Really fast trying to get up a hill and then all of a sudden I wasn’t! I am 70 years old but I still try to get out and ride my bike as often as I can. Fortunately around my town they have a lot of paths that are off-road so I don’t have to compete with traffic. Unfortunately, as I was completing my bike ride, I drove through a local university campus. For some reason they had a couple of large cones or pylons and rope between them blocking off a crosswalk. It was too late for me to see the rope and I barely had time to hit my brakes.
I spent most of Sunday at the emergency room shortly thereafter. After a bunch of x-rays and CT scans no real damage but I’m not going to be moving my shoulder anytime soon.
I guess they never heard of caution tape!
Yes, for those interested in safety, I was wearing my helmet and safety gear. I think it could have been a lot worse had I not had years of martial arts training. They teach you how to hit the ground and how to roll without getting hurt. It could have been a lot worse for a 70-year-old man!
Out for a ride yesterday and they are almost finished. This will be a great resource for decades to come. I believe the mayor of Cincinnati will be on-hand to officially open the new section of the Wasson Way Trails tomorrow.
Even though I took a sneak peak and ride before the path was officially opened I can’t wait. Only a small section will be needed to connect to other bike and walking trails in the city.
Bicycle riding is something I have loved since being a kid. I get exercise, fresh air, new scenery and a little bit of escape all wrapped into one. Recently cities in Ohio and other states have purchased unused train rights of way and turning them into bike and walking paths or trails. This is perfect because the train tracks are fairly level, the perfect width, and they go through neighborhoods that are rarely connected any other way.
Case in point is the latest addition of the CROWNsection of the pathways including Wasson Way. When I-71 was built around 1966 to 1975 it split Cincinnati in drastic and unfortunate ways like every other town. Once built, many neighborhoods were completely severed from each other and in some cases from the business districts they created. This is a point in history for me as my family was renting a house on a street that was demolished and we had to move for them to build I-71. The neighborhoods I used to ride through with my friends were no longer accessible to a kid on a bike.
Strollers enjoying the Marburg Avenue section of Wasson Way
Anyway, they are about to extend that section next week so the Wasson Way path connects to one of my favorite local parks of all time! I have shared many pictures of Ault Park here and it is still a lovely place to see. When this section is completed I will be able to take bike trails (including on-road lanes) from my house all the way to Ault Park. The big plan is to have various trails in Ohio that will take you from the southernmost point in Ohio near the Ohio River all the way to Cleveland at some point in the not too distant future.
I took some pictures of the progress made to the unfinished section so you have an idea of the work they are putting into this.
Existing trail on Wasson Road
New section connecting to Ault Park
Erie Avenue overpass
They are almost ready to open new section!
Truck pouring another cement foundation for drainage
They will start planting trees along the current paths next week. As old as I am it is still nice to get out and take a ride through familiar neighborhoods like I did when much younger. It is satisfying to see the city I have lived in for almost ever finally embracing these outdoor activities and unique neighborhoods long cut off from each other.
MidiMike 