Ohio to Erie Traio: Day 2 – Xenia to Columbus (60 Miles)

From rural farmland to the heart of the city, we pedaled through the heart of Ohio—one small town at a time.

Cool Start, Warm Hearts

We rolled out of the Hampton Inn in Xenia under a crisp morning sky, gathering at the historic Xenia Station for our now-daily group photo. It’s become a cherished tradition before setting off. The sun rose quickly, and with it came warmth and a promise of another beautiful day to cycle through Ohio.

Our first stop for many of us was Cedarville, a small town with a big breakfast tradition. About eight of us made a detour to my favorite morning haunt, Beans and Cream. It’s less than an hour into the ride, which makes it perfect for letting the temperatures rise while enjoying breakfast, sipping coffee, and watching the locals.

Through the Fields of Ohio: Small Towns and Open Skies

Today marked a shift in landscape as we traded the Little Miami River and its shaded trail for open skies and flat Ohio farmland of corn and soybeans. The Prairie Grass Trail led us north toward South Charleston, a classic Ohio rural small town with charm and welcoming streets that made for smooth pedaling through downtown.

We continued onto the Roberts Pass Trail, a shaded stretch leading into London, a town that’s really embraced the trail culture. It's a popular stop for cyclists, especially campers, thanks to the primitive campground developed by a local trail organization. The murals along the trail here are worth a pause and a photo or two.

Soon after London, we hopped onto the Camp Chase Trail, with Columbus now in our sights.

A Sweet Columbus Tradition: Amy’s Donuts

No ride into Columbus is complete without a stop at Amy’s Donuts, a local institution just past the I-270 overpass. Imagine four display cases overflowing with some of the wildest, most colorful donuts you’ve ever seen. They bake over 2,000 donuts a day, and it shows.

I limited myself to half a blueberry cake donut, which is no small feat of willpower. With our sugar levels sufficiently spiked, we rejoined the trail, heading into the city on the Camp Chase Trail, eventually connecting with the Scioto Greenway.

As we neared downtown, the skyline of Columbus greeted us from the confluence of the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers. We exited at Neil Avenue, then turned onto Nationwide Boulevard, pulling into our hotel for the night, right in the heart of the city.

Trail Companions: Gary from Yellow Springs

One of the best parts of today was catching up with Gary from Yellow Springs, a familiar face on the trail and a fellow trail advocate. We rode together for a good stretch, talking about everything from our Eastern European roots to our mutual passion for cycling infrastructure and welcoming trail visitors.

Gary’s a long-time cyclist who’s been touring since the 1970s, with adventures that include riding across the U.S. and Alaska. One story stood out, back when his kids were at Kenyon College, he’d ride all the way from Yellow Springs to Gambier, mostly on roads. Today, thanks to the Ohio to Erie Trail, that same route can now be done almost entirely on dedicated bike paths. That’s progress. A different view of the trail beyond tourism, but about connectivity and travel.

Afternoon Ride with Donna from Lexington

I found myself riding alongside Donna from Lexington, Kentucky, a rider with a deep appreciation for the experience, not just the miles. I liked Donna from the moment she ordered a slaw dog at Miranda’s yesterday. Slaw dogs are a regional favorite hot dog that only someone from Eastern Kentucky or West Virginia can truly appreciate.

Donna joined this tour after meeting Jim, a veteran rider of this route. She represents the kind of rider the Ohio to Erie Trail was built for, someone who finds joy in the small towns, the quiet roads, and the cultural mix that makes Ohio such a unique ride.

Trail Towns in Transition: My Reflections

As we made our way north from Xenia to Columbus, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much these towns have changed.

Places like Cedarville now offer a variety of restaurants, a welcoming coffee shop, and even a comfortable inn catering to trail users. South Charleston has a scenic trailhead and signs of new businesses emerging. And London? London is becoming a true trail town complete with visitor amenities, vibrant public art, and even a new cyclist-friendly B&B.

The southern end of the Ohio to Erie Trail is really starting to embrace the trail. From Cincinnati to Loveland to Xenia, and now into the rural stretch from Xenia to Columbus, the momentum is growing.

What’s Next: Heading Home (Almost)

Tomorrow’s ride brings us into Mount Vernon and Knox County, my home turf. I’m incredibly proud of what’s happened in this region and north through Columbus. These are the places I know best, and I have a feeling the group is in for a truly memorable day.

Thanks for following along. Day 2 brought us from pastoral farmlands to urban energy, donuts to deep conversations, and everything in between. Stay tuned for Day 3 as we ride into the heart of l Ohio.