This beginner friendly ride will introduce you to MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA). *Space is limited, registration is required*
Cycling
ARPA Funding Approved for Link: Dayton Bike Share West Dayton Expansion
Kicking off their first round of investments, The City of Dayton has awarded Bike Miami Valley $100,000 in American Rescue Plan funds (ARPA) for further expansion of the Link: Dayton Bike Share system into West Dayton. Members of the Bike Miami Valley board and its Executive Director, Laura Estandia were on site for the contract approval. “We’re thrilled that Link will be one piece of this historic investment on the West Side,” says Estandia.
Bike Miami Valley currently operates 37 hubs in the core of downtown and the surrounding historic districts, but more capacity is needed on the west side to make a convenient and viable network. Bike Miami Valley has also received a grant from the Better Bike Share Partnership to support the neighborhood outreach efforts to select the new locations. “Bike Miami Valley is excited for the opportunity to work with new and existing neighborhoods to add capacity for bike sharing hubs that are convenient and accessible for residents,” says Estandia.
The project would fund 5-7 new hubs in the priority areas, as well as electric pedal assist bicycles that would fill the hubs. The target neighborhoods are Grafton Hill, Wright Dunbar, Wolf Creek, Five Oaks and Old Dayton View. The project would also fund some one-time hardware expenses to help with operations of the Link system including a new van, which would be used by Link operations staff to balance bikes in the expanded network.
Link is a hub based bike share network that allows users to make point to point trips between its 37 pick-up and drop off locations. Users can access the system by downloading the Link Dayton app to access Link’s fleet of pedal and pedal assist (or electric) bicycles. The system serves roughly 3,700 users annually. In 2021, the Link system expanded into the Carillon neighborhood of Dayton and has seen growth in ridership at those new locations.
“This investment in the West Dayton Link expansion complements the work the city is doing to increase active transportation options in the city and improve the quality of life and health of our residents,” said Mayor Mims.
Springboro Bike the Boro
Springboro’s 9th Annual Bike the ‘Boro FREE event features 2-, 10- and 16-mile rides, giving cyclists of all levels the opportunity to ride through the City. Get a free bike helmet and fitting. Vendor booths include bike safety education, local bicycle shops and advocacy organizations. Course maps and free registration information on our website. This is a free event, however, registration for t-shirt is encouraged. All rides start at 10 a.m.
The Big Event features bounce houses, face painting, and other kids’ activities along with Springboro Police, Clearcreek Fire District and Warren County SWAT demos and equipment.
Tour de Donut!
The Tour de Donut is a unique bicycle event, where your ability to eat donuts is just as important as your ability to ride your bicycle fast. The event is a mass start timed ride where riders visit donut stops and eat donuts. For each donut the rider eats during the ride (and keeps down) they have 5 minutes deducted from their ride time. There are prizes in several classes including a Tour de Donut championship jersey for the best adjusted “donut time”.
Major Taylor Cycling Club Signature Ride
Major Taylor Cycling Club of Dayton will host their 15th Major Taylor Signature Bike Ride on Saturday, July 9th. There is a 10 mile Family Fun Ride (with children 17 years of age and under) A parent or guardian is required to accompany all participants 12 years of age and under. At 9:30 am there is also a bike rodeo provided by Mike’s Bike Shop for younger kids to enjoy.
Riders may choose from 17, 40, 63, or 100 mile routes. The 17 mile route is is a mix of road and bike path. The longer routes start together on a mostly flat course to rolling hills. After the 1st rest stop the route becomes more challenging with rolling hills. The 63 mile and century routes will go past the famous zebras and the century course consists of a challenging outer loop. The route takes you through Dayton, Moraine, Jefferson, West Carrollton, Farmersville, Lewisburg, Brookville and back to Dayton.
The first MTCCD Signature ride took place in 2008 with a small group of riders and has grown steadily over the years to become one of the more popular rides in this area. Proceeds from the Signature Ride are donated to local non-profit charity organizations. This year their charity is the Dakota Center, which provides services and programming to youth and seniors in the inner Dayton west community.
For more information or to register, visit their website.
Register Now For Miami Valley Cycling Challenge
Register. Ride.
Earn the Jersey.
Register for the MVC Challenge and then register to ride in at least 4 of the following rides to be eligible. MVCC will provide a free 2022 commemorative jersey to cyclists completing at least 150 miles and at least 4 out of the 6 ride events.
Participants must first be a Miami Valley Cycling Challenge registered rider. Riders must also register for and pay for each participating ride event.
The following six rides are part of the challenge:
This is a well supported ride with several different distance options. Not only is it a great ride, but it supports a great charity. The ride is on July 9, 2022.
The Tour de Donut is a unique bicycle event, where your ability to eat donuts is just as important as your ability to ride your bicycle fast. The event is a mass start timed ride where riders visit donut stops and eat donuts. For each donut the rider eats during the ride (and keeps down) they have 5 minutes deducted from their ride time. There are prizes in several classes including a Tour de Donut championship jersey for the best adjusted “donut time”.
Join the Dayton Cycling Club for our 51st annual Wright Wride! On August 28, 2022, the ride begins and ends at Cedarville Community Park. Enjoy beautiful flat to rolling countryside with routes of 25, 50, 60, and 100 miles. There will be SAG support as well as mechanical support at each rest stop. Please note, to ensure the safety of everyone involved, registration this year will be online only. No day-of registration!
This is a fun charity bike ride supporting four great local organizations – United Rehabilitation Services, South Community, Inc., The Alzheimer’s Association, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
While planning is still on going for the 2022 tour, we still intend to bring back the highlights of our event that makes this event special. Whether it is the relaxing country side ride, the friends and family we ride with, or the eventful Biergarten that often kicks off afterwards, we from the Twisted Pretzel community would like to thank you. all net proceeds will go to the local food banks and civic organizations within the community.
The Wright Brothers 2022 Cycling Classic is a fundraising cycling event for local Nonprofits to raise money and bring awareness to their important missions. This is a fun, family-friendly way for cyclists of all ages and abilities to have a positive impact in their community and explore the many GEMs the Dayton region has to offer.
To REGISTER for the Miami Valley Cycling Challenge, you need to:
Celebrate Bike Month with Link: Dayton Bike Share and Thompson Hine
Bike Miami Valley’s Link: Dayton Bike Share program is kicking off Bike Month with a great new addition to its bike fleet thanks to the law firm of Thompson Hine. Thompson Hine is sponsoring eight bikes in the system, and one of those bikes is wrapped with a custom design by Thompson Hine’s graphics team.
Thompson Hine works in partnership with various non-profit organizations to help them achieve their goals and define their missions. A good example is the firm’s partnership with Bike Miami Valley, whose mission is to advocate, promote, and create opportunities for cycling in our region. Dayton Partner, Jonathan Hawkins, has been a member of the Bike Miami Valley board since 2011 and was a critical player in bringing the Bike Share program to life for the Dayton community.
Christine M. Haaker, partner-in-charge of the Dayton office, commented, “We are proud of Jonathan’s commitment and pleased to join other community partners to help Bike Miami Valley achieve its goal of providing bike-sharing services to those who live in and visit the City alike. Our contribution to the Link program now includes eight Thompson Hine branded bikes and reflects our commitment to Bike Miami Valley’s mission and the continuing expansion of great City offerings. We hope to see our bikes en route, providing riders enjoyment and easy access to transportation.”
In 2021, the Link: Dayton Bike Share Program expanded, adding ten new bike parking and pick-up locations, known as “hubs.” Users are invited to take advantage of the new locations and check-out the Thompson Hine bikes, using the Link Dayton app. Users can also participate in Link Bingo this month to win prizes while they ride. Participants do not need to register to participate in the bingo challenge, and bingo cards are available for download at Linkdayton.org. “Taking a trip on the specially wrapped Thompson Hine bike will be a bingo square to fill,” says Laura Estandia, Executive Director of Bike Miami Valley. “We hope our users enjoy this cool ride!”
Bicycle Touring: Styles, Routes & Resources
Explore the spectrum of bicycle touring from fully loaded to ultralight and self-supported to guided. Other topics include route planning and resources
Basic Bicycle Maintenance
This hands-on session will cover basic bicycle repair as we transition from winter to spring riding season. Learn how to properly clean and lube your drivetrain, how to fix a flat tire (feel free to bring your tire!), basic adjustments and safety checks. The session is not designed to diagnose and repair specific issues, but a learning opportunity for routine maintenance and repair on bicycles. Otto Bohn owns and operates Spoken Bicycles in Downtown Middletown, which sells and repairs bicycles, accessories and also conducts spinning and road riding classes and rides.
Ladies Night at Mike’s Bike Park
Mike’s Bike Park is offering discounted entry to the park ($10 intead of $15) from 5:00-9:00pm every Tuesday night. Bring your friends and have some fun!
Mikes Bike Park has two floors of indoor riding for all ages and ability levels. Beginners will enjoy our “Green Line” and the Huffy Room while more experienced riders can find hundreds of amazing lines throughout the park. All riders must have a waiver on file. If you need to complete a waiver CLICK HERE. All participants who are 12 years old or younger must have an adult who is at least 18 years of age with them the entire time they are at Mikes Bike Park.
Bike Miami Valley Looking For Winter Warriors
Link- Dayton Bike Share has announced this year’s Winter Warriors is going to be a bit different, they will be fitting it all into one month! That’s right, this year’s competition will start on December 1 and go until December 31!
Are you signed up for Winter Warriors? This year’s competition will last from December 1 – December 31! we will be giving out awesome prizes including a bike from New Belgium Brewing! We will also be handing out prizes from Mike’s Bike Park, Old Scratch Pizza, RiverScape MetroPark, Boston Stoker Coffee and more! You have to be signed up to win!
Sign ups are now live. You can’t win if you don’t sign up.
Trips start counting December 1!
Rent A Bike in the Miami Valley!
Take your adventure on two wheels. Want to rent a mountain bike for the day? Renting a bike is easy—here are several places to rent bikes – from single-speed cruisers to tandem bikes to tag-along trailers for little kids
K&G Bike CenterThey rent bikes by the hour, day, or week.There is a 2 hour minimum for rentals. Hourly rentals must be returned the same day. Rentals for more than 4 hours receive the daily rate. Full-day rentals must be returned within 24 hours from the time of rental. Since K&G is closed on Sundays, bikes rented on Saturday must be returned by Monday, noon for a one-day rental rate. Road, Hybrid, & Mountain start at $8/hour, $32/day or $75/week
Located across the street from the Little Miami Scenic Trail for easy access.
XENIA
594 North Detroit St.
937 372-2555
Mon, Tue, Thu – Sat: 10:00am – 6:00pm
A hub-based bike sharing system in Dayton, Ohio. Users can purchase one time passes or memberships through the Link Dayton app to access bikes at 27 different locations in the Dayton area. Bikes in this system must be returned and locked to a bike rack (or other fixed object) in the designated hubs outlined in the app. The system offers a fleet of green bicycles dubbed Green Link and a fleet of electric bicycles (e-bikes), dubbed eLink.
PayGo – $1 to unlock – eLink: 15¢ per minute Green Link: 10¢ per minute
Day Pass eLink: $15 for 4 hours of ride time GreenLink: $8 for 4 hours of ride time
90 Day Membership – $26 eLink: 10¢ per minute. Green Link: for 80 minutes of ride time per day, 5¢ per minute over included time
Click here for a map of where to pick up a Link bike.
237 East Monument Ave.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 278-2607
RiverScape MetroPark is positioned at the center of more than 300 miles of paved, off-street trails in the Dayton region — the nation’s largest paved trail network. You can rent bikes to explore this incredible bikeway network from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, at our RiverScape Rentals concession window. A variety of bicycles are available, as well as a host of bike attachments for your child.
Hybrid, Road bikes and youth bikes Rate – $8/hr, $12/2 hrs, $20/3 hrs
Tandem bikes – Rate: $15/hr, $20/2 hrs, $25/3 hrs
Reservations required for the Monday – Friday rentals (9am – 5pm); walk-ups accepted on Saturdays and Sundays (9am – 2pm).
A public work stand is available for use all summer long. Pump up your tires or fix a flat; adjust a derailleur or brakes; and tweak other parts of your bicycle for free with our public work stand.
Mountain bikes are available for rent on select Saturdays and Sundays at the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA) 4485 Union Rd., Dayton, OH 45424
You can try out the nine miles of single track without committing to buying gear. Bring the little ones out — youth bikes are available. The Hilltop Flow Trail and Tot Track are perfect for getting the kids to try something new. Advance registration is required and fees must be paid at the time of registration. 937-275-PARK (7275) Registration will cut-off at 5pm the evening before each rental opportunity if the minimum number of participants has not been met.
Miamisburg, OH 45342
Spice up your dating lineup with a bike ride around town or explore the trails for the day. We’re bound to have a bike that will fit you and your significant other comfortably.
Road/Cruiser/Hybrid Bikes – $10 first hour, $4 additional hour
Tandem or Recumbent Rental – $15 first hour, $5 additional hour
Helmets, baby carriers, trailers, and locks are available for rent also. Hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly rentals are available. A valid driver’s license and credit card deposit are required for each bicycle rental.
Call (937) 384-0337 for availability or reservations.
We’re only 300 feet from the bike trail!
Tips for your bike rental
- Test drive the bike to ensure you are comfortable with the size, and style of the bicycle and that everything is working properly before you leave the rental area.
- Be aware and follow proper safety and rules of the road.
- In case of emergency pack a mini first aid kit.
- Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Wear a backpack to hold all of the above.
Once you’ve got your bike rented, you may want to access info on where to bike- here’s a great resoure:
Cycling the Great Miami Riverway, there are 99 miles of river, paved trails, and connected communities in southwest Ohio. Check here for trail maps. It will give you info on parking, restrooms and access points.
Miami Valley Cycling Summit Goes Virtual
The 2021 Miami Valley Cycling Summit is hosted by Bike Miami Valley and the City of Kettering. This regional event will be held virtually on May 7th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with the option to participate in a self-guided ride of Kettering’s bike amenities and assets on Friday, May 14th from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. The event welcomes elected officials, government staff, local leaders and cycling advocates to participate.
Celebrate Virtual Bike Month!
Five Rivers MetroParks invites the public to celebrate Bike Month virtually this May with a variety of independent activities that celebrate human-powered transportation. Virtual Bike Month, will explore the region’s paved trails and many resources for cyclists.
Weekly rides, tips, games and more will be posted on metroparks.org/bikemonth and shared in the Virtual Bike Month Facebook group. MetroParks is working with other organizations, such as Bike Miami Valley and Mike’s Bike Park and Linkon the activities.
“This year during Virtual Bike Month, we’re really excited to showcase all the region has to offer for cyclists of all experience levels,” said special events coordinator Angela York. “Dayton is the center of the nation’s largest paved trail network and there’s so much to offer — especially for those looking to incorporate cycling as a means of transportation into their routine.”
Each week in May, a variety of activities will be posted, such as:
- HISTORIC SITES — Learn how you can visit historic sites along the Dayton region’s vast paved trail network.
- TRAIL OF THE WEEK — Explore cycling trails throughout the Miami Valley.
- TECHNIQUE OF THE WEEK — Learn techniques for smart road cycling and mountain biking maneuvers.
- MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS — Discover mountain bike trails and parks in the region so you can get started or expand your skills.
- CLUBS AND CHARITY RIDES — Connect with local cycling clubs and learn about charity rides throughout the year.
- FIELD TRIPS — Explore the outer regions of the trails and other biking opportunities in the region.
Additionally, there will be family biking tips and a weekly Bicycle Bingo Challenge that will encourage participants to complete rides, explore the outdoors and use new skills they’ve learned throughout the month. Participants will have 10 days to create a Bingo and will use a weekly hashtag to enter for a chance to win prizes.
A conservation agency, MetroParks also encourages people to participate in Bike Month as a way to lessen their carbon footprint, as cycling has less impact on the environment than vehicles that contribute to carbon emissions. As such, MetroParks will host a weekly photo contest asking people to submit photos of them using their bikes as a means of transportation. Winners will receive fun swag from MVRPC.
On Friday, May 21 — National Bike to Work Day — MetroParks will encourage people to take solo rides to their place of employment, school or to a daily activity to experience what their commute would be like on a bicycle.
Before Bike Month officially begins, MetroParks invites participants to check their gear and prepare for the month by visitingmetroparks.org/bikemonth for instructional safety videos made by MetroParks’ outdoor recreation professionals.
“Cycling is something you can feel good about in so many ways,” said York. “It gets your body moving, is a good choice for the environment and helps people decompress by being outdoors — all of which are beneficial, especially right now.”
The League of American Bicyclists has designated Dayton a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, and Dayton is home the nation’s largest paved trail network where you can experience 340 miles of connected trails. Five Rivers MetroParks is a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Businesses.
Always follow the CDC’s recommendations, particularly for social distancing, when spending time outdoors. For more information and to learn how you can help keep MetroParks open, visit metroparks.org/COVID-19. Stay up-to-date on alerts, closures and ways to get outside by following MetroParks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Four Cycling Itineraries to Inspire Your Next Pedaling Adventure
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!
Link: Dayton Bike Share Plans for 2021 Expansion
Link: Dayton Bike Share is planning to expand its network of bike hubs to two Dayton neighborhoods. The Huffman Historic Area and Carillon neighborhoods will see hubs installed next spring.
The City of Dayton, who is supporting the expansion, is a critical partner in helping Link connect to neighborhood leadership. “Link: Dayton Bike Share has been an amazing resource for keeping our city active and bike-friendly. I am glad to see this expansion happening in the Carillon and Huffman neighborhoods, and I know it will be a great amenity to our residents,” says Mayor Whaley.
“Bike Miami Valley has spent some time at a few neighborhood meetings now explaining the project and gathering neighborhood input. Our neighbors are looking forward to using the bikes on the Great Miami River Trail and connecting to the restaurants on Brown Street,” said Carillon Neighborhood President Gwen Buchanan.
Link: Dayton Bike Share recently evolved to a hub-based system this past summer that uses the Link Dayton app to access the fleet of Green Link bikes and electric eLink bikes. “One of the goals of this evolution was to make it less capital intensive for Link to expand,” says Laura Estandia, Executive Director of Bike Miami Valley. “We are thrilled to be bringing bike share to more Dayton neighborhoods as a result of this change.”
Exact locations in both neighborhoods are still in the planning phases. “The Huffman Historic Area has been experiencing such exciting reinvestment and revitalization, and the decision to add a new Link hub within or boundaries is just one more fantastic element to continue that excitement,” says neighborhood President Matt Jahn. “It not only adds an amenity to our residents but helps better connect Huffman, its neighbors, and businesses to Downtown in a responsible and sustainable way. We can’t wait to have the Link hub finalized and support its use.”
