Hooray for Fall

Fall biking is always a favorite. The smell of the leaves, the brisk temperatures, the beautiful changes of color everywhere—all make for an enjoyable experience. With the shortening hours, fitting in a decent ride during the work week always proves to be a challenge this time of year. Earlier in the week, however, I was able to squeeze one in.

Someday, I’d love to take a weekend to tackle the entire Ohio-to-Erie bike trail, but right now, a small section will have to do

 

 

This small stretch is known as Roberts Pass Trail. It extends from Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park to the eastern side of London, Ohio. Total mileage was around 11 miles (one-way) and is fairly straight and flat. Just put the pedal down and go! This trail takes you right alongside some abandoned railroad tracks. It passes by fields and farms, with the sights and sounds of harvesting occurring this time of year.

 

Also an interesting sight to pass by is the Peavey Grain Company. I’ve always been fascinated by agriculture, and grain elevators are no exception. Along with all the great aspects of fall biking come some of the negatives. This trail is cut through some wooded passageways—which, in most cases, is great. However, this trail is lined by quite a few oak trees and walnut trees—both of which could put an abrupt end to any bikers’ ride. I also would not recommend this trail in the event that it is a damp fall day. Leaves can be quite slick and on skinny road bike tires, can be like riding across an ice rink.

With only a half mile left remaining on my ride (and darkness approaching rapidly), my other not-so-favorite fall riding problem put a damper in the journey: bugs. I ended up taking a little black flying bug straight to the eye; it made for a slight challenge.

The trail is expanding and it seems like it’s only a matter of time before the pavement will extend further northeast to Columbus.