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in central Oklahoma since 1974

HomeRides - Grand Tour 2018

OBS Grand Tour 2018 - June 25-29

 
   The definition of cycling paradise is pretty much an individual thing. One cyclist’s nirvana may be a big yawn to the next. My idea of cycling paradise is a place where I can ride on beautifully paved trails (no vehicular traffic!) in several directions from a single starting point with significant variation in terrain and scenery AND have some very interesting places to visit that can be reached via those trails. 
One such place is Xenia, Ohio. Xenia is located in southwestern Ohio, near Dayton, home of the Wright Brothers (perhaps you’ve heard of them). Xenia is a former railroad hub and the now abandoned rail lines have been turned into bicycle trails. It is possible to ride 40 to 60+ miles one way in just about any direction.  

Why am I mentioning all of this? Well, I’m planning an OBS Grand Tour to Xenia in June. OBS Grand Tours are traditionally limited to OBS members, so if you have non-member friends that would like to participate, get them to join up right away so they will be eligible.  
Of course there is no reason one must travel to end of the trail if a shorter ride is preferred. Also, those Wright Brothers I mentioned above have been honored with a museum and National History Park in Dayton. Included in this complex is a reproduction of one of their bicycle manufacturing shops. This cyclist’s mecca is easily reachable by trails from Xenia. 
Also, the National Museum of the US Air Force is located on Wright-Patterson Air Base on the outskirts of Dayton with bike trails leading right into the parking lot. This awesome exhibition includes airplanes from the Wright Flyer to the most modern military planes. 
 

The tour will be limited to 25 riders, so if you wish to participate, don’t wait until the last minute. This will be a laid back tour with suggested daily routes and options for however many miles you wish to ride nearly every day. And of course visits to the museums mentioned above.  
Each person will make his/her own lodging reservations and transportation arrangements. The Ramada Xenia hotel will be the headquarters for the tour. The hotel is just across the street from a trail that leads to the old railway station where all the trails converge. Of course each person will also be responsible for his/her meals and admission to the museums, etc. There will be no OBS fee for the tour, but registration IS required. Details on that TBD, but you can get your name on the list now by emailing me at jwente49@cox.net.
 
The date for the tour is June 25-29. To whet your appetite, Google “Xenia bicycle trails”— you’ll be amazed. 

CLICK HERE to download registration form.


  Documents:  Cover Page:  2018_GT_Route_Guide_cover_sheet.pdf
                        Daily Route Guide: 2018-GT-RoutePackage.pdf
                        Bike Map Order Form: https://www.mvrpc.org/miami-valley-bikeways-map-order-form

Photo Album: 2018 OBS Grand Tour