Looking at moving to the Columbus or surrounding area. Curious what the road cycling scene is like here. I’m an avid roadie from south Florida who loves fast group rides and really long days for a century or more with the company of good people. What are the main cycling clubs and what days/locations does everyone usually ride? Are there any organized races in the area? Also what is the culture like between motorist and cyclists? Thanks! Stephen-

u/Thankgoditsfredas has assembled an excellent list of dates and predicted traffic conditions on r/OSU: https://www.reddit.com/r/OSU/comments/1erb5i1/the_many_traffic_seasons_of_osu_or_how_do_i_get/

Looking for recommendations. Not from the area. Should we do Ohio to Erie trail? Or is there something better? Thanks!

Hi everyone, the weather is looking great Sunday, and I am looking for a 30+ mile ride/trail. I have done the Olentangy Trail too many times to count. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Looking for friends

Hi folks, I'll be in Columbus next week for work and would love to find a group ride on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday evening (April 15-17). I am debating on bringing my folding bike or just doing the bikeshare. Are there any rides you would suggest that are accessible from the downtown part of Columbus? Thanks in advance!

Swap meet for bikes/bike parts is this Sunday from 10-2 at the Franklin Co fairgrounds in Hilliard. We still have vendor spots/tables available if you want to set up and sell your old gear. Come buy or sell your complete bike(s), frame/fork, components (shifters, derailleurs, cranksets, brakes, etc), wheels, bike clothing, shoes, helmets, etc. If it's cycling related, it belongs here!

$35 for table rental through Friday, $45 Saturday or day of (if we even have tables left). $5 entry. Kids 15 and under are free. Parking is also free. This event benefits Columbus Outdoor Pursuits.

This is also happening rain or shine, as it's an indoor facility.

Hi all,

Just recently moved to Columbus and want to explore the area this weekend. I’m planning to go from Polaris (Lazelle Road) to Easton town through the Alum creek trail. Is there any thing I should be aware of? Appreciate all the insights

What: 14th Funk Bottoms Gravel When: June 15, 2024 Where: Glenmont, OH Distance 100K/ 200K Cost $40 before May 1, 2024 http://funkbottomsgravel.com

Does anybody have knowledge on how to go east/west up North of Columbus in a relatively safe, low car traffic way?

I'm planning a loop and looking to head West from the Genoa Trail and end up in Powell. My current thought is mainly across Cheshire Road, then dropping down the Glenn Parkway and continue west on Winter Road just south of Camp Lazarus.

I'm not super familiar with how busy or non-busy those roads are. Maybe drop down to Peachblow Road?

Here's my route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33942425?privacy_code=VGsaN5uK1dXPTqAqpejANCAFsQA4ggk4

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

​

Proposed Route

​

The Alum Creek trail was closed near Easton since April. It’s open now finally. This is my first year cycling so I enjoyed my first trip going from Westerville to near Bexley. I like Alum Creek because it’s a lot less people than Olentangy.

All the greenway trails (Alum, Olentangy, Blacklick, etc) have portions that run through the metroparks and portions that are in their own rights of way/easements. Do the paths/trails close? Some of the metroparks close at dusk, dark, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm etc. As winter sets in, almost all my potential riding time will be after dark. Are you still allowed on the trails? Is there a way to look up which trailheads allow you to park that late?

First time rider here (50 mi). I’ve been cycling a few times a week for 3 years, but I haven’t necessarily “trained” for pelotonia. Now I’m nervous that was a mistake. I do 20-30 miles a few times weekly and avg about 15 mph on carbon/105s. A little faster off the bike trails. Am I going to die on the hills? Everyone I ask has a different opinion about how hilly the 50 mile route is. Any tips/advice appreciated!

I like biking in large, casual groups. Not like, 100s of cyclists, mind you, but small groups of people that make it easier to socialize.

I've done the Roll:Rides (every third Friday? - but I have to rely on checking their Facebook page for rides, because Facebook never tells me), and after a chance encounter at Rehab Tavern, I learned about the Dear POC Rides on Wednesdays (but… my son has kickboxing when they start, so I can never join them).

Are there other groups like the above, just "meet, ride to a restaurants/brewerys for food/drinks, ride elsewhere"?

TIA!

If you live north of Wilson bridge road and use that to get to the bike trail, it's closed and you will need to take Riverside to 161 to get on. I did this yesterday for the first time and it was fairly easy, you have about a 1/4 mile of road to ride then the trail starts on Riverside. Just a PSA for everyone, be safe and keep biking.

https://dispatch-oh.newsmemory.com/?publink=180ea0486_13486d6

An acquaintance of mine. She survived, but with life-altering injuries. With as many run-ins as I have had with dogs on rides, I'd have never imagined something on this level. Rare odds on both the incident and the rescue, but this could have been any rider. Or even any pedestrian. Not sure mace or pepper spray would have even mattered. She had been with a group, but I believe sent them on because they were close to where they were parked.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-eva-simons-recovery

if you are so inclined

I'm looking to do a road ride this weekend (even if its cold). I'm looking for inspiration on where - and specifically spots where the traffic isn't too bad - or at least doesn't want to run me over. I'm also not looking to drive a bunch.

I've had good experiences farther east of Hoover Reservoir and south of Marysville. But, I've had bad experiences just west of Hilliard and more straight north of Westerville.

Anybody got some suggestions?

Thanks.

Hey all,

I'm a PhD student in the UK looking for any coaches or athletes who are interested in joining a pilot group using a new AI tool I have been developing.

It will helps deliver recovery insights using wearable data automatically. I'm working on the data gathering part of building the predictions engine, any coaches/athletes that want early access to this can help us out by submitting their information using our data-gathering tools.

Ideal candidates are:
- endurance focused.
- interested in leveraging AI to help athletes achieve their goals.

P.S. If you know anyone who would be interested in helping build a predictions engine for athlete recovery and health then send them this way as well.

Thanks!

My partner rides with me occasionally and always experiences discomfort. I'd like to find someone who can help set up the bike so that it is adjusted appropriately for her body. She's pretty reluctant to talk to a man about it, and most of the shops I've been in around here are sausage fests. Thanks!

May be of moderate interest if you are looking for a helmet now...

I was looking for a nice road helmet as I ride a decent amount. Finding things to try on is challenging. Stock is low and many places only had Larges. Or perhaps literally a single Medium to try on.

I found the best selection at Westerville Bike Shop and REI. Trek has a variety of Bontragers. Paradise Garage had a couple of Specialized.

Every else I tried had very little to sample. There were places I didn't go - but the above would be my first stop if looking for a helmet.

I'm planning on heading on Thursday, June 2, after work from Columbus heading to Cincinnati and I'd like to stop for the night in London.

Any knowledge of my chances of sleeping at the Prairie Grass Trailhead (https://fmcpt.com/london-trailside-camping) that night if I pull in about 7:00?

I've been by at other times of the day, but not towards the end of the day.

Thanks in advance for any knowledge!

Please let me know where and how much is the typical cost. Thank you.

Hey folks, I'm moving to the area soon and am looking at commuting between New Albany and Westerville, specifically on Harlem and Central College. How are the roads out there, especially during the early commute hours (7 and 4:30)?

I've been commuting by bike for 10 years and feel comfortable in traffic, but I'd definitely prefer bike lanes and slower or less-traveled roads where possible (especially during those morning commutes).

I'm tangentally aware of the various bike clubs around the Columbus area, and one niche that I think needs to be addressed is families and parents of younger kids. I'm a utility cyclist, and I use my cargo bike to carry my kids and associated gear to various places, and I'm wondering if there's a local group that encourages family rides and riding, especially with younger kids (non-riding kids like toddlers and new riders in elementary school.) Do any such groups exist, and if not, do you think an interest in such a group exists?