I train for RTR around Cleveland, Ohio either on streets that wind in and out of the Chagrin River Valley or on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
The Chagrin River Valley provides a variety of hills, including some steep ones. Approximately fifteen miles outside of the city of Cleveland, the Chagrin River Valley is a taste of the country with quiet roads, horse farms, sleepy towns and a soothing river.
On the other hand the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is quite flat. However, the majority of the trail consists of packed dirt and gravel, creating more tire resistance than street riding. The towpath trail cuts through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Miles of the trail are sandwiched between the Cuyahoga River and the Erie Canal, making for scenic, peaceful and serene riding.
Towpath trail in early May
Towpath trail pit stop in early May
Towpath trail bridge across the Erie Canal
Farm country east of the Chagrin River
Doug ascends east of the Chagrin River
Jackson Road descent to the Chagrin River Valley
The Chagrin River at dusk
The Chagrin River from footbridge in Gates Mills
Footbridge across the Chagrin River
River Road
River Road along the Chagrin River
Cedar Road descent towards the Chagrin River Valley
Looking back at Cedar Road before descending towards the Chagrin River Valley