Canoe and Bike - Stoutdog - Historian Ohio Bicycle Adventure
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Canoe and Bike - Stoutdog - Historian Ohio Bicycle Adventure
On my trip to Ohio I finally did something I've wanted to do for years. I paddled a canoe. Unfortunately Stoutdog was busy that day and couldn't come out and play, so I went solo six miles down the Tuscarawas River north of Massillon. My arms felt spent the next day, but it was worth it.
The Tuscarawa is a mild river, about 4 feet deep this time of year. Still, I was so nervous I was wearing the PFD in the van taking me to the put in spot. After five minutes instruction from the driver, I was afloat. Here I'm approaching the pedestrian and bike bridge in Crystal Springs.
Approaching one of the few trouble spots I had. I was so intent on navigating the ripples ahead I missed the overhanging tree. I lost my baseball cap. Oh well. A small price to pay.
The put in, at Ernie's Bike Shop and Canoe Rental.
After I rode the canal towpath trail for about ten miles or so. Here's the nice part, before the mess that is Massillon.
Here's where the trail deteriorates to detours, broken glass, and youths throwing firecrackers on the path. Turn around and head back north!
The connecting Sippo Valley Trail. The bridge was burnt down by arsonists a few years ago and never fixed. I decided one set of detours was enough and returned to finding the towpath.
My ride ended at a small trail park south of Messillon, err, Massillon. The highlight is a sculpture of Ohio native and American hero John Glenn.
The Tuscarawa is a mild river, about 4 feet deep this time of year. Still, I was so nervous I was wearing the PFD in the van taking me to the put in spot. After five minutes instruction from the driver, I was afloat. Here I'm approaching the pedestrian and bike bridge in Crystal Springs.
Approaching one of the few trouble spots I had. I was so intent on navigating the ripples ahead I missed the overhanging tree. I lost my baseball cap. Oh well. A small price to pay.
The put in, at Ernie's Bike Shop and Canoe Rental.
After I rode the canal towpath trail for about ten miles or so. Here's the nice part, before the mess that is Massillon.
Here's where the trail deteriorates to detours, broken glass, and youths throwing firecrackers on the path. Turn around and head back north!
The connecting Sippo Valley Trail. The bridge was burnt down by arsonists a few years ago and never fixed. I decided one set of detours was enough and returned to finding the towpath.
My ride ended at a small trail park south of Messillon, err, Massillon. The highlight is a sculpture of Ohio native and American hero John Glenn.
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Thanks. Aside from losing my Bass Pro Shop hat and the mess in Massillon, it was a fun day. Also, I've found a new outdoor activity I can pursue. I grew up isolated and sedentary, so while canoeing might not be much of an adventure to most of you, it is for me. May God allow me to have many more such ''adventures.'' Every one is a victory, regardless of how it turns out.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 106
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Great trip!
My husband and I bought a canoe earlier this month and have had a great time paddling it. Don't feel bad about the life vest. We both wear one as well as our three dogs that go with us.
My husband and I bought a canoe earlier this month and have had a great time paddling it. Don't feel bad about the life vest. We both wear one as well as our three dogs that go with us.
#5
already soaked
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 286
Bikes: 2011 Surly Crosscheck, 2014 Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
awesome! canoeing and kayaking are a couple of my favorite things and (i think) a nice upper body complement to bike riding. I just love being so close to the water!
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Sonora, Texas
Posts: 1,646
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus Elite Disc, Specialized Roubaix Expert
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looks like a blast, you needed a fishing pole on that canoe trip.
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paradise, TX
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: Soma Pescadero, Surly Pugsley, Salsa Fargo, Schwinn Klunker, Gravity SS 27.5, Monocog 29er
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 186 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
166 Posts
If you liked the canoe, you may also want try a kayak. They are more manuverable in the water and when portaging. I prefer the double bladed kayak paddles even in a canoe. The shorter recreational models are much easier to store and transport. Canoes are better if like like to take everything including the kitchen sink with you when camping. If you can camp of a bike, you can camp out of a kayak, the toughest thing is carrying enough drinking water down here in Tejas. I've done a couple trips since I got my kayaks (just cheapies from Academy)this year. A week after I got the first one, I did a three day paddle from Austin to Bastrop to find out if I liked it or not. I'm hooked. The difficult part is setting up shuttles if you're paddling solo, but on slow water you can always paddle upstream to camp, then downstream to finish the trip. Sorry for the thread hijack.
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
If you liked the canoe, you may also want try a kayak. They are more manuverable in the water and when portaging. I prefer the double bladed kayak paddles even in a canoe. The shorter recreational models are much easier to store and transport. Canoes are better if like like to take everything including the kitchen sink with you when camping. If you can camp of a bike, you can camp out of a kayak, the toughest thing is carrying enough drinking water down here in Tejas. I've done a couple trips since I got my kayaks (just cheapies from Academy)this year. A week after I got the first one, I did a three day paddle from Austin to Bastrop to find out if I liked it or not. I'm hooked. The difficult part is setting up shuttles if you're paddling solo, but on slow water you can always paddle upstream to camp, then downstream to finish the trip. Sorry for the thread hijack.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paradise, TX
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: Soma Pescadero, Surly Pugsley, Salsa Fargo, Schwinn Klunker, Gravity SS 27.5, Monocog 29er
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 186 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
166 Posts
You are closer to the water, so more stable than a canoe technically. It depends on the model though, most recreational boats are stable enough to stand up in. Check your area sporting goods stores and boat shops for demo days. Or do what I did and get the cheapest boat you can find and jump in, just mind the manufacturers weight ratings. If you can stay below 2/3 of what they are rated to carry it is best.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Canton Ohio
Posts: 97
Bikes: 1989 Trek 800/1976 Raleigh Sports/1984 Schwinn varsity
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hey, your in my neck of the woods. canal Fulton, Right?
& I agree, Massilon sucks, but keep heading south...once your past there it's real nice.
https://www.traillink.com/city/orrville-oh-trails.aspx
& I agree, Massilon sucks, but keep heading south...once your past there it's real nice.
https://www.traillink.com/city/orrville-oh-trails.aspx
Last edited by jitterymonkey; 07-21-11 at 01:03 AM.
#13
already soaked
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 286
Bikes: 2011 Surly Crosscheck, 2014 Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
getting into a kayak can be a little hairier than getting into a canoe, but once you're in it, you never really feel like you're going to flip
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,246
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18420 Post(s)
Liked 15,564 Times
in
7,333 Posts
https://forevergreennj.com/C/Scenic_R...Rental/42.aspx
It's only an overnighter, but it would be a good way to try it out.
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Hey, your in my neck of the woods. canal Fulton, Right?
& I agree, Massilon sucks, but keep heading south...once your past there it's real nice.
https://www.traillink.com/city/orrville-oh-trails.aspx
& I agree, Massilon sucks, but keep heading south...once your past there it's real nice.
https://www.traillink.com/city/orrville-oh-trails.aspx
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 2,401
Bikes: 2012 Surly LHT, 1995 GT Outpost Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I'm considering getting into kayaking next year after I get my house.
Actually I'd love to hook up a recumbent style drivetrain to a propeller on a kayak... heh heh heh
Actually I'd love to hook up a recumbent style drivetrain to a propeller on a kayak... heh heh heh
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,753
Bikes: 1986 KHS Fiero, 1989 Trek 950, 1990 Trek 7000, 1991 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, 1992 Trek 1400, 1997 Cannondale CAD2 R300, 1998 Cannondale CAD2 R200, 2002 Marin San Rafael, 2006 Cannondale CAAD8 R1000, 2010 Performance Access XCL9R
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 284 Post(s)
Liked 385 Times
in
207 Posts
Looks like a great time Neil! I agree, every adventure is a victory...
I used to paddle sit-on-top Ocean Kayaks in Hawaii. Have wanted one of my own ever since. I keep looking at used canoes and kayaks though. Maybe by next summer I'll get something.
I used to paddle sit-on-top Ocean Kayaks in Hawaii. Have wanted one of my own ever since. I keep looking at used canoes and kayaks though. Maybe by next summer I'll get something.
#19
Senior Member
I grew up in a canoe in northern Minnesota. We even rigged our canoe to sail. I had many enjoyable overnight canoe trips with family in the boundary waters area of northern Minnesota and Ontario but it has been years since I"ve done an overnighter. I currently carry an inflatable kayak in the motorhome for tooling around streams and small lakes.
My uncle lived in Minneapolis, which has lots of biking and canoeing options. He used to throw his bike into his canoe, ride through a number of lakes and rivers, leave the canoe when he was done and bike back to his car. It always sounded like fun but I've never done it.
My uncle lived in Minneapolis, which has lots of biking and canoeing options. He used to throw his bike into his canoe, ride through a number of lakes and rivers, leave the canoe when he was done and bike back to his car. It always sounded like fun but I've never done it.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 57
Bikes: Diamondback Wildwood
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I kayaked for the first time a couple of weeks ago, on my birthday. It's a wonderful feeling, so calm and quiet -- and very efficient. I was surprised at how much ground -- er, water -- I could cover without working hard at it at all.
As far as stability -- I felt rock-solid and comfortable, never close to tipping. But my dad capsized twice! If you have no sense of balance to speak of, that is a hazard.
As far as stability -- I felt rock-solid and comfortable, never close to tipping. But my dad capsized twice! If you have no sense of balance to speak of, that is a hazard.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Neil_B
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
3
07-30-11 10:13 AM
Neil_B
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
4
07-22-11 06:57 PM
Neil_B
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
1
07-21-11 05:08 PM
Neil_B
Hosted Travelogs and Stories from the Road
3
09-26-10 08:45 PM