Great Lakes - Newbie in Cleveland, OH needs some help!

Hello everyone, first time poster here. I just discovered this website and it looks like a great forum full of helpful people. I've recently decided that I want to get into cycling because as it is I don't exercise at all, and cycling seems like a really fun thing to do. As the title says, I'm a complete newbie to this and I'm really just clueless when it comes to this, so I'm looking for a little general help. I've done some research on these forums and some other websites and some of it has been helpful but there's just so much info, and a lot of it is directed towards more serious cyclists on this website who are familiar with it already(unless I've been looking in the wrong places). I don't know what info is best for me as a beginner and what is not applicable to me.

I'm not looking to do anything serious or competitive, at least for the moment. I'm just looking to do this a few times a week for some exercise and because it seems enjoyable. I've heard that the metroparks here in Cleveland are a great place to ride. This is where I would want to ride at on bike paths, I'm less interested in riding in the street or sidewalk. I read a little up on it and it seems that there's several different bike paths throughout the metroparks(Emerald Necklace). I'm looking to find out which trail would be the best for me as a beginner. I want to be able to just drive out and ride a trail looping around and ending back up where I started if that is possible? Any directions on how to specifically get to the trail would be much appreciated, as I'm directionally-challenged and have trouble finding places even though I've been here my entire life. I haven't really been down in the metroparks much at all though so I'm completely unfamiliar with it. Although I'm most interested in the metroparks, I am open to any suggestions for routes.

Now that that's out of the way, I have some questions about biking. What kind of bike do I need to get? I read on here that there is a good bike shop called "Spin" in Lakewood; does anyone have experience with this shop? Should I just go up there and tell them my situation and ask for suggestions on what kind of bike is best for me? I can spend more money if it will be worth it, however I'm not looking for anything high-end right now. Just something to get me into this and started. I've read contradicting info on what I should wear for cycling. Are just shorts/boxer briefs ok, or do I need to get like special cycling shorts? I want to make sure it will be comfortable. Other than that, just any general tips or information would be welcome. Thanks to anyone who reads and/or replies to my post, it will be much appreciated as I am really interested in this.

A couple of links:

Ohio & Erie Canal Path : parking @ Harvard Ave near Jennings Rd (and others to the south) : Cleveland Metroparks Website (http://www.clemetparks.com/visit/index.asp?action=rdetails&reservations_id=1014) : Trail Map (http://www.clemetparks.com/pdf/reservations/Ohio_&_Erie_Canal_Reservation.pdf)

Ohio City Bicycle Co-op : a great source for used bikes - classes included with the purchase of a bike (they're open Thursday 5-9pm and Saturday 12-4pm): http://www.ohiocitycycles.org : Specific info on their bikes for sale (http://www.ohiocitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=27)

Century Cycles is another good dealer if you're looking for a new bike: http://centurycycles.com/

When starting out, you don't need any special clothing. You'll probably be a little uncomfortable no matter what you're wearing. Don't worry, it'll get better.

If you ride on the road. The Metropark Parkway that parallels the Turnpike near I-77 is very nice.
But in Rocky River Vally from I-71 or maybe Rt. 82, north to Lake Erie the road is in poor condition for bike riding.
The north part of the Towpath from Harvard to Rockside should be nice. I sometimes inline skate there (but not yet this year).

I'm looking for good places to ride on the west or south west side.

There are also two nice paths near Lorain.

Hey Clynt, welcome to the forums.

What kind of biking would you like to do? Road racing? Cyclocross? Mountain biking? Fixie ally cat races?

If you're looking for a good road bike path, check out:
http://ow.ly/1knkB -- By far one of the most popular bike routes on the east side of cleveland.
http://ow.ly/1mXs2 -- I haven't taken this trip, but someone recommended it...

Cyclocross -- I like to ride at Forest Hills Park at Mayfield and Lee...

IMO -- Cain Park Bicycle is the best bike shop on the east side of Cleveland. Good serivce, their labor costs are great (about $20 for a tune up) and they carry Bianchi and Rocky Mountain bikes. Their website is a bit weak, but you can contact them on their twitter account (twitter.com/cainparkbicycle).

Bike Authority in Broadview Heights is another great shop and source of route information.

Oh wow, lots of replies! Thanks everyone. I'm not really looking to ride on roads for now, I guess I'd be closer to being interested in mountain biking. See, I just want to start out with something like this towpath trail in the metroparks. It lists the towpath and all purpose trails as two separate things, but these are essentially both ok to ride on correct? They seem to split off at one point. Thanks a bunch for the maps gazer, looks like I can park right over at Harvard Rd. and just bike through towards Rockside Rd. and head back whenever I feel like it? I guess I should get a mountain bike because I would like to try that eventually. It looks like there is a mountain bike trail right down there in the metroparks too, does anyone have experience with this? It says that for the most part this is for intermediate riders(which is definitely not me, haha).

Speedskater, thanks for the info. Yeah, I don't really plan to try the roads for now at least. Another suggestion for the towpath though, I'll definitely have to try that out.

NomadDNA, like I was saying above I'm probably leaning towards mountain biking, seems like a lot of fun. Thanks a lot for the maps, if I decide to try riding on the roads I will definitely check these out. Directions and everything! I will have to check that shop out. I assume wherever I go they will be able to give me some good advice on what kind of mountain bike I should get for starting out, but if you have any suggestions for that I'd love to hear them.

Thanks for the heads up TassR8700, I'll definitely check that out too!

Other than the mountain biking trail that is right by the towpath, does anyone have any other suggestions for places for a beginner as far as mountain biking goes?

My post is really unorganized and everything but I hope I get the right message across lol. Thanks a bunch again for all the replies, they've been lots of help thus far.

Hi Clynt and welcome. Lots of cycling opportunities in and around our Metro Parks. After some time of riding on the paved trails you may find the urge to take it out onto the roads but then again maybe not.
I work out at Spin Bike Shop and would be more than happy to sit down with you and show you a few options and just discuss what it is that you want to do. Feel free to send me an email with any questions....... gary@spinbikeshop.com

Hey Clynt, what part of town do you live in? No sense crossing the city to go biking.
On the Towpath, I start at Harvard Rd. that's OLD Harvard Rd. it's under the bridge. The Towpath from Harvard south to Rockside is paved and the only hills are the two new bridges over main streets. From Rockside south much of it is crushed limestone. Don't know, I don't take my bike anywhere near limestone.
On Rocky River Vally, it has a Multi Purpose Path that starts at the lake and goes south then east forever. Big hill near Ridge Rd. and lots of hills east of Rt. 21.
I'll bet that Forest Hills Park could be challenging. We skate at the rink there.
I can't help with mountain biking (or crushed stone paths) at all.

Hi Gary, thanks for the welcome. Yeah, at this point I'm not putting down anything and I will probably look into riding out on the roads at some point. It seems like it could be a lot more fun once I get used to everything. Thanks for the offer, I will definitely e-mail you or just stop by the shop when I get a little more money saved up and am ready to buy something and get started.

Hey Speedskater! I live on the west side of Cleveland right next to Lakewood. The towpath would be about a 12 minute drive which isn't too bad, if there's other closer places too that'd be awesome. I just looked up the trail path at Rockey River Valley, I hadn't seen this one before. I'm definitely going to keep this in mind. I live on W. 126th St. right off of lorain. It looks like I can go all the way down Lorain and get to an entrance over there, looking at the map? And there is an entrance on Puritas as well. Yeah sorry, I'm probably coming off as someone who's never driven anywhere before, but yeah, I pretty much know how to get to work, school and a few other places and that's about it lol. I am not knowledgeable of the metroparks at all.

Thanks again for the posts guys, this is helping a lot.

Stop by the shop anytime. Money not needed , talk is free

If you ever do decide to try it out on the road. This will help. http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm. Mirrors are very helpful. Don't worry about clothing. Wear whatever you're comfortable with. I wear regular shorts myself. Maybe shop for a cheap bike. And if it's something you feel you might like doing then go crazy getting a nicer bike. Here are some more trails for you if you feel like getting adventurous. http://www.spokejunkies.com/reviews/index_ohio.php

Clynt, I'm just west of Lakewood Park.
For you to the Towpath, east on I-90 to Rt.176 south to Harvard/Jennings go east over the bridge then make a sharp right u-turn down the hill the park entrance is at the bottom. Then you can try coming home by going west to Steel Yard Commons.
To Rocky River Park you can go west on Lorain then veer left just before the hospital.
Also try Big Creek parkway, south on W117 then south on Tediman(sp) to Brookpark. The entrance is across from Sam's Club. (I never rode there).

clynt,
I'll jump in here and say Hi! I know Gary pretty well and you won't go wrong talking with him.

I would suggest, along with what's already been said, that if you come out toward Elyria there is the North Coast inland trail, 15 mile asphault rail trail that goes though Oberlin and out to kipton. A real nice begiiner trail you can ride to Oberlin 10 miles one way and there is a Mc Donalds right by the trail or ride into town and go to Gibsons bakery.

As for Moutain biking there is a trail in findley state park in wellington. The Mountain bike trail in the cleveland metro is by canal visitor center and although its short it is nice. Medina has a whole bunch of great MTB trails as well. Hope you find a way to get out and ride, and welcome!

Hey again everyone, thanks for all the replies.

Gary, I'm probably going to stop by some time soon to look around and talk to you guys, as soon as I find the time. Thanks a bunch!

Ho scoatw. Thanks for the link. I'll add that to my bookmarks for if/when I decide to ride on the roads. Yeah, the general consensus seems to be, just wear whatever is comfortable. So I'll just wear some regular shorts, sounds good. I read in the mountain bike forums that I can pretty much expect to pay about $500 for an entry level bike, is that about standard? I was hoping for something for a little less but that's something that I can manage for sure if it will be worth it. I'm not really sure on the prices for these things so $500 might be really cheap for even an entry level one. I guess this is something I could find out once I venture out to the shops to look around and talk to people. I'm sure Gary will be helpful with this one. For your second link, those looks like some really fun places to ride, however a lot of them are not very close to me I don't think. But it seems like there's not a whole lot of mountain biking trails close to me so that will be very useful. Thanks!

Hey Speedskater. That's awesome. Yeah, I've figured out how to get to the towpath with Google maps so I shouldn't(hopefully) have a problem with that now! I'm pretty sure I understand what you are talking about for getting to Rocky River Park. I have been to Fairview Hospital before a few times. I am assuming from the maps just veer left onto old lorain rd. and I'll be good to go. I know exactly where you are talking about for Big Creek Parkway. I used to work right by there and I dropped someone off at the apartments right by there, I didn't know there was a trail or anything else through there besides some apartments, I never looked around! That is definitely good information, I'm very familiar with that place so I will try that out for sure.

Hi leinad. Thank you, he seems like a really nice guy so I will be sure to get in contact with him! Findley state park seems a little far but I'm definitely down for driving a little if it'll be worth it. Same for the northcoast inland trail, I looked that up and it looks pretty sweet. I'm going to start at the closer areas and then when I want to try something different I will probably drive out a little further to these other places and check them out. Yeah, the mountain bike trail looked to be pretty short but it should be good for someone who isn't very experienced. I will look more into the mountain biking section for tips with that(I have been already and have found some great information).

Thanks again everyone. I didn't realize how big this forum was, there's a bunch of locals on here haha.

I'm not sure about the path in Big Creek. Don't know where it starts or if it's continuous. One of the inline skaters would use it to go home from Bonnie Park. (Rt. 42 & Turnpike). But he could skate on anything.

The Elyria - North Coast Inland Trail is very nice, flat and straight. But it's easy to get lost driving to and from the starting point. Plus it's almost a 30 minute drive out to Elyria.

Big Creek Trail Map:

http://www.clemetparks.com/pdf/reservations/trailmaps/Big%20Creek%20map.pdf

Hey Speedskater! I live on the west side of Cleveland right next to Lakewood. The towpath would be about a 12 minute drive which isn't too bad, if there's other closer places too that'd be awesome. I just looked up the trail path at Rockey River Valley, I hadn't seen this one before. I'm definitely going to keep this in mind. I live on W. 126th St. right off of lorain. It looks like I can go all the way down Lorain and get to an entrance over there, looking at the map? And there is an entrance on Puritas as well. Yeah sorry, I'm probably coming off as someone who's never driven anywhere before, but yeah, I pretty much know how to get to work, school and a few other places and that's about it lol. I am not knowledgeable of the metroparks at all.

Thanks again for the posts guys, this is helping a lot.

Your best bet would be to park at the Mastik trailhead near Puritas. From there you can ride the MUP north up the to marina, or south down to Wallace Lake in Berea or even as far as Ridge Rd in North Royalton, where the MUP ends. Even when the MUP ends, you can continue on the parkway all the way to the Brecksville reservation and then pick up the Towpath there to go back north to Harvard Rd, or south to downtown Akron and beyond. As you can see, your options are only limited by how froggy you feel on any given day. ;)

I'm not sure about the path in Big Creek. Don't know where it starts or if it's continuous. One of the inline skaters would use it to go home from Bonnie Park. (Rt. 42 & Turnpike). But he could skate on anything.

The Elyria - North Coast Inland Trail is very nice, flat and straight. But it's easy to get lost driving to and from the starting point. Plus it's almost a 30 minute drive out to Elyria.

The Big Creek path is OK....but I liked it much better when I was a kid and it was just a bridle path.
From Snow Rd Park to St. John Bosco church it's OK, but from there it shifts to the median and there are a lot more intersections. I much prefer just riding the parkway than the MUP.

Some of us get together from time to time to ride the North Coast trail...it's a nice wide path mostly, flat as a pancake, and we stop for ice cream in Oberlin. Of course we have to spoon feed leinad and wipe the dribble from his chin, cuz he's like old.

Looks like you have more info than you need about where to ride. I can tell you that Spin is a good shop and luckily for you it's not that far from you, go check them out. The mountain bike trail at harvard is a fun ride. The towpath is right down the hill if you just want to do a lap and hit the path. One thing that is nice about the towpath is the train. You can put your bike on the train if you don't want to ride back to your drop point, that way you can see a little more of the trail. http://www.cvsr.com/bikeaboardschedule.aspx here is the towpath link http://www.ohioanderiecanalway.com/

Chip you low life, son of a *****, Next ime I see ya I'll wack ya with my cane!

Clynt, another place you can get some good trail info is the ODOT site, although I don't know if they got the interactive maps working yet. It's pretty cool, you can see all the trails in Ohio with a brief discription of each.

I gave Clynt a Cuyahoga cycling map today so he should be set as far as where to ride is concerned.

I read in the mountain bike forums that I can pretty much expect to pay about $500 for an entry level bike, is that about standard? I was hoping for something for a little less but that's something that I can manage for sure if it will be worth it. I'm not really sure on the prices for these things so $500 might be really cheap for even an entry level one. I guess this is something I could find out once I venture out to the shops to look around and talk to people.


Check out bikes on Ebay. They'll give you a good idea on what you might want. At least you'll have different bikes to look at and learn a little bit along the way. For $500 you can get an really nice bike there. Me personally I wouldn't have a problem buying a bike off ebay. As long as the seller had good feedback.

Thanks everyone. Yeah, I am pretty well-informed on trails and maps, etc. now. Thanks again Gary for the map and letting me use the book so I can familiarize myself with them better. There was a bike I liked at the shop but yeah, I am going to look around on craigslist some at least, maybe ebay.

Just wanted to bump this up cuz I'm getting bored with my usual route.

I've ridden the towpath from Harvard to north Akron but I'm not a big fan. The crushed limestone doesn't work for me.

I did North Marginal to Gordon Park. It a pretty empty road but not in good condition. Then I went through Bratenahl until the neighborhood got shady.

I usually do the Metroparks.

If I start at Big Creek there is way too much foot traffic for me to get a decent ride in on the path. However, there is a bit of a shoulder along most of the parkway and I can get a decent ride in between traffic lights.

When I hit Albion I usually head towards Wallace Lake and on to Rocky River. Again there is too much foot traffic on the bike path for me but the traffic allows a pretty good ride on the parkway.

I once went from Albion towards Brecksville along the bike path. I stopped when the path ended at Ridge Road. I didn't feel comfortable following Valley to Route 21 but I may give that a go this week. Just to note - the multi-purpose trail starting at Mill Stream Run and heading east seems to be the least used by walkers from my experience.

Also, I agree with earlier poster who said the path isn't so good north of the Rocky River Reservation. In some patches close to Detroit it is pretty bad. I noticed last week that a small patch had new blacktop on it so I hope they are in the process of redoing the entire section.

All that being said, where else is there to ride in the southern suburbs of Cleveland?

I once went from Albion towards Brecksville along the bike path. I stopped when the path ended at Ridge Road. I didn't feel comfortable following Valley to Route 21 but I may give that a go this week.

Best route in that area, IMO.
Once you get south of 82 on the Parkway, road traffic thins out considerably, give it a go. After the hill up to Ridge (where I usually park) traffic gets very light and the riding is great. Follow the Parkway past 21, drop into Brecksville Reservation on the first hill. Take a left onto Meadows Rd.(best 3 miles on the west side) then a right onto the main park road. This'll drop you back to the start of Valley, take a right and climb back up to Meadows. Take a left on Meadows, past the stables, a right at the T, and climb back up to 21 and turn right. Short span of 21 and a left turn back onto Valley. If your not used to climbing, this'll get you in shape. You can also hook this into Riverview Rd. by Station Rd. Bridge, heading south and towards Akron. Couple miles down is a great hill repeat climb :roflmao2:
HTH

Take a left onto Meadows Rd.(best 3 miles on the west side)


Shortly after i started riding I almost bit it bigtime on this turn, was seeing how fast I could go on the descent, then decided to turn kind of last minute, scrubbed some speed, decided halfway through the turn I still thought I was going too fast and panicked, grabbed the rear brake for some reason I can't comprehend, slid the wheel a little, caught it after it'd slid probably 6 or 8 inches, but it felt like 6 or 8 feet. Definitely got the heart rate up to max.

"dewaday" and "wens" - I sometimes do that same ride and yes I have had that same brake problem.

Looks like you got lots of good advice and links. Here is one for some more info on Cleveland riding. I have ridden the towpath and Metroparks for the last 20 years...you can't really go wrong there. Naturally it's less busy during the week. But lots of nice folks and scenery and best of all-shade when its hot out.

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bike/index.php

MTG

Best route in that area, IMO.
Once you get south of 82 on the Parkway, road traffic thins out considerably, give it a go. After the hill up to Ridge (where I usually park) traffic gets very light and the riding is great. Follow the Parkway past 21, drop into Brecksville Reservation on the first hill. Take a left onto Meadows Rd.(best 3 miles on the west side) then a right onto the main park road. This'll drop you back to the start of Valley, take a right and climb back up to Meadows. Take a left on Meadows, past the stables, a right at the T, and climb back up to 21 and turn right. Short span of 21 and a left turn back onto Valley. If your not used to climbing, this'll get you in shape. You can also hook this into Riverview Rd. by Station Rd. Bridge, heading south and towards Akron. Couple miles down is a great hill repeat climb :roflmao2:
HTH

I am very excited about trying this out. A thousand thanks.

Hey--welcome to the forum. I ride the Towpath regularly---. I also live near Berea so I can go either northor south by entering near Wallace Lake. There is a really nice, flat rails to trails path in Elyria that runs from Elyria SW to Kipton. I would talk to Gary sometime---I do also second Century Cycles, too.

Best of luck to you.

I am very excited about trying this out. A thousand thanks.

Let me know if you want to meet up, I ride that route pretty regular.

The Hike and Bike's another good route in that area. Start at Pleasant Valley or 82, head south and it loops onto quiet surface streets near Kent and around Silver Lake. I've done that complete the last 4 New Years eves (not sure why, just became a weird personal tradition). Or head north from the same Pleasant Valley parking lot and go through Bedford Reservation through to Solon on the path or metropark road.

I started off on the towpath and MUPs 5 years ago, got bored like you, and eventually wandered onto the roads after getting over the initial hesitation. Easier to do roads if your further south or can swing riding on off hours. The other key is to ride opposite rush hour. I'll head north on the parkway roads from 6:00 to 7:00, then flip and head south.

cheers

I've been riding every couple of weeks with a local ski club group (they ride every week, I can't always make it), but I'd love to have other people to meet up and ride with -- I live in Cleveland Heights and mostly do the RR reservation ride or the harrison dillard bikeway, but I've ridden most of the towpath and I'm gearing up for an ashtabula ride w/ my boss.

I live in parma (near broadview and rockside) and typically head to big creek and make my way to valley parkway in strongsville and then head towards rocky river before turning around. it sucks - so many stops and lights and just feels like you never get in a groove. I would consider riding south down canal rd. next to the towpath but it makes me nervous with the curves and higher speed limit.

I've been riding every couple of weeks with a local ski club group

A drinking group with a ski problem :)

Hey what's up Clevelanders.

I'm heading back to school (Case Western) in a few days, and I was wondering if any of you knew if Cleveland had a weekly crit night (or something similar).

Also, how is the racing scene in or near Cleveland?

Hey what's up Clevelanders.

I'm heading back to school (Case Western) in a few days, and I was wondering if any of you knew if Cleveland had a weekly crit night (or something similar).

Also, how is the racing scene in or near Cleveland?

Every Tuesday night in Westlake is our weekly crit series. Westlake is about 15 minutes west of Cleveland

http://carbonracing.org/westlake/index.php

Wow that sounds a lot like what we have here (www.acaracing.com).

Now, I just have to find someone to carpool with...