How to go
What: Bike-With-a-Ranger tours
Where/when: Paul Laurence Dunbar House, 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 10
Where/when: Hawthorn Hill, 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 17
Where/when: Huffman Prairie, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 31
Reserve: At least seven days prior
Cost: Free
More info: Call 937-225-7705, email ryan_qualls@nps.gov or go online to www.nps.gov.
Bike-With-a-Ranger tours, sponsored by the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Parks, are continuing this summer with three more planned in August.
Plan a education-filled field trip with your kids before school starts. You’ll have your choice of a history lesson on one of these famous Dayton sites: Hawthorn Hill, Paul Laurence Dunbar House and Huffman Prairie Flying Field.
“Families will explore the Miami Valley’s scenic trail system and experience Dayton’s history all from the seat of a bicycle,” said Ryan Qualls, a park guide who leads the tours along with park guide Casey Huegel. “They will learn about group cycling in a safe and friendly environment, and discover something new just outside their own backyard.”
The Paul Laurence Dunbar Tour on Aug. 10 features the home of the famous poet and author, where he lived with his mother, Matilda, until his death in 1906. The 10-mile round trip starts at the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, 16 S. Williams St., and explores the Wolf Creek Trail and sections of the Great Miami River Trail.
The Hawthorn Hill Tour on Aug. 17 includes a visit to the post-1914 home of Orville, Milton and Katherine Wright. Participants will learn about life with the Wright family, and about Orville’s experiences in this historic residence. This eight-mile roundtrip also starts at 16 S. Williams St. and features moderate hills, so a bike with additional gears is recommended.
Finally, the last bike tour of the season will start at the Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center on Aug. 31. Participants will then bike along Huffman Prairie Trail to Deed’s Point and McCook Field, returning along the Mad River Trail. This 14-mile roundtrip includes a stop for a picnic, so participants should bring along a packed lunch.
A parent or a guardian is required for kids 17 and younger. Riders are required to wear helmets on the tours. Your bikes should be in good operating condition and are subject to safety inspections.
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