Beverly

After a one day delay due to rain I loaded up the bike hauler, picked up “the boys” (rtool and John) and started the 3 hour drive to northeast Ohio. We were accepting an invitation from Louis and his wife for a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Towpath and dinner afterwards.

After coffee and pastries with Louis and his wife we headed out to the Cuyahoga Valley Towpath. It was a little chilly but warmed slightly as we rode from the Botzum trailhead north to the Canal Visitor Center.

The valley was in full fall color!
Cuyahoga Towpath &.jpg

Here are a few of the places we visited along the trail.
Brecksville Station
Cuyahoga Towpath 036..jpg

The Beaver Marsh
Cuyahoga Towpath 007..jpg

The river near Peninsula
Cuyahoga Towpath 015..jpg

On the return trip to Botzum we stopped in Peninsula to enjoy the required pie and a visit to Century Cycles. The pie and ice cream was wonderful....warm apple with caramel.
]Cuyahoga Towpath &.jpg


The favorite part of the trip was the delicious Italian dinner, wine and conversation we enjoyed with Louis and his wife Maddie. We would have loved to stay longer but with another 3 hour drive home we reluctantly left for the trip home.

More pictures of the trip at
https://photobucket.com/Cuyahoga

sjordan1959

I love seeing the fall colors--something we don't get much of in Southern California.

billydonn

Thanks or sharing. That looks like great fun. I really enjoyed the slides. Looks like a National Park Service site.

For those interested: I googled up a map: https://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisi...path5Web-2.pdf

wiredfoxterror

Looks like a great ride. Enjoyed the fall colors, something I haven't seen for a few years. Almost makes me want to head north.

cyclinfool

Very nice pics Bev - thanks.



In a few weeks we can post pics that will nip those thoughts in the bud.

Hask12

Cuyahoga Valley is part of the National Park system. That picture of the river in Peninsula is suppose to be heavily polluted, like toxic polluted, but it looks nice. How come you didn't stop at Century Cycles in Peninsula?

Beverly

We did stop at Century Cycles.....I even purchased a lock for my touring bike
I didn't need to purchase one of the t-shirts since I purchased one a couple years ago on GOBA.

cranky old dude

Great pics Beverly. Looks like you all had a great day!

Thanks for taking the time to share.

The Weak Link

Yes, but what was your average speed?

10 Wheels

Just guessing she can eat a piece of pie in 15 minutes.

Pat

Nice pics Beverly. I hope you all enjoyed the pie.

Louis

Many years ago the Cuyahoga River was a mess. Local industry readily and thoughtlessly dumped toxic chemicals without opposition from authorities or residents. About forty years ago the cleanup began. Today it is something we NE Ohioans are proud of.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuyahoga_River

Bev - thanks for posting. I had a blast hanging out with you and "the boys". Maddy is always thrilled to watch our guests heartily consuming her culinary delights, as well as joining in the lively conversation.

Terex

That's right, and the part that most people have "burnt" into their memory is close to the outlet to Lake Erie in the industrial area. The river closer to Akron has had to deal with effluent from the Botzum sewage treatment plant. As upgrades have been made over the years, the river health has improved greatly.

Many beautiful parts of the valley park, such as the Great Blue Heron rookery. https://www.nps.gov/cuva/naturescienc...-Heronries.htm

The park is a great resource for NE Ohio.

Mojo Slim

Beautiful pictures. Thanks.

Hask12

That stretch of the river is still very polluted to the point where people are told not to go in it at all. Cuyahoga River has improved, it no longer catches on fire. But there are still areas where things are bad.

Terex

In 1969, as part of our HS graduation celebration, my buddies and I walked under the waterfall at the Gorge power plant. I got a sore on my hand that didn't heal for weeks. Good times. "Burn on, big river, burn on..."

Bare Feet

Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures Beverly.

doctor j

Very nice report, Beverly, and a great looking route. I might add that every time I've had occasion to ride with BF 50+ cyclists, it's been enjoyable. From the pics, it appears you guys had a great ride and visit.

miss kenton

Great pictures, Bev, especially the one of the 50+ers. I think I would really enjoy a bike trip in this area, maybe next summer.

Daspydyr 

Your post is why biking is such a great sport and experience. WOW, that is just gorgeous. Makes me want to visit my OH relatives.

Allegheny Jet

I guess that I ride in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for the wrong reasons. It is less than 15 miles from my home and I'll ride to the park as a warm up then ride up the valley hills for a workout since they are the tallest/steepest in the Cleveland area. Louis and I did take a ride there last spring, but we were talking too much to do any looking around.