got last year. "Why is he ridin' his bike in this stuff". The SportHill Infuzion II pants that I featured awhile back worked perfectly. No wind, no cold. SportHill Rocks! Tom'rw morning is supposed to be colder.
I am ready

I'm in Columbus, too! I just started cycling (got my first road bike in October) but I've been on the Olentangy path 6 times so far and I really like it. I also got to enjoy the nice weather the first weekend in November. I went riding on the path twice that weekend and went my farthest distance to date!


I was on the olentangy path as far as high street, but havent gone beyond that yet. If we get even one day of mid 40's in the next couple weeks with light wind and no ice, im going all the way to 161.

Okay, here we are into the meat of the season. I left this morning with 34f and a light snow. Yeah! that's what it's about. I was actually getting a little warm with the gear I had on. I was trying out the mid-weight WICKERS balaclava I got from Sierra Trading Post. Wierd, because this aftn I didn't feel the over-warmth that I did this morning. This aftn I was quite comfortable. Goggles, Mittens, Snow sneakers on the feet, radio playing rock'n'roll, had the OBP all to myself, I could have ridden all day. I got the usual incredulous looks from people that I got last year. "Why is he ridin' his bike in this stuff". The SportHill Infuzion II pants that I featured awhile back worked perfectly. No wind, no cold. SportHill Rocks! Tom'rw morning is supposed to be colder.
I am ready

Do you have a link to those pants? and do you use clips or straps at the ankles with them?

I went out today around noon to run some errands. The temp was 28f (according to the Weather Channel). I think I reached the threshold of the SportHill Infuzion II pants. I wasn't getting cold but I think 25f would probably be the limit on those. Which is excellent. SportHill XC 3SP are the King of winter cycling pants, and the Infuzions' are just a half step behind those. Once again the Infuzions are on sale at Amazon for $45, depending on the size. They retail for $85.
... Back to my commute. I rode to Riverside Hospital via the OBP to check out Milton Av and the bike boxes. Which are still in the early phase of construction. The intersection pretty much looks the same as it did before. Rode up EN Broadway to the Hospital and everything was fine. Lots of room and I didn't feel threatned by the traffic. Came home in 50 min from Riverside, had the wind at my back. I think thats pretty good. The temps warmed up to about 37f on my thermometer. I switched from the mittens to the cotton work gloves. Felt comfortable.

The pants have a zipper at the ankle. Once you try SportHill you will be hooked. SportHill makes the best winter clothing.
http://www.amazon.com/SportHill-Mens-InFuzion-Black-Small/dp/B000OYJKVC/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1224711954&sr=8-1

I left this morning expecting to see all kinds of snow on the ground with 21degree temps like the weather guys said. It wasn't nothing. The temp was at 26f with a hefty 12mph NW wind. Not bad. The aftn temp was at 31f or so with that NW wind pushing me home. Sweet. Rode a bit on the OBP so folks on 315 could see me out there. Finally had some flurries on the way home. I like ridin' when its snowing.

This has to be the most dangerous day to cycle in Columbus.
"GO BUCKS"

Anyone going to the cross race in Upper Arlington tomorrow? If so, say hi to me. Red helmet, Redline Conquest Pro, racing B's.

Anyone going to the cross race in Upper Arlington tomorrow? If so, say hi to me. Red helmet, Redline Conquest Pro, racing B's.

Wait, What? There are Cross races in UA? Does this happen regularly? Where, and can I watch?

I left this morning it was 20f. I wore my regular Winter outfit and I didn't overheat. Felt comfortable. After watching last nights weather news. They were talking 1" with slick roads starting around noon. So I decided to switch to the Snow studs just to be on the safe side. Good thing. The snow started falling about 10:30am and progressively got worse. It didn't take long for the roads to get slick and icy. When I got off of work at 2pm traffic was backed up on 161. So I rode alongside of it on the berm. The Nokian 294's gripped the road real good. While on some side streets I was doing some zig-zagging, trying to get the tires to slip out from under me. They just kept maintaining their grip. Outstanding. Last year I put a Mount&Ground 160 on the front and I thought that they did well. The 294's have still yet to be tested on ice. We have plenty of time for that. So I rode down the path from Antrim to Bethel Rd and turned around and rode across the Broadmeadows bridge and made my way up to High St. I saw another set of bike tracks on the path. By now the snow was coming down pretty good. It felt good riding in the snowfall. A few people were amazed to see me riding a bike in it. After getting used to riding on the 294's, I didn't even worry about slowing down to corner or anything like that. As far as rolling resistance. They were about what I expected coming from a snow stud. They only add about an extra 5 min to my normal commute

I'm in Lewis Center. Bought a Specialized Rockhopper on Craigslist and the next day we had our first snow. Bought a bike for my wife and trailer for the kids so were getting ready for spring. I'm looking for places to ride that a Burley trailer will fit, so far it looks like just the trails in Westerville and Orange Township.

I'm in Lewis Center. Bought a Specialized Rockhopper on Craigslist and the next day we had our first snow. Bought a bike for my wife and trailer for the kids so were getting ready for spring. I'm looking for places to ride that a Burley trailer will fit, so far it looks like just the trails in Westerville and Orange Township.


You could always head down to the olentangy trail and bike through the park with it.

Ohh yea, I forgot to list that one. I see there are some in Dublin and Powell also.
I think i have my wife talked into going up to cuyahoga this summer, 19 miles there and can ride a train back too.

My commute today was pretty easy. 31f in the morning. A little bit of a 15mph headwind. But I managed OK. 30f this aftn with a few snow squalls thrown in. Had a nice westerly wind pushing me home. I like sitting at a light with the snow falling, and the cagers looking at me like I'm nuts. That is Winter Commuting

Hola. I'm The New Girl and I'm in Grandview. I don't have a road bike yet, but I just bought one for my manfriend and hope to get one in return for my birthday in March.

Are there any riding groups around here that would welcome an absolute beginner on the road? I still have to learn all of the jargon and rules and standards and what not and would love a nice group of people to help me out. If not, I'll just head out and pray I don't get hit by a car. :)

Go Bucks!

i went riding today in the short north and campus area on my all black leader fixie. felt great to ride today, ill be down there again tomorrow. excited about this nice weather we're having

If you're not locked into finding a riding group or club in the Grandview area, I'd recommend the Westerville bicycle club as a great group for you to look into. Riders of all skill levels, beginners to advanced are always welcome to join. There are many experienced riders who can help you learn all about road cycling and safety. The url to the club page is: http://www.westervillebicycleclub.org/ You can find more information at that site.

^ Thanks! I checked it out and it definitely looks like a great option.

In an effort to initiate myself into the whole road biking thing, I'm forming a team for the Tour de Cure in Westerville on June 6th. It'd be sweet to have some BF members on the team, so if you're interested, please PM me! We'd love to have you!

The Westerville/Alum Creek Trail is great for rides. If you get a chance try the Backside (Eastside) of Hoover Dam. Traffic is low and there are a couple hills that will get you ready for Cuyahoga's trails. I did the Tour de Cure up there last year and I don't think there is a flat spot in the entire area. If you are looking for a challange up there look up Boston Mills Rd or Millers Rd those are some great climbs.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1126/3164708693_41d5416340_b.jpg
Headin' up the Westerville Bikepath toward Plumb Rd......... "On your Left"

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1075/3164744070_83d5a358d9_b.jpg
NEW YEARS DAY ride 9:20am 21f