I live about 3 mi from the little miami trail and get on in Milford which is about the start of the trail in Cincinnati. Biking north to Loveland is nice but typically crowded - especially as you get within a few miles of Loveland (about 9 mi north from Milford). Loveland is a bicyclists mecca - some nice spots to stop and sip a coffee, talk with other bikers etc. Going north from Loveland it remains crowded for a few miles and then thins right out. Then peaceful forests and fields - simply fantastic.

I grew up in Spring Valley which is on the trail about 7 miles south of Xenia. I can remember when it was an active railroad line:)

Doesn't the trail now go beyond Milford for a few miles now? I remember seeing an article in the paper but haven't been down that way since July of last year.

I just turned 50 a few weeks ago, and I'm looking to retire between 60 and 65. Don't know if it'll happen or not. As we all know, the future is unpredictable. Finance-wise, I have had a few setbacks, as I work in high tech. (Boom-bust, you're working, you're laid-off. The usual bullsheet.)

Anyway, I was checking out Florida, but I think there some serious concerns. The home owners insurance problem is one. I understand that housing costs are skyrocketing, as more and more people try to move down there. Is it true that a lot of new housing stock in the sunshine state is of the ultra-cheap "cookie cutter" type? The type of construction which, if it does not burn up in a flash fire, it will fall apart in about ten years? Any truth to that at all?

The "over 50" places may sound ideal and all, but I've got some reservations about that as well, just as DnvrFox described. A positive would be that you would not have to listen to 20-somethings blasting their sound systems all night, or getting into fights.

Stupid question: What to do those over 50 communities do when some really wealthy, over-50 executive type marries a lovely, 20-something woman? Do they try to toss him, or does he get a pass?

I know, I know,,I'm a cynic.

Well who knows, Maybe Captain Kirk will beam me aboard for the ride of a lifetime.

St. Michael. Azores, Portugal.

My wifes family lives in Fairborn and whenever we go for a visit (from Virginia Beach) we bring the bikes. While shes visiting, I ride, works out great. I usually start out in Xenia and go N to Springfield or south toward Milford. Talk about a great network of trails...
We're both retired and if it wasn't for the Ohio winters we'd probably relocate to a someplace along the trail.
I'd also like to live along the Allegheny trail, but then again the winters in Pennsylvania are worse than Ohio. LOL

Florida is a whole different issue. Last year we helped some friends move into a place called "The Villages" which is an over 55 community. At first we were really impressed with the "Adult Disneyland" feel, but the longer we were there, the more I realized that I missed the presence of young people and the laughter of children.
Of course as someone else pointed out, you don't have to listen to 20 somethings blaring hip hop music.

So we're still searching for that perfect place. We haven't been looking to hard because although Virgina Beach isn't particularly bicycle friendly, we do have some benefits. Mild winters, bearable summers, the ocean, the mountains a few hours away and all the conveniences of city living.

I would trade it though for a Norman Rockwell type town with a long bicycle path and a lake to paddle or sail. hehe

I live in springfield,ohio and i usually go in all directions, North to Urbana,south to Xenia, east to South Charleston,Dayton, Milford,sometimes i can't make up my mind which way i want to go, we have got to have the best bike trail's in this part of the country,I retired here,winters are cold and snowy, just like there are supposed to be,road today, 8degrees out!Thats winter! spring is just around the corner..Ohio is a great place to retire!

Yes it goes about 5 miles and ends in Newton - at the Golf course - can't remember what it is called - must be because I would much rather be biking than golfing! they say they want to open it all the way to Lunken airport but i doubt we;ll see that in the next few years!

Last fall I rode the trail from Xenia up to Springfield. The paved trail seemed to end under and Interstate overpass and then follow the road. It was so peaceful and quiet on the trail ride that I just couldn't bring myself to ride the road, so I turned around an headed back to Xenia.

But I'm curious, how much of the trail was left, at that point, and was the rest of it all on the shoulder of the road?

The trail alternates between road and trail in Springfield for a couple miles before you pick up the trail again. It then continues on to Urbana which is around 12 miles. I've only rode this section once so I don't remember the exact mileage. The one thing I do remember is it's easy to miss one section of the trail in Springfield and get lost:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Did you get the chance to ride any of the other trails out of Xenia? Xenia is the hub of several trails in the area. From there you can take trails to Urbana, London, Dayton or south toward Cincinnati. My favorite is the trail from Xenia south toward Cincinnati. Much of it is lined with trees and it's a nice ride on a hot summer day.

Yes, I got a chance to ride from Xenia to Kings Mills. It was a fantastic ride through farm country and woods, we're planning on coming out that way again in the spring and I'm hoping to try some of the other connectors.

I really envy the folks living close to this network of trails. No traffic to deal with and a nice spiderweb of trails to keep the rides from getting boring.

I really envy the folks living close to this network of trails. No traffic to deal with and a nice spiderweb of trails to keep the rides from getting boring.[/QUOTE]


The trail is my favorite ride in the Cincinnati area - I feel real lucky to live so close to it!

The trail is my favorite ride in the Cincinnati area - I feel real lucky to live so close to it![/QUOTE]

Rick
I am planning to visit my son in early April. He will get a road bike from me and I want to go riding with him on those trails.
Question: Statistically how is the weather there at that time?
Thanks.

Rick
I am planning to visit my son in early April. He will get a road bike from me and I want to go riding with him on those trails.
Question: Statistically how is the weather there at that time?
Thanks.[/QUOTE]


Should be perfect riding weather - probably in the 60's to low 70's, not much rain yet - although one can never predict that! Enjoy the trail - and let me know if you have any questions

rick