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With more than 340 miles of connected bike trails and the designation of being a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, the Dayton area is a haven for cyclists.
"Cycling is huge year-round in Dayton," said Lucy Sanchez, Five Rivers MetroParks outdoor recreation event coordinator. "But with the weather changing, May is a great time to kick off the cycling season."
From educational programs and recreational rides to the National Bike to Work Pancake Breakfast – that brought close to 700 cyclists to RiverScape last year – there is a full slate of local cycling events in May.
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"Many people biked when they were a kid, but then they got their license and a car and left it behind," Sanchez said. "For a lot of people, getting back on a bike is a way to reconnect with something that made them very happy. You can't help but smile when you're on a bike and it's great to be able to get more people to enjoy it."
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BIKE EVENTS DURING MAY
May is National Bike Month. National Bike to Work Week is May 15-19 and National Bike to Work Day is May 19. Here are more events:
MAY 1
National Bike Challenge begins: Join at www.nationalbikechallenge.org for the challenge that runs from May 1-September 30.
Cycle Chat: Kick off National Bike Month with a social ride with the Columbus chapter founder of Black Girls do Bike, Bertie Ford. Enjoy an 11.5-mile round-trip scenic group ride on the Great Miami Bikeway at 6 p.m. Gather at Star City Brewing Company for socializing and a presentation by Ford at 7 p.m.
Smart Cycling Part 1: Taught by the League of American Bicyclists' certified instructors, this course covers basic, intermediate and advanced cycling tips and techniques for adults. This two-day course at the Piqua YMCA — second day is May 3 — includes classroom instruction, on-bike training and a group ride. Cost is $25, information at www.miamicountyymca.net.
MAY 5
Miami Valley Cycling Summit: Enjoy speakers, workshops and an exhibitor area showcasing the economic power of bicycling at this free event at the Wright State University student union. Visit www.cyclingsummit.com for information.
Courteous Mass: See the city from your bike during this monthly event designed for all ages and ability levels. Riders meet at the Fifth Third Field Plaza at 6:30 p.m. Helmets and lights are strongly encouraged.
MAY 6
Cycling Summit Century Ride: Hosted by Greene County Parks and Trails with proceeds benefiting Bike Miami Valley's advocacy mission. Choose to ride either 62 or 100 miles along the Little Miami Scenic Trail with awards for those who complete the ride. Learn more and register at https://reservations.gcparkstrails.com/programs/1188/.
Bike for the Health of It: Join the MetroParks Volunteer Patrol on a bike ride, on the Stillwater River Bikeway South. Meet at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark at 9 a.m. for the 16-mile ride. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome, visit www.metroparks.org.
MAY 13
43rd Annual Huffman Spring Classic: Enjoy a 30, 50, or 62.5-mile bike tour along the Great Miami River with the Dayton Cycling Club. Registration includes food. Information and registration at www.daytoncyclingclub.org/Huffman-Classic.
Bike for the Health of It: Join MetroParks' staff on an 11-mile bike ride, rain or shine, on the Wolf Creek Bikeway. Meet in the parking lot behind Rob's Restaurant, Brookville, at 9 a.m.
Kiwanis Bicycle Rodeo for Kids, Piqua: Participants will learn the ABC's of safe cycling and participate in training exercises designed to teach basic cycling skills. Piqua High School Key Club members will lead the rodeo with assistance from League of American Bicyclist certified instructors from 9 a.m.-noon at Piqua Washington School.
MAY 15
GO W/THE FLOW– Bike Edition: Get your mind, body and soul ready for a week of bike riding with a free GO W/THE FLOW Vinyasa yoga class with live music at RiverScape MetroPark from 6-7 p.m. Bring your own mat. Information and registration at www.metroparks.org.
MAY 17
Trailside Repairs: This hands-on class, taught by Five Rivers MetroParks' staff, will cover bike selection, commuting equipment, and trip preparation. Briefly discuss traffic laws, hazards encountered, safe-riding skills, and proper route planning. Registration required at www.metroparks.org. Fee: $5.
Annual Ride of Silence: Rides worldwide to remember those cyclists who have been injured or killed while riding. Several rides are planned in Ohio, including Troy and Cincinnati. For details, visit http://rideofsilence.org.
MAY 19
Five Rivers MetroParks' Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast: Leave your car in the garage and support National Bike to Work Day. Ride in on your own or with a group to RiverScape MetroPark for a free pancake breakfast before work. Live music, cycling exhibitors and team challenge are also part of the fun.
National Bike to Work Day at Springfield City Plaza: Hosted by Bike Springfield, get free bike lights, food, smoothies, and enjoy music from 7-8:30 a.m. Visit https://www.facebook.com/CyclingClarkCounty for details.
MAY 20
Bike for the Health of It: Join MetroParks' staff for a 16-mile bike ride on the Great Miami River Bikeway. Meet in the parking lot of Rip Rap Park, at the intersections of Little York, Rip Rap and Taylorsville roads at 9 a.m. All ages welcome.
Black Pug Bikes Supports Yellow Springs Brewery & Bike Miami Valley: Trailside repairs/inspections provided by Chris Worrell, owner of Black Pug Bikes, at Yellow Springs Brewery from noon-4 p.m. Get a tune-up, meet knowledgeable staff from Bike Miami Valley and pick up a free trail map and safety booklets. A portion of the proceeds benefit Bike Miami Valley's mission to advocate, promote and create opportunities for all forms of bicycling.
MAY 21
Bike to the Dragons: Hop on your bike with the family and head downtown to watch America's favorite pastime. The first 50 cyclists to register on the Dragon's website and "Bike to the Game" will win complimentary lawn seats and a pack of prizes courtesy of Five Rivers MetroParks, Dayton Dragons and the Miami Valley Regional Planning Committee. Valet bike parking will be available for those who Bike to the Dragons starting at 1 p.m., game time is 2 p.m. Bicycles must be claimed no later than 30 minutes after the last pitch. Registration begins May 1 at www.daytondragons.com.
May 27
Bike for the Health of It: Join MetroParks' staff for a 9-mile bike ride on the Great Miami River Trail south to Riverfront Park. Meet at West Carrollton Low Dam, North Alex Road to Hydraulic Road, at 9 a.m.
Wegerzyn Bike Rodeo for Kids: Join the MetroParks' Rangers for a morning of bicycle safety from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your two-wheeled bicycle — with or without training wheels. Receive a free properly fitted bike helmet, while supplies last. The bicycle course teaches young riders the rules of the road. Registration is requested, walk-ins welcome, www.metroparks.org.
More event info:
Five Rivers MetroParks: www.metroparks.org/bike-month/regional-events/
Bike Miami Valley: www.bikemiamivalley.org/event-calendar/
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