Sat 7/18 @ 8AM
Imagine a place where Iroquois paddled a crooked river they called the Cuyahoga, where native grasses grow tall and turtles sun on logs in a deserted canal bed that once moved crops and merchandise between Lake Erie and the Ohio River. Now imagine a pathway winding between the great river and the canalway where you can ride your bike with your family and not have to worry about cars. Experience it during Cycle Canalway this weekend.
The ride starts at Quaker Steak & Lube in Valley View at 8AM. Riders ride to Rockside Station to board a train at 8:30 AM. Then riders pick where to stop along the way. Choose to spend time at the Canal Exploration Center, disembark at Route 82, purchase snacks at Boston Store, shop in Peninsula or explore Hunt Farm or Beaver Marsh. Riding distances range from 3 to 40 miles and bicycles are available to rent from Cleveland Bike tours. The further you take the train, the further you ride back to Quaker Steak for lunch and entertainment from 11:45AM-1:15PM.
Be sure to look for the eagles near Station Road Bridge, the old canal ruins and the views of the Cuyahoga through the trees. Take it easy, allowing children to ride comfortably, or race along to exercise mind and body.
Cycling always feels good. Do you remember?
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the most visited U.S. National Parks. The largely untouched wilderness was home to ancient peoples whose spirits still inhabit the quiet meadows and wild marshes. Homesteaders rent farmland from the NPS and become sellers of hops and lamb chops and herbs. The Cuyahoga Valley is reclaiming its heritage, even as we pass through its lands on bicycles and the train that replaced the canal boats and complicated lock system. .
Cycle Canalway costs adult riders $40 and children $20. In addition to the train ride to most stops, those cycling receive a T-shirt, a snack and beverage, aid station, and free lunch and entertainment at the finish. Rent your bike by calling Joe at Cleveland Bike Tours at 330-532-8687.
Supporting our park and the canal path, and remembering our past, are important to the future of Greater Cleveland and Akron. All proceeds from Cycle Canalway help to preserve the lands of the Cuyahoga Valley and the towpath trail. Canalway Partners preserves, promotes and educates the public about our park system along the Ohio & Erie Canal.
- Get out and ride your bike on Sat, July 18, beginning at 8AM. Sign up at canalwaypartners.com/events/cycle-canalway.
One of Cool Cleveland Contributor Claudia Taller’s favorite northeast Ohio places is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Her upcoming book Ohio’s Canal Country Wineries, will be released by Arcadia Publishing on July 29, 2015. For more on Claudia, visit claudiajtaller.com.
Valley View, OH 44125
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brecksville, OH 44141