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Bike ride today to show beauty, history of recreational trail

Cyclists are invited to take a 14-mile ride between Miamisburg and Franklin.

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By Chelsey Levingston, Staff Writer 2:26 AM Saturday, July 18, 2009

FRANKLIN — The 2009 River Ride today, July 18, between Miamisburg and Franklin, is as much about recreation as it is about alternative transportation.

The River Ride, held from 9 a.m. to noon, is a 14-mile bicycle trip on the Great Miami River Recreational Trail.

It’s sponsored by the Miami Conservancy District, the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and Five Rivers MetroParks — all of which worked together to form the “Drive Less, Live More” initiative. The campaign urges people to consider alternative transportation, said Brenda Gibson, public relations manager of the Miami Conservancy District.

Beginning near Tipp City, the recreational trail passes through Franklin and then on to Middletown. Part of the trail runs from Hamilton to Fairfield.

Consider these reasons to take part in the bike trek and use the trail:

• “(A section of the trail from Cranes Run Nature Park to Franklin) provides some of the most beautiful views of the river that you can see. And that you can’t see from your car,” Gibson said.

• “It gives you a chance to explore some of the charming towns along the river,” she said.

• “It’s an opportunity to learn more about the historical stops in Franklin,” said Chrissy Brown, secretary to the Franklin Fire Chief and the department’s office manager.

• In addition to being a family activity, there are connections between movement and cognitive behavior, said Garry Bowyer, associate professor of kinesiology and health at Miami University Middletown. “Studies tend to be a positive association between passing fitness tests and doing well on standardized tests,” Bowyer said.

• And finally, “Its proximity to the downtown Miamisburg business district is a highlight of the trail,” said Kim Winter, Miamisburg recreation superintendent.

To learn more, visit www.drivelesslivemore.org.