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!
I have shared a lot of pictures from local city parks in the past. Readers know one of my favorite city parks is Ault Park. Ault Park is actually the cities third largest park. Recently revived from years of neglect, I have shown pictures of sunsets at the park, the construction of connecting bike trails along with the floral gardens and overlooks.
Part of the park’s revival funding comes from renting the pavilion for weddings, corporate and local sponsored events. Here are some pictures of the pavilion when they are preparing for events:
The park has also been a place for celebrations like the 4th of July. On these occasions because the park is at the center of a number of neighborhoods, people come from all over to enjoy this wonderful area. This year we had beautiful weather and a full crowd to celebrate the freedoms we still have. I will share a few pictures but will try not to bore you with all of them.
As usual, I like to share pictures of my local parks and city when the seasons change. Climate change is here and things are slowly changing.
I hope you enjoy a few pictures from Ault Park and extensions of the Wasson Way path.
Here are the latest pictures of the continuing Wasson Way bike path, part of Cincinnati’s CROWN project. Along with other acquisitions the city is using old railroad tracks and bridges to connect areas of our city that were split into fragments (like so many others) when the major highways were built.
The new section connects Wasson Way Trails I have shared before with my favorite park in the city – Ault Park. For years as I was growing up Ault park was left to disarray from lack of care and budget. Recently restored and now connected to another area of the city, even more communities will be able to enjoy this small jewel. I think the path looks great, and I love the hill sign for bikers!
Still working on the bridge overpassStaircase from Ault Part trail to Wasson Way bike pathNew connector of Wasson Way
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 