“It’s a conference-style event designed to showcase the importance of cycling to the economy and the community,” said Robin Gregory, chair of the summit’s Greene County committee. “It will have something of interest to casual and avid riders as well as elected officials and those involved in cycling advocacy.”
There are four tracks available to those attending the summit – Economic Impact & Community Development, Partnerships & Collaboration, Health & Safety and Policy & Funding. The free event will utilize local, regional and nationally-recognized experts to speak on various topics throughout the day.
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“The event not only showcases the strides being made in the community but also addresses where we might fall short,” Gregory said. “It will help us moving forward.”
According to Gregory, Greene County is an ideal location for the biennial event.
“Xenia is the Bicycle Capital of the Midwest, so we felt very strongly that Greene County was an ideal location for this event,” she said.
Greene County has 62 miles of paved trails for use by cyclists and other outdoor fitness enthusiasts.
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Those trails will get some use the day after the summit as Greene County Parks & Trails is sponsoring the Miami Valley Cycling Summit Century Ride on May 6, in conjunction with the event. Riders will have the choice between a challenging 100-mile ride or a shorter 62-mile ride. Both rides will begin at Greene County Parks & Trails Fairgrounds Recreation Center, in Xenia, with participants cycling down the Little Miami Scenic Trail. The Century Ride – which benefits Bike Miami Valley – is open to all ages and ability levels.
“Cycling doesn’t discriminate,” Gregory said. “Anybody can get on a bike.”
CYCLING SUMMIT AND CENTURY RIDE AT A GLANCE
Miami Valley Cycling Summit
When: May 5, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: Wright State University Student Union
Cost: Free
More: The first 300 people registered receive a free bike bell; those registering by April 21 are guaranteed a free lunch.
Registration: www.CyclingSummit.com
MVCS Century Ride
When: May 6, 7 a.m.
Where: Greene County Parks & Trails Fairgrounds Recreation Center, Xenia
Cost: $25 preregistration, $35 on-site registration
More: Multiple hospitality stops; the first 50 riders to register will receive a commemorative medal upon completion.
Registration: www.gcparkstrails.com
Miami Valley Cycling Summit Speakers
Aparna Dial, City of Columbus Deputy Director (keynote speaker)
Tony Collins, City of Columbus Recreation & Parks Department
Megan Folkerth, Interact for Health
Brian Forschner, City of Xenia
Robert Harrison, Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County
Brian Housh, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Wade Johnston, Tri-State Trails
Daniel Moorhead, City of Columbus
Steve Morris, Greene County Parks & Trails Sentinel
Eric Oberg, Rails to Trails Conservancy
Haley Riegel, Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County
Chris Schmiesing, City of Piqua
Alex Smith, City of Columbus
Bradley Smith, Five Rivers MetroParks volunteer
Richard Toole, League of American Bicyclists
Scott Ulrich, Columbus Public Health
Lisa Wolters, Yellow Springs Brewery
Dan Young, Young’s Jersey Dairy
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