Schedule of Major Ride Events, 2008
Cincinnati-Dayton Area, Southwestern Ohio
(listed in approximate order of scheduled date)

Although there are no mountains in southwestern Ohio, the hilly terrain of the numerous river valleys makes a "granny" gear a worthwhile investment for all but the strongest amateur riders.

Notes on Events

Terrain:  Located at the southernmost edge of the glacial advance of the last ice age, southwestern Ohio features a variety of terrain.  The hilly topography of the Cincinnati area, both north and south of the Ohio River, contrasts with the nearly flat terrain north of Dayton.  The territory between the two cities is dominated by two main north-south waterways — the Great Miami River to the west and the scenic Little Miami to the east — and the general contour of the land is a series of rolling ridges oriented roughly parallel to the rivers.  Grades are typically gentle to moderate except in the river valleys themselves, where steep climbs and descents are not uncommon.  To assist the cyclist in selecting rides appropriate to his or her ability and tastes, many of the listed rides are marked with the following terrain codes, along with the distance, in the "Miles/Terrain" column:

Fees:  There is usually a fee to participate in a major ride, the amount depending on the type, complexity, and duration of the event.  For a one-day event the charge typically ranges from $5 (for an unsupported ride) to $40 (for a major race), with $10-$25 being typical for a supported casual ride.  Multiple-day events are more expensive, and may include equipment transport and camping or lodging.  While it is possible to register for many events on the day-of-ride, the number of participants on some rides is limited, and pre-registration discounts are often available.  Some events offer discounts for cycling club members.

Scheduling:  Most major rides are scheduled during daylight hours on weekends or national holidays, and take place rain-or-shine; although it is unusual for Ohio rides to be canceled because of weather, a few have been canceled because of extreme heat.

Laws and helmets:  Bicycles are legally classified as vehicles, and most rides are routed over public roads.  It is therefore mandatory that cyclists know and obey all applicable vehicle laws of the state(s) and localities in which they are riding.  Although adult cyclists are not legally required to wear helmets in Ohio, helmet use is mandatory for all participants on CCC and DCC club-sponsored rides.

Service, food, and water:  Most (but not all) major rides feature maps, road markings, SAG service (mobile assistance), and rest stops with water, snacks, and restroom facilities.  However, riders should carry adequate water with them to avoid dehydration and overheating between stops, especially on warm or windy days or over hilly routes.  On rides without SAG, riders should carry tire-changing tools and know how to use them.  If darkness, rain, or poor visibility are anticipated, bikes should be equipped with head- and tail-lights.

Ride types:  Competitive rides are classified as "races," and may include criterium, time-trial, and distance/endurance types of competition.  Casual, non-competitive rides are classified as "tours," which may or may not include stops for refreshment and/or sight-seeing.  Most tours are to be ridden at your own pace (within the posted speed limit), but escorted tours are ridden as a group under supervision of an experienced leader.  All riders should be off the course by the scheduled finish-time of the ride.

Overnight / multi-day tours:  Rides which include overnight stop-overs at campgrounds or motels are typically more expensive, but usually include camping fees and truck transport of your camping gear.

Club mileage credits:  Some events accrue mileage credits, even if they are not sponsored by your club.  In addition to regular registration, remember to look for a sign-up sheet for your club in the registration area.

Check List

Don't show up for a bicycle ride with a scooter, a tricycle, training wheels, a child's bike, a single-speed "cruiser," a stunt bike, or a moped or other motorized bike.  These devices have their place, but that place is not in a cycling event on public roads.

Do bring a properly fitting helmet and a roadworthy bicycle; a multiple-geared road or trail bike is best.  In most cases, tandem and recumbent bicycles are suitable.  Owners of streamlined bikes should bear in mind that such machines have low visibility to the rear and may be awkward to control in urban traffic.

In addition, bring a courteous, cooperative, and friendly attitude; "road warrior" types are a danger both to themselves and to others.  Be alert and sober; alcohol not only impairs judgment and reflexes, but accelerates dehydration while reducing the body's ability to maintain a stable temperature.  Partying is fine, but do it after the ride.

Your bicycle doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, but it should be in good repair and properly adjusted.  Following is a quick and easy pre-ride check list.

• The frame and fork (especially welds) should be inspected for signs of cracking, corrosion, or misalignment.  Steel components often show such signs of imminent failure, whereas aluminum and carbon materials can fail without warning.
• Bearings—including wheel, header (steering), pedal, and bottom-bracket (pedal crank)—should be free-turning, without sidewise play or wobble.
• Tires should have adequate tread and be inflated to maximum rated pressure for road use.
• Wheels should spin "true" (without appreciable wobble or hop), and should not bind against brake pads or frame.
• The chain should be checked for wear and stiff links, and should be clean and lubricated.
• All brake and shifter cables should be checked for fraying, binding, adjustment, and snugness of locknuts.  Quick-releases should be engaged.
• Shift limiter screws should be set to prevent the chain from coming off the chainwheels and cogs.
• All fasteners should be checked for proper tightness, especially handlebars, seatpost, pedals, and wheel axles.  Quick-release levers should be adjusted to begin engaging ninety degrees from their fully-engaged position.

It is advisable to carry (or to ride with someone else who carries, and is willing to share) the following:

• at least one bottle of water or other (non-alcoholic) drink for consumption between rest stops;
• tools, including tire levers, a tire pump, and wrenches and screwdrivers to fit the fasteners on your bike;
• a tire patch kit and a spare inner tube;
• a small first aid kit, with adhesive strips and disinfectant to treat minor scrapes and insect stings;
• a small amount of cash for food or an emergency phone call;
• personal identification, including information which might be needed in case of emergency.

Water bottles and tire pump can be mounted on the bicycle frame; other tools and first aid kit can be stowed in a "wedge pack" slung underneath the seat.  If any part of the ride is expected to be after dark or during poor visibility, the bike should be equipped with a headlight and taillight (not just reflectors).

Join the Fun

One of the most enjoyable forms of bicycling, for novices and regular riders alike, is the organized tour.  For a small fee (usually in the range of $5 to $25 for a single-day event), the rider can explore a pre-planned route over lightly-traveled scenic roads, with the added benefits of road markings, maps, support vehicles, and stops for water, food, and rest rooms.  In addition, there are the numerous advantages of riding with other cyclists, including friendly conversation, sharing the draft (when riding against the wind), and having help available in case of breakdown in the middle of nowhere.  Most such rides are non-competitive tours, but there are also races, time-trials, and endurance runs for those who enjoy such challenge.  For details about organized rides, see Notes and Checklist below, as well as the Schedule of specific rides.  Contact your local cycling club for further information.

If you reside in or visit the Ohio-Indiana-Kentucky tri-state area, you might find it both fun and convenient to participate in one or more of the rides listed below.  In most cases, rides are open to the general public; club membership is not required.  All you will need besides the registration fee is a roadworthy bicycle, a properly fitted helmet, and a working knowledge of basic traffic laws.