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GreatMiamiRiverway

Meet River Surfer Jorge Sanchez

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Some people are just drawn to the river. Jorge Sanchez is one of those people. When he’s not working to build and grow his company, Mile Two Consulting, Jorge is spending time outside hiking, cycling, or surfing on the Great Miami River. Yes, surfing.

Jorge is the founder and Chief Technology Officer for Mile Two Consulting, a company that builds software for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and the US government. Headquartered in downtown Dayton, Mile Two has close to 100 employees. Their customers rely on Mile Two’s knowledge on making decisions about how and when to adopt and integrate new technologies into business processes. Jorge grew up in Puerto Rico and came to Ohio to attend college. He graduated from the University of Dayton with a computer engineering degree, and Wright State University with a Master’s in Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

While growing up in Puerto Rico, Jorge spent a lot of time swimming and body surfing in the ocean. Jorge said that when he got to Dayton, he had no idea that people could surf on the Great Miami River. Then he took a class from Surf Dayton and was embraced by the community. It reminded him of growing up in Puerto Rico. Surf Dayton is a community information source for everything river stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), surf, and whitewater kayaking related around the region. They offer lessons and host clinics for people interested in river surfing, and whitewater and flatwater SUP.

Jorge loves the Great Miami River, but he also enjoys the adjacent bike trail. When he was training for an Ironman Triathlon, he’d spent many hours cycling on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail and sometimes his wife would pick him up at the end of a ride in Hamilton.

When he’s not on the trails, enjoying the outdoors with his family, or at work, Jorge has volunteered as a bike mechanic for Bicycles for All, a Dayton non-profit organization that accepts donated bikes and repairs them. They sell the adult bikes and donate the youth bikes to children that need one.

Jorge believes the surfing trend on the Great Miami River is only going to get more popular and bring more people to our region. He has met many friendly and helpful people through the Surf Dayton community and recommends everyone get out on the river.

Find your way to a surf lesson on the Great Miami River!

The “I am the Riverway” story series introduces people who live, learn, work, play, and do business in the Riverway. These are the people who bring the Riverway to life and are working to make it vibrant and fun. This is a story as part of the Great Miami Riverway “I am the Riverway” series. Want to add your story? Email dfoley@mcdwater.org

 

 

Four Parks with Plenty of Space.

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If you can, it is a good time to get outside, take a stroll, and clear your head. There is plenty of space for social distance in one of the many parks and the trails along the Great Miami Riverway. Here are four for you to visit next.

Search For The First Spring Wildflowers in Hamilton

About four miles northeast of the City of Hamilton’s pretty waterfront and historic downtown along SR 4, lies the MetroPark of Butler County’s Rentschler Forest MetroPark. The park includes over 400 acres of woodland where you can hunt for the first spring wildflowers of the year. The park also includes the Great Miami River, remnants of the old Miami-Erie Canal, a prehistoric Indian earthwork, a reconstructed wetland, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Motor Vehicle Permit Required. FREE to Butler County Residents. Non-Residents $5/daily or $10/annually.

Walk The Historic Dayton River Walk

Bird watching. People watching. Breath-taking skyline views. That is the Miami Conservancy District’s River Walk in the heart of downtown Dayton. The nearly 1.25-mile loop follows the levee tops on the south side of the river from Main Street to the Monument Avenue Bridge, across the bridge to Riverview Avenue, then back over the Main Street Bridge. River Walk users can begin their loop at several different points. They also can enjoy Five Rivers MetroParks’ River Run whitewater paddling feature from both river banks and from the Monument Avenue Bridge.

Look For Birds Returning From Their Winter Getaway in Miami County

Head north along the Great Miami River to the Miami County Park District’s Farrington Reserve Park near the City of Piqua. Farrington is 27 acres and plenty of wooded sections along the river for crucial habitat for wildlife and migrating birds.  There is a scenic waterfall! You can also hop on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail from their convenient parking lot.

Discover A Great Place To Relax Or Play – and a REALLY Big Rock in Sidney

Visit the City of Sidney’s Tawawa Park, which includes 220 acres of walking trails through beautiful woodland. Take your kids to the playgrounds to burn off some energy, or fish at Tawawa and Amos lakes. Make sure you take a selfie at the covered bridge or Big Rock!

From all of us here at the Great Miami Riverway: Please stay well, and Find Your Way….to a park or trail near you! For more places to get outdoors, visit our interactive Riverway Map.

Four Cycling Itineraries to Inspire Your Next Pedaling Adventure

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Here in the Great Miami Riverway, we are home to the nation’s largest paved trail network. With over 340+ miles to explore, where will you begin? Here are 4 different itineraries to get you started. These itineraries range from 5 miles to 96 miles long and have something for every ability.

Spokes and Strokes Public Art Ride – 5 miles

Starting at Rentschler Forest MetroPark in Butler County,  take the Great Miami River Recreational Trail to the Fitton Center for Creative Arts (5.64 miles). Explore the Center and take a class – or just be inspired by those who have already created their masterpieces. If you’re up for continuing your journey, ride through the city and enjoy the multiple murals and sculptures scattered throughout downtown Hamilton. On your way down 2nd Street, lock your bike to one of the city’s many sculptural bike racks. The one next to Renaissance Fine Art Supplies looks like a paper airplane. Once you’ve done that, walk down High St. to the Alexander Hamilton sculpture and enjoy boutique shopping. Once you’re riding again, make sure to look backwards at the city’s beautiful mural as you approach the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. You’ll wind through Marcum Park, enjoy a splash pad, and end your ride at Municipal Brew Works* (and another sculptural bike rack).

Wheels to Wings Aviation Ride – 20 miles

If you are looking for amazing aviation history, this is the route for you. From WACO Air Museum in Troy to the Wright Cycle Company and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park (20 miles), this route on the Great Miami River Recreational Trail stretches through beautiful countryside and under large shade trees. Before you head back north on your return trip, make sure to stop for a bite to eat at Texas Beef and Cattle Company located just across the street from the National Historical Park.

Pedals and Pals Ride* – 10 miles

Whether it’s through a craft brew or boutique shopping, this ride is all about our local culture. Visit Miamisburg’s historic Main Street for boutique shopping and then take a ride over to the Second Street Brewery District*. You’ll notice many stores with Bicycle Friendly designations. After that, hop on the Great Miami River Recreational Trail at Riverfront Park and ride to Carillon Historical Park in Dayton (10.59 miles). Eat at Culp’s Café or enjoy a refreshing cold drink at the only brewery located in a museum. Learn about the region’s history and climb the Brethren Tower before heading back south. Keep your eye out for eagles soaring overhead!

Weekend Century Ride – 96 miles

Here is a ride for cyclists ready for a century challenge. Each length of this trip is 96 miles long and takes you through historic downtowns while you meander through forests along the Great Miami River. We recommend you stop and rest at Rotary Park in Hamilton, spend a few hours exploring in the Dayton Art Institute, and definitely grab a piece of pie at The Spot in Sidney. If you are looking to spend the night before you head back to Hamilton, visit the Riverway’s ‘places to stay’ page for suggestions.  Most of this route is located on the Great Miami River Recreational Trail.

*Please remember that cycling under the influence is a criminal offense. Please cycle and drink responsibly!

Paddling on the Great Miami River in the Spring – Safely!

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Paddling on the Great Miami River in the spring can be tempting – especially after a long, cold winter when we are looking to get back on the river. But you need to consider a few more things before you head out.

To help you keep paddling through colder water temperatures, we’ve put together our top 10 tips and things to think about before you decide to pack up and head out.

Our cold weather paddling top ten tips

  1. Clothing. Let’s start with what you wear. In winter, you need to cover the places you lose heat. Wear a hat, pogies and/or gloves, and insulated wet boots. Avoid cotton and choose high-wicking sports fabrics, wool, or fleece instead. *Don’t forget your life jacket – never leave home without it – and WEAR IT!*
  2. Make your boat as watertight as possible. Repair cracks. Double check the bolts to see if any are loose, and tighten them. You want to keep as much water out as possible. Carry a sponge around so you can get rid of any excess water.
  3. Carry a dry bag. It’s a great place to store keys and your phone, but also snacks for the paddle and a spare set of clothes, just in case!
  4. File a Float Plan. Tell someone where you are going, when you are leaving, and when you will be back.
  5. Take a Buddy. Don’t boat alone – especially when the conditions are colder or the water levels are up. Paddling is more fun with a friend anyway.
  6. Warm up. Get the blood pumping and the muscles warm. It will help prevent injury and also make the paddle a little more pleasant all round!
  7. Fuel up. Pack energy bars, fruits and/or nuts. Bring a thermos with a warm drink.
  8. Check the weather before you leave. Fall and winter are notoriously unpredictable. Always check the flow before heading out on a river. Heavy rainfall can change river patterns quickly.
  9. Always carry a phone or other way to call for help. Important for every paddle. A phone in your dry bag should be enough, but if you plan on trips in less developed places, a GPS transmitter might be a good investment.
  10. For more safety tips, see the Great Miami River Water Trail Map.

Before you head off, just one more thing. Cold water shock can happen at any time of the year (not just when it’s freezing cold!) and is the body’s reaction to a sudden change in temperature. Read up on cold water safety before heading out on the water, especially if you’re new to paddling.

Stay safe and have fun!

Find your way – to cold weather fun on the Great Miami Riverway

temperatures, we’ve put together our top 10 tips and things to think about before you decide to pack up and head out.

Our cold weather paddling top ten tips

  1. Clothing. Let’s start with what you wear. In winter, you need to cover the places you lose heat. Wear a hat, pogies and/or gloves, and insulated wet boots. Avoid cotton and choose high-wicking sports fabrics, wool, or fleece instead. *Don’t forget your life jacket – never leave home without it – and WEAR IT!*
  2. Make your boat as watertight as possible. Repair cracks. Double check the bolts to see if any are loose, and tighten them. You want to keep as much water out as possible. Carry a sponge around so you can get rid of any excess water.
  3. Carry a dry bag. It’s a great place to store keys and your phone, but also snacks for the paddle and a spare set of clothes, just in case!
  4. File a Float Plan. Tell someone where you are going, when you are leaving, and when you will be back.
  5. Take a Buddy. Don’t boat alone – especially when the conditions are colder or the water levels are up. Paddling is more fun with a friend anyway.
  6. Warm up. Get the blood pumping and the muscles warm. It will help prevent injury and also make the paddle a little more pleasant all round!
  7. Fuel up. Pack energy bars, fruits and/or nuts. Bring a thermos with a warm drink.
  8. Check the weather before you leave. Fall and winter are notoriously unpredictable. Always check the flow before heading out on a river. Heavy rainfall can change river patterns quickly.
  9. Always carry a phone or other way to call for help. Important for every paddle. A phone in your dry bag should be enough, but if you plan on trips in less developed places, a GPS transmitter might be a good investment.
  10. For more safety tips, see the Great Miami River Water Trail Map.

Before you head off, just one more thing. Cold water shock can happen at any time of the year (not just when it’s freezing cold!) and is the body’s reaction to a sudden change in temperature. Read up on cold water safety before heading out on the water, especially if you’re new to paddling.

Stay safe and have fun!

Find your way – to cold weather fun on the Great Miami Riverway!

Great Miami Riverway’s PIZZA TRAIL

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Announcing the Great Miami Riverway’s PIZZA TRAIL of pizza shops. Locally-owned pizza shops are a source of pride for communities, and serve as part of the fabric of each Riverway community.

Did you know that the largest pizza ever baked weighed 26,883 pounds? For some perspective – that is 44 times heavier than the Wright brother’s Wright Flyer aircraft!

That particular pizza measured 122 feet, 8 inches in diameter, weighed 26,883 pounds, and contained 9,920 pounds of flour, 3,960 pounds of cheese, 1 763 pounds of mushrooms, 1,984 pounds of tomato puree, and 1,984 pounds of chopped tomatoes.

If you’re looking for a pizza that can actually fit in your car – or plane – for takeout, the Great Miami Riverway has every kind pf pie imaginable.

Locally-owned pizza shops are a source of pride for communities, and serve as part of the fabric of each Riverway community. And they all have a story behind them, a story of a small business owner who’s worked long hours to build a loyal customer base that lasts years and years.

A favorite in Hamilton, Richard’s Pizza was first opened by Richard Underwood in 1955. Richard’s daughters continue to run the business in five locations around Hamilton. He said in a 2019 Hamilton Journal News article “…we only buy the best products available.  That typically means tomatoes, pepperoni and cheese from local, family-owned businesses. We don’t believe in short cuts or adding sugar to our sauce,” Richard said. “You can make a cheap pizza that way, but that doesn’t work for us. It’s all about quality.”

The pizza shops of the Riverway offer hometown favorites, gourmet flavors, gluten-free, vegan, and GIGANTIC. Your favorite shop is probably on this list, but use the Pizza Trail list to pick a new place to visit, or hop the whole trail and try them all!

Your favorite is probably on this list, but pick a new one to try – or travel the whole trail and try them all!

Old Scratch Pizza

Old Scratch Pizza is a casual, counter-service, walk-in-only restaurant. Our Neapolitan-style pies are quickly crafted in our 800° wood-burning ovens, and served with 20 taps of local and regio…

Old Scratch Pizza
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Original Flying Pizza

The Original is still the best! Are you a fan of The Flying Pizza? Visit us often to see our specials, what’s new and hit our website too… www.originalflyingpizza.com

Original Flying Pizza
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Pisanello’s Pizza

A local favorite with pizza, subs, sandwiches, salads and lunch specials, this renovated hardware store features a pizza parlor on the street level, two meeting rooms on the second floor, and a grand …

Pisanello's Pizza
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3 Joe’s Pizzeria and Trattoria

This beautiful restaurant serves authentic Italian food including pastas and delicious pizza. They also feature tasty soups, desserts and a complete wine list.

3 Joe’s Pizzeria and Trattoria
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Richard’s Pizza

Since 1955, Richard’s Pizza has been family owned and operated. Grab a slice or a whole pie, or try one of our World-Famous Italian Steak Sandwiches!

Richard's Pizza
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Ron’s Pizza and Ribs

We’ve got some of the best food in our town and a great selection from which your whole family can choose. From Pizza to Pasta, from Seafood to Salads, not to mention crowd favorite Soups, …

Ron's Pizza and Ribs
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A & G Pizza

The BEST pizza in Franklin – heck – in the world!!

A & G Pizza
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Al’s Pizza

Al’s Pizza serves the finest pizza in Sidney, OH. We at Al’s Pizza are proud to say that our dough is made fresh every day. Our pizza sauce and dough are made from scratch bringing you the great taste…

Al's Pizza
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The Trojan Horse

“We’re More Than Just Pizza!” #troyohio #supportsmallbusiness #blessed #thetrojanhorse #foodie #local #pizza #love

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DJ’s Pizza Alley

 

DJ's Pizza Alley
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The Slice Pie

The Slice Pie is a no Frills Pizza shop ‘delivering’ Unbelievably great NY style pizza with our World famous Pickle Pie!! We use Only the Freshest Ingredients, the way it used to be. San Marzano tomat…

The Slice Pie
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Ron’s Pizza West Carrollton

Ron’s Pizza is the place to go for the best pizza in Dayton. Our homemade dough and fresh ingredients will quickly make you a fan! We promise that once you have a taste, you will definitely be back ag…

Ron's Pizza West Carrollton
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Pappa’s Pizza Palace

Our gluten-free pizza is flavorful and oh, so, delicious. We are told that Pappa’s Pizza Palace offers the best gluten-free pizza option in Dayton, Ohio. Our customers claim that our GF pizza crust could pass for wheat.

Pappa's Pizza Palace
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What is the Great Miami Riverway?

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The Great Miami Riverway offers 99+ miles of charming riverfront communities, abundant outdoor recreation, and one-of-a-kind attractions. The Riverway is the corridor of cities and counties along the Great Miami River in southwest Ohio. It starts in Sidney, flows through Dayton, and stretches all the way to Hamilton County.

Highlights includes: 

  • Charming riverfront downtowns with unique shopping, delicious food, and fun events
  • Ohio’s only National Water Trail – the Great Miami River
  • Nation’s largest paved trail network
  • The US only National Aviation Heritage Area
  • World-class fishing – and the best smallmouth bass fishing in Ohio
  • Top Ten Bourbon Bar
  • Top Ten Steak Restaurant
  • Whitewater kayaking
  • 13 craft breweries
  • Parks of all shapes and sizes for every activity

Along the Riverway you can stop for a delicious meal, take a hike on a forested trail, paddle down the river, or explore a world-class museum.

Discover all we have to offer at www.greatmiamiriverway.com

Stay Safe. Have fun! Find Your Way.

5 Hikes/Walks to Explore this Winter in the Riverway

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Don’t let cold temperatures keep you inside. Bundle up and get out there. The scenic views of the Riverway are beautiful in the winter. The Great Miami Riverway has some tips for safe winter hiking, and 5 great trails for you to explore. Take a selfie and tag us! #RiverwayWinter

Before you head out, plan and prepare to stay safe and warm during your adventures.

  • Check the forecast. Don’t let bad weather sneak up on you and ruin your hike.
  • Check trail conditions. Some trails go under water when it rains, or can be closed for construction. Find all closures on our Trail Conditions map.
  • Leave your travel plans with a trusted family member or friend. Let them know where you are going, when you are leaving, and when you think you will be back. They can help call for help if you don’t turn up when you are supposed to.
  • Dress appropriately. Layer up with at least three layers. Even if you don’t wear all the layers at the outset, it’s a good idea to take all layers on every outing. You can peel off layers if things heat up, but you can’t put on layers that you didn’t bring with you.
  • Take some essentials with you. A few things that should be with you include your phone with a full charge, a map and compass, sun protection, a first aid kit, a pocket knife, plenty of snacks and water, and matches or a fire starter.

 

  1. Brookside Park Loop in the City of Sidney’s Tawawa Park is a 1.2 mile trail that features a scenic woodland forest setting. Log a twofer and stop by the smaller Riverside Park on your way to Tawawa Park, and marvel at the gargantuan Big Four Bridge.



  1. Spend time and look for winter season birds in the woods along the Great Miami River at the City Park in Tipp City. This spacious park offers access to the Great Miami River Recreation Trail, lots of nature trails, tall trees and picnic tables. In the warmer months this park is buzzing with ball games, but in colder months there are plenty of trails to explore. Take a winter picnic with you!
  1. Run, Cycle, or stroll along the Great Miami River in downtown Miamisburg if you want both nature and access to hot chocolate after your outing. Park your vehicle at Riverfront Park and walk north on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail and you might see an eagle fly over the river. Visit the Curious Styles and Coffee shop for something hot to drink.

    1. A beautiful natural park, the Woodsdale Regional Park is 119 acres along the Great Miami River. Managed by MetroParks of Butler County, the park features three loop trails to choose from – a .7, a 1.0 and a 1.2 mile option. Free parking for Butler County residents – others can purchase a permit at https://www.yourmetroparks.net/about/motor-vehicle-permits

 

  1. The Winter Hike Series with Great Parks of Hamilton County has been getting folks outdoors in the beauty of winter for over 30 years. This year’s hikes offer multiple days and times at various parks to limit group hike sizes to 15 people.