Two wheels with a charge

A solo inn-to-inn e-bike tour on the Ohio to Erie Trail

I just wrapped up a successful week managing campgrounds for the 800 cyclists at the 2024 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA). It’s time to recharge before summer gets even crazier with family at draft horse and pony shows. I look forward to a relaxing week on the bike before the whirlwind of county fairs begins.

There's nothing quite like a bike tour to hit reset on life. An inn-to-inn adventure on the Ohio to Erie Trail is my perfect escape. When I ride solo, I set my own pace, stop for photo ops (I love capturing the world with my mobile phone.), and have time to breathe and reflect.

One of the best things about solo touring is the amazing people I meet. Folks are more drawn to chat with a single cyclist. A fully loaded bike and an older cyclist like me sparks curiosity. Most people wouldn't dream of tackling 326 miles on a bike let alone a person my age.

Donning my helmet as President of the Ohio to Erie Trail, I'm constantly seeking out the stories of people who use and connect with the trail. It's an exciting time leading the board as we refine the trail's mission and vision, especially as it inches closer to completion.

The trail's popularity has exploded, fueling tourism and economic growth. By delving into what attracts visitors and their experiences, we can secure a flourishing future for the trail. This will nurture the development of thriving communities, businesses, and amenities along the trail.

I am trading Dude, my trusty Kona Sutra, for Harley, my charged Serial 1 Rush City, for my solo e-bike tour of the Ohio to Erie Trail. I experienced good times this past winter with Harley on Bike Florida's Coast to Coast Trail tour. I'm excited to experience the Ohio to Erie Trail firsthand on an e-bike,

The surging popularity of e-bikes is undeniable. Sales quadrupled between 2019 and 2022, reaching a staggering 1.1 million bikes sold. This boom opens the doors of outdoor recreation and tourism to a much wider audience. Active transportation has the power to create more accessible outdoor spaces for all.

By e-biking the Ohio to Erie Trail, I'm diving headfirst into the conversation about e-bikes' impact on the trail experience. Expecting varied perspectives, I'm eager to hear firsthand from fellow trail visitors. Understanding e-bikes and their impact on outdoor recreation is a part of creating inclusive trails for everyone. With Ohio's growing e-cyclist population, this journey feels more relevant than ever.

Hey Tom!

Look for me on the Ohio to Erie Trail this week. Keep an eye out for a friendly older guy on a Serial 1 Rush City e-bike with red panniers heading north – that's me! I'd love to chat about your time on the trail, the communities you've encountered, and anything else that comes to mind. There’s no need to be shy. A friendly "Hey, Tom!" will do.

My schedule for the week

I am cycling one of the most popular itineraries for inn-to-inn tourists using the trail’s Ride with GPS files. I have toured the trail end-to-end three times using this itinerary on my Kona Sutra touring bike. I plan to include a few diversions playing more of the tourist. My long-time touring partner Greg will join me on my final days. My last day cycling back to Akron is an add-on that makes my shuttle home to Mount Vernon more convenient.  

• Monday, July 8 - Cincinnati (Newport) to Xenia

• Tuesday, July 9 - Xenia to Columbus

• Wednesday, July 10 - Columbus to Mount Vernon

• Thursday, July 11 - Mount Vernon to Millersburg

• Friday, July 12 - Millersburg to Massillon

• Saturday, July 13 - Massillon to Akron

• Sunday, July 14 - Akron to Cleveland

• Monday, July 15 - Cleveland to Akron

A hot and relatively rain-free week on the trail

Sun's out, heat's on – classic Ohio July weather! Luckily, the trail’s mostly shady, offering a welcome escape. I'll share updates and reflections on the Ohio to Erie Trail social media channels and Tom on the Trails as I traverse the state. Feel free to leave comments – I'll do my best to respond between scenic stops and charges!

My Ride with GPS Collection on the planned route for the week+