Bike Hike
August 30, 2010
Erie Canal Towpath
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
We had excellent weather for our 15 mile round trip bike hike on the Erie Canal Towpath. Our trip started at the Station Road Bridge parking lot in Brecksville Reservation. Before starting we covered a few safety tips and bicycle etiquette while traveling on the towpath. We also took time to go over our route and learn the basics of topographical maps. Everyone traveled in small groups and there were several stops along the way to familiarize scouts with using map and compass. The first stop was at Red Lock where a few people took time to make some adjustments to their bike or gear. Our second stop was at Boston Store for a bio-break and more map and compass. We then rode down to the Winking Lizard in Penninsula for a tasty lunch. After lunch the group got back on their bikes for the return trip. On the way there was a stop at the highway bridges for the last portion of map and compass training. Then it was back on the trail for the final stretch to Station Road Bridge. With great friends and fantastic weather it turned out to be a really nice day for a bike ride. The cyclists were Allen, Alex D., Alex Z., Danny, Douglas, Michael, Natalie, Nick, Steven, Mr. Booth, Mr. Deran, Mrs. Deran, Mr. Drown, Mr. Makowski and Mr. Soroczak.
A Short Stop at Boston Store
Rear of Boston Store and Trail to Right
Biking Along the Trail
Parting Shot at Station Road Bridge Train Stop
Trip Plan for Bike Hike
Date and Time of Departure: Saturday, June 12th, 10:00am - Station Road Bridge Parking Lot.
Purpose: Spend the day outdoors and get some exercise with a bike trip on the Erie Canal Towpath. Review map and compass skills. Begin working on Cycling merit badge and/or earn 2nd Class requirement 1b (10 mile bike hike using map and compass).
Location: Erie Canal Towpath between Station Road Bridge and Peninsula, OH.
Directions: Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation
- Route 82 East to Riverview Rd
- Riverview Rd South (right) to Chippewa Creek Dr
- Chippewa Creek Dr East (left) to Station Road Bridge Parking Lot
Bike Route: Depart Station Road Bridge parking lot and head South on Erie Canal Towpath. Make stops as necessary for breaks or to work on advancement. Continue on Towpath until Peninsula, OH. We will have lunch (around noon) at the Winking Lizard. After lunch bike North back to Station Road Bridge parking lot.
Cost: Bring money to purchase a lunch at the Winking Lizard in Peninsula, OH.
Estimated Time of Return: Saturday, June 12th, 3:00pm - Station Road Bridge Parking Lot.
Items to Bring: Water for the trip down and back. No Helmet, No Go! Be prepared, you are going on a long distance bike trip. Bring any items needed for safety and comfort. Talk to your Patrol Leaders if you have questions.