In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be spending a Saturday afternoon in the Waynesville area while my son canoes the Little Miami river. I’m looking for a ride of about 56 miles. Was planning to leave from Caesar Creek, head up 73 to Waynesville, then down the Miami River through Oregonia to Morrow. Problem is, that’s only 15 miles (+/-) each way, so I’m looking for recommendations to add mileage and get me up to about 50-60 miles.
Questions and things to consider:
Is the Little Miami Scenic Trail suitable for 18-20 mph riding, or is it too crowded on weekends?
I’m not afraid of a hill or two (or three), but not really looking to get hammered either.
Do the showers are Caeser Creek beach currently work? (I’m not picky - just looking for water flow to rinse off)
I’ll be self-supported, so I’d like suggestions on places in the area to stop for water.
There are tons of routes around there. There was a recent MS150 ride through there and is marked on the roads. Try to avoid 73 (about the only busy road around there), but most all other roads are great. Locals definitely used to seeing cyclists around there. Plenty of tough hills if you want up out of the river valley around Oregonia. The trail is fine that far up with very low traffic, but the roads are better. Don’t know if the showers at Caesar’s Creek are working.
I do a lot of training on the rural road of Warren County and did all of my long rides out that way for IMLOU. I’ve ridden the trail in the past, so if you want from flat ground it’s perfect. I’ve only gone to the trail early in the morning and had no trouble with “traffic”. There are all speeds on the trail so just make sure your loud when passing. Venture off the trail east or west and you’ll get some hills particularly south of Caesars Creek. The only problem is I know the area so I just ride and can’t give you a route. There are many east-west and north-south roads so you could add some miles that way.
I have used bathrooms and water fountains on the trail in Morrow and South Lebanon in the past but this year they seem to be locked up every time I went by. So this year I used Caesars Creek to refill water. There is a gas station/store here and there but not a lot. One just south of the CC @ Clarksville and Oregonia Rd, Morrow and South Lebanon have places too.
There are a few canoe rental places (in Oregonia and Morrow) along the trail that IF open, you could buy a drink or use a bathroom.
Don’t know about the showers at CC but there is always the lake! Great riding out that way, have fun.
The outdoor shower at CC worked in July for the HFP tri. I’d avoid 73. You can get to Corwin via Furnas-Oglesby and New Burlington Roads. I think the path is fine in that area. You could add some miles riding the path out and back north towards Xenia. Low traffic on the trail in that area. Enjoy!
Got it. Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I’ll park in Corwin and take the path north toward Spring Valley or Xenia, then turn south and head back toward Origonia and Morrow. Hopefully between the canoe liveries and the towns along the way I can at least find a vending machine or two. I can also stop at my car again on my way back through Corwin. When I’m done, I’ll *drive *to Ceaser Creek to hit the showers.
That area is essentially my “backyard.” I ride that area every weekend (Waynesville is like 8 miles from my house). Anyway, if you pm me with an e-mail address, I’ll send some of my garmin files of decent routes in that area.