Local Parks Offer Fun Riding Opportunites for All Ages
You might be skeptical of this blog's title, but hear me out. Yes, I live in Ohio. Yes, there is a lack of mountain-equivalent surroundings here. Yes, there are only rolling hills, rivers, and corn. But, BUT, there are places to mountain bike in the Greater Dayton Area.
Two of my favorite locations, which are great for novice to experienced folks, are Five Rivers MetroParks Mountain Bike Area, or MoMBA, as it's affectionately known along with John Bryan State Park, affectionately known as JB to locals. Each of these parks has a dedicated set of trails for bikes only, and yes, you read that correctly.
MoMBA: Located at 4485 Union Road, Dayton, OH 45424 (website link)
Details - Open year-round, closed Christmas and New Year's Day, trails subject to close for weather so call the trails hotline: 937-277-4374 on weekends or 937-275-7275 during business hours.
This kid-friendly mountain bike park just expanded its trail miles and added a cool beginner area called the Tot Track and Hilltop Flow Trail. MoMBA succeeds where other mountain bike only parks fall short by providing progressively more difficult trails, distinguished with unmistakeable signs/symbols, allowing riders to grow skills. A rider cannot accidentally end up on the expert level trail straight from the parking lot. The bi-directional trails were built sustainably and drain water efficiently to allow for trail riding immediately following rainstorms.
Also, with over 9 miles of trails to ride in both directions, it's not likely your kids will get bored. Another benefit to those who don't own a bike or have a broken one sitting in the garage is that the MetroParks offers bike rentals on-site on Saturdays starting in June. (rental link) Plus, there are monthly programs with bike demos, skills classes, and a summer youth bike camp at affordable rates.
Personally, I've been going out to MoMBA for seven years and the park keeps improving: more trails, restrooms/changing facilities, a bike wash station, and dedicated parking lot with trailhead signage. It's a blast! I love taking friends out for their first time because they have fun choosing their own adventure and relive the freedom of bicycling like when they were in their youth.
John Bryan: Located at 3790 State Route 370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Details - Open year-round, trails subject to close for weather so call 937-203-8101 before heading out or check online.
This park is packed full with 12 miles of bi-directional trails for riding. There is minimal elevation change, mostly flat, and flowy singletrack to be ridden. The trails out at JB are maintained by dedicated volunteers and locals. They are in excellent condition but still take a while to dry out after a soaking rain. There is a nice big gravel parking lot, changing area, and restrooms. The trails are much less technically challenging than MoMBA, which means this location is great for beginners, children, families, or folks doing a chill group ride together.
Some of the trails have funky cool names: Abracadabra, Powerline, Arboretum Loop, Great Scott.
Great Scott is the longest trail at 6.5 miles in a loop. Powerline is 1.9 miles with twisty turns in a pine woods. Abracadabra is 1.8 miles and also twisting in character. Arboretum Loop is 1.1 miles through the forest allowing connection to the rest of the singletrack.
My personal experience at John Bryan is more limited than riding at MoMBA but this trail system is tons of fun. There are often events, trail work days, and fast lap opportunities for the dedicated folks.
Check out the REI MTB Project app for an extensive overview of both systems and feel free to explore other locations a bit further away from Dayton such as Caesar's Creek and more.
Happy Trails and Happy Bike Month!
John Bryan: Located at 3790 State Route 370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Details - Open year-round, trails subject to close for weather so call 937-203-8101 before heading out or check online.
Some of the trails have funky cool names: Abracadabra, Powerline, Arboretum Loop, Great Scott.
Great Scott is the longest trail at 6.5 miles in a loop. Powerline is 1.9 miles with twisty turns in a pine woods. Abracadabra is 1.8 miles and also twisting in character. Arboretum Loop is 1.1 miles through the forest allowing connection to the rest of the singletrack.
My personal experience at John Bryan is more limited than riding at MoMBA but this trail system is tons of fun. There are often events, trail work days, and fast lap opportunities for the dedicated folks.
Check out the REI MTB Project app for an extensive overview of both systems and feel free to explore other locations a bit further away from Dayton such as Caesar's Creek and more.
Happy Trails and Happy Bike Month!
