Ohio to Erie

[Hartmame]

I looked everywhere for information on this trail being ridden from the Ohio to Lake Erie. Everything I found started at Lake Erie and being that it was close to their home had very little about that end of the trip. So I headed out this morning from the Ohio River. I know I can get to Columbus, but after that who knows. I'm hoping to stop at a Columbus LBS and see if anyone there or to the North puts out as nice a map of that area as the Dayton Daily does the Southwestern part of The Ohio Rail Trails. Wish me luck! I printed off the million page map from the Ohio to Erie website already, I'm not a fan of those maps.

[Owlie]

Good luck! Just a warning--the area through which the Cleveland end of the Ohio-to-Erie trail goes through can be rough (I went to college not far from there).

[Hartmame]

So, I just got home from my ride across Ohio. It's doable but not signed well. Bring a real map. I printed off the maps at the Ohio to Erie Trail website. The names of the roads on those maps are way too small and there isn't enough detail to get you through the small towns. I carried about 100oz of water each morning and only had one day when I felt like I didn't have enough water. Mostly because I was focused on getting to my stopping place for the day and didn't want to get off the trail in Columbus to search for a drink. I was surprised that there were no water fountains along the Olentangy trail near campus.

[goldfinch]

If you are inclined, a detailed trip report would be really nice. It sounds like an interesting trip.

[Hartmame]

I joined crazyguyonabike and will eventually get a journal from my trip posted with photos. It takes longer than I thought to get the information together.

[Tri Girl]

Glad you had a great trip! I can't wait to read all about it. Please share the link to your CGOAB journal when you finish!! :)

[Hartmame]

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/11427

I know it took too long to post but its finally here.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for posting your trip report -- my husband and I really enjoyed it! He is originally from Ohio, and we have ridden a couple of those trails -- the towpath near Zoar and the Little Miami Trail in the Yellow Springs area. Ohio has GREAT trails, especially compared to the very few where I am from (North Carolina).

You didn't get any rain, did you? Looks like you had great weather! Maybe one day we will have the opportunity to ride across Ohio also! :)

[MomOnBike]

I think that writing up the tour is every bit as difficult and time consuming as the tour itself. (Maybe I exaggerate, but not by much.) Thanks for putting in the effort, and for documenting the route so well. Now I have another trail on my list.

[callmej]

I so appreciate you posting your journal on CGOAB. Enjoyed it so much! You go girl. When is your next tour.

[soprano]

Thanks for the great writeup! You've got me thinking about when I could do another tour now.

[Hartmame]

Thanks for all the great feedback! I'm sure I won't get as lucky with the weather during my next tour. I've been thinking and dreaming of my next tour! I went with some friends in the early spring up the bike trail to Yellow Springs and one of them is already wanting to plan another weekend tour/ bike overnight for next spring in Michigan. My brothers have also shown some interest in touring with me next summer. I'm thinking either the GAP/ C&O, or the KATY. Have any of you ridden either of these? The GAP/ C&O looks like about the same number of miles but I'm thinking of doing it all loaded up for camping. I'll have to find a good sleeping pad! Sounds like I'm leaning toward the GAP/ C&O. I didn't really think I had a preference.