Created
Summer 1999
The Lounge Modified
17 Mar 2019

Organized Bicycle Rides
in Southwestern Ohio, Southeastern Indiana, and North Central Kentucky

ON THIS PAGE

     Event Schedule Notes Checklist Join the Fun     
 

Schedule of Major Ride Events, 2019
Cincinnati-Dayton Area, Southwestern Ohio
(listed in approximate order of scheduled date)

Codes used in this Schedule
Organizer
CCC  Cincinnati Cycle Club 
DCC  Dayton Cycling Club 
MTCC  Major Taylor Cycling Club
   other bicycle club
   other org. / community 
Terrain
 F   flat ·  U   urban
 R   rolling ·  B   bikeway
 H   hilly ·  O   off-road
Status Indicator
 scheduled  · 
 probable  · 
 unknown  · 
 canceled  · 
Other
 ¢   no frills  Low-cost or free events do not supply food or SAG, but usually furnish maps or road markings.
 #   rider limit  Some events must limit participation because of traffic, parking, or other considerations.
 ¶   pre-registration  Some events offer discounts for pre-registration; others require pre-registration and do not allow day-of-ride registration.

Although there are no mountains in southwestern Ohio, the hilly terrain of the numerous river valleys makes a "granny" gear a worthwhile investment for all but the strongest amateur riders.


WINTER
   
Events Notes Checks Join In
Winter Spring Summer Autumn
   

PLEASE CLICK EVENT NAME FOR MOST RECENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE.

Event
Click link for information.
Type
$ = cost
¢ = no frills
# = rider limit
Miles /
Terrain
Start / Finish Location
Click link for map.
Usual Date Sched.
¶ = pre-register

SPRING
   
Events Notes Checks Join In
Winter Spring Summer Autumn
   

PLEASE CLICK EVENT NAME FOR MOST RECENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE.

Event
Click link for information.
Type
$ = cost
¢ = no frills
# = rider limit
Miles /
Terrain
Start / Finish Location
Click link for map.
Usual Date Sched.
¶ = pre-register
Young's Ice Cream Charity Bike Tour Rally Ride#1 $ fee if not registered for main event 22 Beavercreek Station
Beavercreek, OH
NEW EVENT 04/20/19
Legends Ride
(formerly Founders Day Ride)
[DCC]
free tour ¢
plus lunch
34 Vandalia Recreation Center
1111 Stonequarry Rd.
Vandalia, OH
lunch stop at Frisch's in Troy
APR:
4th Sun.
04/27/19
9:00a:start
Ride of Silence (worldwide) - Cincinnati [CCC] memorial ride free, silent, slow (<12mph) 10
F
From your location to Ohio River Trail & Wilmet Dr, (near Lunken Airport)
Cincinnati, OH
MAY: 05/15/19,
arrive by 6:30p
Ride of Silence (worldwide) - Dayton [MTCC] memorial ride free, silent, slow (<12mph) 8
F
From your location to Carillon Park (bikeway near cyclist statue)
Dayton, OH
MAY: 05/15/19, arrive by 6:30-7:00p
Ride of Silence (worldwide) - Troy
[J&D Bicycles]

 
memorial ride free, silent, slow (<12mph) 12 From your location to J&D Bicycles, 500 N Elm St.
Troy, OH
MAY: 05/15/19,
arrive by 6:30p
Huffman Spring Classic [DCC] tour 30-100 F/R Brookville, OH MAY:
3rd weekend
05/19/19, 8:00-9:00a
(¶ 05/01)
Young's Ice Cream Charity Bike Tour Rally Ride#2 $ fee if not registered for main event 46 Xenia Station
Xenia, OH
NEW EVENT 05/19/19
Amazing River Ride
[Miamisburg Parks & Recreation]
6 challenges, earn chance to win prizes 14, F/H Miamisburg, OH NEW EVENT 06/01/19
*Brookville Covered Bridge Tour [DCC] tour ¢
$5/person
20,42,70,103 R/H Brookville HS,
Brookville, OH
MAY: last Sat; or
JUN: first Sat.
06/01/19, 7:00-8:00a(?) sharp
Troy Strawberry Festival Berry Bike Tour tour, Troy Strawberry Festival 17,30,60 F/R Troy HS
Troy, OH
JUN:
Sun. aft.1st Sat.

06/01-02/19(?) 6:30a:register
8:00a:start
1:30p:sweep

London Strawberry Festival Bicycle Tour tour, London Strawberry Festival 21 B 44,62,100 F/R Prairie Grass Trailhead,
280 W High St,
London, OH
  06/08/19
(
06/04)
Young's Ice Cream Charity Bike Tour Rally Ride#3 $ fee if not registered for main event 36 Kettering
Kettering, OH
NEW EVENT 06/15/19
Clemens Cancer Challenge fundraiser 10,30,40,62 F/H Miami Valley Hospital South
2400 Miami Valley Drive
Centerville, OH
FINAL RIDE 06/16/18,
7:00-8:00a
*Y Ride? [YMCA] fundraiser (YMCA scholarships) 1-22 B
26-84 F/R
YMCA, 1020 Manchester Av.
Middletown, OH
JUN:
2nd Sat.
06/13/15
10:00a-4:00p
(¶ 06/07/15)
GOBA: Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure
(The above link, cited in OBEC, directs to Greater Orlando Baptist Ass'n.)
8-day tour
#3,000
~50/da. R/H

Bowling Green area
Northwestern Ohio

JUN:
last full week
06/15-22/19
(¶ 05/15/18)

SUMMER
   
Events Notes Checks Join In
Winter Spring Summer Autumn
   

PLEASE CLICK EVENT NAME FOR MOST RECENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE.

Event
Click link for information.
Type
$ = cost
¢ = no frills
# = rider limit
Miles /
Terrain
Start / Finish Location
Click link for map.
Usual Date Sched.
¶ = pre-register
Buckeye Bridge Ride tour
 
17,32,45 F/H Eaton HS Wellness Center
600 Hillcrest Dr.
Eaton, OH
JUN:
last Sat.
06/22/19 6:30a-2:30p
dor.reg. 6:30-9:00a
(¶ ?)
Freedom Tour
[Vandalia Optimist Club]
tour 31,62 F/R Sports Complex
1100 Stonequarry Rd.
Vandalia, OH
JUL 4:
Independence Day
07/04/19, 7:00a
Chili Repeat [CCC] tour, lunch
free; donations welcomed
25-100 F/R Goshen Elementary School
6696 Goshen Rd.
Goshen, OH 45122
JUL 07/07/18
9:00a
Young's Ice Cream Charity Bike Tour Rally Ride#4 $ fee if not registered for main event 60 Yellow Springs, Jamestown
Yellow Springs, OH
NEW EVENT 07/07/19
Major Taylor Signature Tour [MTCC] #300 10 B
18,32,62 F/R
Welcome Stadium
40 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd.
Dayton, OH
JUL:
3rd Sat.
07/13/19 7:00-7:30a
*Greene Trails Cycling Classic
[Greene County Parks & Trails]
4-day tour
#400
20-100/da. B Greene County Fairgrounds
Xenia, OH
JUL:
3rd week
07/18-21/19
Young's Ice Cream Charity Bike Tour
[Young's Jersey Dairy]
1-2-day tour, fundraiser, min.pledge $125/day
#300
60,83,100 H (2 days, overnight in Ada)

28,48 H (1 day)

Young's Jersey Dairy
US-68
Yellow Springs, OH
JUL:
weekend of 2nd full week
07/20-21/19, 7:00-8:00a
(¶ 07/19)
XOBA (Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure) 7-day tour, transportation museums #250 60-65/da avg. F/H Huntington, WV (parking, bus ride to Liberty,IN)
Liberty,IN - Lebanon,OH - Dayton,OH - Washington Court House,OH - Lancaster,OH - Athens,OH - Gallipolis,OH - Huntington,WV
JUL 07/20/19, 9:00a
-07/27/19
WC/NE Cluster Ride & Picnic [CCC] tour   Redbud Shelter @ Caesar Creek Visitor Center
4020 N Clarksville Rd, Waynesville, OH 45068
JUL 07/28/18 9:00a
Rib Tickler Ride
London Rib & Jazz Festival
tour 35 F/R London, OH AUG:
1st Sat.
08/04/18
(¶ 07/30)
Bike MS Oxford fundraiser pledge 25,50,75,100 R/H Miami University, 600 Maple St,
Oxford, OH 45056
  08/04-05/18
All Club Ride & Picnic [CCC] tour   Turkey Ridge Shelter, East Fork Lake
3294 Elklick Rd
Bethel, OH 45106
  08/11/18, 9:00a
Old World Tour [DCC] 2-day tour
#40
55/da. Buck Creek State Park
Springfield, OH

to Columbus (German Village) & return following day
AUG:
3rd weekend
08/17-18/19
(¶ 08/01)
Tour de Cure
(American Diabetes Ass'n.)
bike/walk/run fundraiser, $200 min.pledge (bike) 25,50,85 F/H (bike)
3 (walk/run)
Cincinnati Zoo, Zoo Parking
Cincinnati, OH

Varies

 

08/24/19
Tour de Donut #3000 10,20,40,62 F 11 N Market St
Troy, OH
AUG: 08/24/19
Wright Wride [DCC] tour
#500
25,50,64,100 F/R Twin Towers Park
501 W. Yellow Springs-Fairfield Rd, Fairborn, OH
AUG:
Sun. 4th weekend
 
08/25/19, 7:00-9:00a
(¶ 08/22)
Bike the Boro tour, festival 3,10,16 R Springboro, OH NEW EVENT 08/31/19
(¶ 08/16)
Dayton Rotary Ride TBA TBA ..Dayton, OH Varies 09/02/18
Bike MS: Dayton fundraiser pledge tour 15,30,60 F Eastwood Metropark,
1385 Harshman Rd,
Dayton, OH 45431
NEW EVENT 09/09/18
Simon Kenton Pathfinders Memorial Ride tour 15 B, 31,62 F/H 644 Miami St.
Urbana, OH
Varies 09/08/19
Sunflower Rev It Up for Parkinson's fundraiser tour 15,25,50 F/H Sawyer Point Park
705 Pete Rose Way
Cincinnati, OH
  09/09/18, 6:00-8:45a
CF (Cystic Fibrosis) Cycle for Life fundraiser, min.pledge 15,32,65 F/H Lunken Airport Playfield
Cincinnati, OH
Late AUG / early SEP: 09/14/19
7:15a:register
8:00a: start
Ride Cincinnati fundraiser (breast cancer research) 8,26,45,63,100 R Yeatman's Cove
Central Riverfront
Cincinnati, OH
JUN:
2nd Sun.
09/14/19
5:30-9:45a:chk-in
6:00a:start
1:30p:end (8-63 mi)
3:00p:end (100 mi)
(¶ 06/09/18)
Great Pumpkin Roll Ride [CCC] tour 25,50,75,100 F/R 9660 Dry Fork Rd,
Harrison, OH
  09/28/19 7:30a-5:00p
Butler County Donut Trail Cycle Challenge tour 28,58 R/H Marcum Park, 116 Dayton St,
Hamilton, OH
SEP 09/21/19

AUTUMN
   
Events Notes Checks Join In
Winter Spring Summer Autumn
   

PLEASE CLICK EVENT NAME FOR MOST RECENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE.

Event
Click link for information.
Type
$ = cost
¢ = no frills
# = rider limit
Miles /
Terrain
Start / Finish Location
Click link for map.
Usual Date Sched.
¶ = pre-register
Twisted Pretzel Tour tour, festival
fundraiser: local food pantries & civic orgs.
8 F
21,39 F/R
Sign in: Germantown Senior Ctr, 51 N Cherry St.
Start/finish: 17 N. Main St.
Germantown, OH

AUG
4th Sat.

09/28/19
5:30-8:15a: register
8:30-9:00a: start
(¶ 08/01)
Hilly Hundred [CIBA] 2-day tour 50/da. F/H Edgewood HS
601 S Edgewood Dr,
Ellettsville, IN
OCT:
3rd weekend
10/25-27/19
Great Miami Valley Tweed Ride tour 14 B Great Miami Riverway
Miamisburg, OH
NEW EVENT 10/12/19
Wine Ride [DCC: members only] tour
(DCC members only)
50-60/day Young's Jersey Dairy, US-68
Yellow Springs, OH

to
Lebanon, OH;
dinner at Valley Vineyards, Morrow, OH
OCT: 2nd Sat. 10/13-14/18
     
Events Notes Checks Join In
Winter Spring Summer Autumn
   

PLEASE CLICK EVENT NAME FOR MOST RECENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE.

Event
Click link for information.
Type
$ = cost
¢ = no frills
# = rider limit
Miles /
Terrain
Start / Finish Location
Click link for map.
Usual Date Sched.
¶ = pre-register
¶ = Pre-registration deadline; no day-of-ride sign-up
# = Maximum number of riders
¢ = Budget / no-frills event (no SAG or food provided, but map or marked route usually included)

More bicycling events around Ohio



Notes on Events

Terrain:  Located at the southernmost edge of the glacial advance of the last ice age, southwestern Ohio features a variety of terrain.  The hilly topography of the Cincinnati area, both north and south of the Ohio River, contrasts with the nearly flat terrain north of Dayton.  The territory between the two cities is dominated by two main north-south waterways — the Great Miami River to the west and the scenic Little Miami to the east — and the general contour of the land is a series of rolling ridges oriented roughly parallel to the rivers.  Grades are typically gentle to moderate except in the river valleys themselves, where steep climbs and descents are not uncommon.  To assist the cyclist in selecting rides appropriate to his or her ability and tastes, many of the listed rides are marked with the following terrain codes, along with the distance, in the "Miles/Terrain" column:

F = flat R = rolling H = hilly U = urban B = bikeway O = off-road

Fees:  There is usually a fee to participate in a major ride, the amount depending on the type, complexity, and duration of the event.  For a one-day event the charge typically ranges from $5 (for an unsupported ride) to $40 (for a major race), with $10-$25 being typical for a supported casual ride.  Multiple-day events are more expensive, and may include equipment transport and camping or lodging.  While it is possible to register for many events on the day-of-ride, the number of participants on some rides is limited, and pre-registration discounts are often available.  Some events offer discounts for cycling club members.

Scheduling:  Most major rides are scheduled during daylight hours on weekends or national holidays, and take place rain-or-shine; although it is unusual for Ohio rides to be canceled because of weather, a few have been canceled because of extreme heat.

Laws and helmets:  Bicycles are legally classified as vehicles, and most rides are routed over public roads.  It is therefore mandatory that cyclists know and obey all applicable vehicle laws of the state(s) and localities in which they are riding.  Although adult cyclists are not legally required to wear helmets in Ohio, helmet use is mandatory for all participants on CCC and DCC club-sponsored rides.

Service, food, and water:  Most (but not all) major rides feature maps, road markings, SAG service (mobile assistance), and rest stops with water, snacks, and restroom facilities.  However, riders should carry adequate water with them to avoid dehydration and overheating between stops, especially on warm or windy days or over hilly routes.  On rides without SAG, riders should carry tire-changing tools and know how to use them.  If darkness, rain, or poor visibility are anticipated, bikes should be equipped with head- and tail-lights.

Ride types:  Competitive rides include speed, distance, and endurance contests, as well as stunt riding.  Competitive events are not listed here.  Casual, non-competitive rides are classified as "tours," which may or may not include stops for refreshment and/or sight-seeing.  Most tours are to be ridden at your own pace (within the posted speed limit), but escorted tours are ridden as a group under supervision of an experienced leader.  All riders should be off the course by the scheduled finish-time of the ride.

Overnight / multi-day tours:  Rides which include overnight stopovers at campgrounds or motels are typically more expensive, but usually include camping fees and truck transport of your camping gear.

Club mileage credits:  Some events accrue mileage credits, even if they are not sponsored by your club.  In addition to regular registration, remember to look for a sign-up sheet for your club in the registration area.

Listings on this webpage:  Only non-competitive bicycle tours are listed here—no speed, endurance, obstacle course, or stunt competitions.  A few listed events may be restricted to cycling club members.  However, most events (including most club rides) are open to any competent bicyclist who has a roadworthy bicycle and appropriate helmet, who agrees to operate the bicycle safely and legally during the ride, and who pays the price of admission.  The list covers events within about 40-50 miles (60-80 km) of Middletown, OH.  This covers the greater Cincinnati-Dayton area, including Oxford, Piqua, Wilmington, and Xenia, plus a few locations in northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana.

To add a ride to this list:  If you know of an organized bicycle tour in this area that you do not find listed here, please use the CONTACT link on the Lounge main page to submit all pertinent information, such as event name, location(s), date(s) and start time, preregistration deadline, ride distances and terrain types, cost, maximum number of riders, whether the ride is supported (maps or marked roads, rest and food stops, SAG, etc.).

Events which discriminate on the basis of ethnicity; sex or sexual orientation; place of birth, residence, or employment; or political or religious affiliation or belief, will not be listed here.  However, minimum age and health requirements, working knowledge of vehicle law applying to bicycles, and signing of a standard liability waiver may be considered prudent and relevant conditions for participation.

 


Check List

Don't show up for a bicycle ride with a scooter, a tricycle, training wheels, a child's bike, a single-speed "cruiser," a stunt bike, or a moped or other motorized bike.  These devices have their place, but that place is not in a cycling event on public roads.

Do bring a properly fitting helmet and a roadworthy bicycle; a multiple-geared road, trail, or hybrid bike is best.  In most cases, tandem and recumbent bicycles are suitable.  Owners of streamlined bikes should bear in mind that such machines have low visibility to the rear and may be awkward to control in urban traffic.

In addition, bring a courteous, cooperative, and friendly attitude; "road warrior" types are a danger both to themselves and to others.  Be alert and sober; alcohol not only impairs judgment and reflexes, but accelerates dehydration while reducing the body's ability to maintain a stable temperature.  Partying is fine, but do it after the ride.

Your bicycle doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, but it should be in good repair and properly adjusted.  Following is a quick and easy pre-ride check list.

  • The frame and fork (especially welds) should be inspected for signs of cracking, corrosion, or misalignment.  Steel components often show such signs of impending failure, whereas aluminum and carbon materials can fail without warning.
  • Bearings—including wheel, header (steering), pedal, and bottom-bracket (pedal crank)—should be free-turning, without "notching," sidewise play, or wobble.
  • Tires should have adequate tread and be inflated to maximum rated pressure for road use.
  • Wheels should spin "true" (without appreciable wobble or hop), and should not bind against brake pads or frame.
  • The chain should be checked for wear and stiff links, and should be clean and lubricated.
  • All brake and shifter cables should be checked for fraying, binding, adjustment, and snugness of locknuts.
  • Shift limiter screws should be set to prevent the chain from coming off the chainwheels and cogs in top and bottom gears, but not impeding smooth shifting into those gears.
  • All fasteners should be checked for proper tightness, especially handlebars, seatpost, pedals, and wheel axles.  Quick-release levers should be adjusted to begin engaging ninety degrees from their fully-engaged position.

It is advisable to carry (or to ride with someone else who carries, and is willing to share) the following:

  • at least one bottle of water or other (non-alcoholic) drink for consumption between rest stops;
  • tools, including tire levers, a tire pump, and wrenches and screwdrivers to fit the fasteners on your bike;
  • a tire patch kit and a leak-free spare inner tube;
  • a small first aid kit, with adhesive strips and disinfectant to treat minor scrapes and insect stings or bites;
  • a small amount of cash for food;
  • a cellular telephone with battery charged;
  • personal identification, including information which might be needed in case of emergency.

Water bottles and tire pump can be mounted on the bicycle frame; other tools and first aid kit can be stowed in a "wedge pack" slung underneath the seat.  If any part of the ride is expected to be after dark or during poor visibility, the bike should be equipped with a headlight and taillight (not just reflectors).



Join the Fun

One of the most enjoyable forms of bicycling, for novices and regular riders alike, is the organized tour.  For a small fee (usually in the range of $5 to $25 for a single-day event), the rider can explore a pre-planned route over lightly-traveled scenic roads, with the added benefits of road markings, maps, support vehicles, and stops for water, food, and rest rooms.  In addition, there are the numerous advantages of riding with other cyclists, including friendly conversation, sharing the draft (when riding against the wind), and having help available in case of breakdown in the middle of nowhere.  Most such rides are non-competitive tours, but there are also races, time-trials, and endurance runs for those who enjoy such challenge.  For details about organized rides, see Notes and Checklist below, as well as the Schedule of specific rides.  Contact your local cycling club for further information.

If you reside in or visit the Ohio-Indiana-Kentucky tri-state area, you might find it both fun and convenient to participate in one or more of the rides listed below.  In most cases, rides are open to the general public; club membership is not required.  All you will need besides the registration fee is a roadworthy bicycle, a properly fitted helmet, and a working knowledge of basic traffic laws.

Events known to discriminate on any basis (e.g., age, sex, ethnicity, religion, politics, etc.), other than bicycling ability or minimum age, will not be listed here.