XENIA — Local and visiting cyclists are invited to join the 2017 Greene Trails Cycling Classic (GTCC) presented by Greene County Parks and Trails (GCP&T) Thursday to Sunday, July 13-16 for one, two, three, or four days of cycling adventure showcasing the region’s 62 miles of paved, multi-use trails that are part of the nation’s largest network of trails.
Online registration is available for the first time at www.gcparkstrails.com.
The family-friendly event attracts hundreds of cyclists all ages that return year after year to enjoy the trail system based in Greene County.
“Our paved trails are renowned throughout the nation for their quality, safety and scenic locations. Cyclists come to Greene County from across the United States just to experience our five-trail system with four trails converging at Xenia Station. Trails translate into family memories as well as dollars and cents for the local economy,” said GCP&T Director Chrisbell Bednar.
GTCC will be based at GCP&T Fairgrounds Recreation Center, Xenia, she added. The four-day cycling event is attended by hundreds of cyclists with a different trail featured each day.
“Our local cyclists and those traveling to the event can choose to participate from one to four days,” said Bednar. “The event is designed to meet the needs of any cyclist whether they want to just come for the day, the weekend or all four days. Participants can choose to camp on-site, bring their travel trailer or stay in a local hotel or bed-and-breakfast. You really can design your own cycling adventure that fits your and your family’s needs.”
“The Greene Trails Cycling Classic is a wonderful family vacation for visitors and a great time for local residents as well,” Bednar added.
Prior to the official start of the four-day cycling celebration, the event will kick off with a Twilight Trail Tour with the GCP&T Trail Sentinels beginning 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 12, at the Fairgrounds Recreation Center, Xenia, and traveling to Cedarville on the Ohio-to-Erie Trail. Participants will enjoy a quick break in the village before heading back to headquarters.
On Thursday, July 13, cyclists will travel the Creekside Trail from Xenia to Dayton. The day’s ride will also include the popular geocache ride; cyclists must have their own GPS unit.
Other travel options in Dayton include visiting Wegerzyn Gardens with its unique display garden areas as well as the renowned urban 2nd Street Market managed by FiveRivers MetroParks.
Upon their return, cyclists will enjoy a multi-course dinner and ice cream social provided by Young’s Jersey Dairy.
Friday, July 14 begins with the event’s popular carbo-loading pancake breakfast and Century Ride.
“Cyclists may choose our traditional 100-mile Century Ride on the Little Miami Scenic Trail from Xenia to Miamiville and back,” Bednar said. “We are also offering a 62-mile Metric Century Ride from Xenia to Morrow and back. As always, cyclists can turn around at any time if the mileage is too challenging. Awards will be awarded to those who complete either Century Ride.”
During the day’s ride, cyclists can visit unique shops and restaurants, as well as shop in the “Antiques Capital of the Midwest” in Waynesville. All purchases will be picked up and transported back to the event headquarters by the event’s Support-and-Gear (SAG) team.
“Our GTCC Support-and Gear (SAG) Support will also be available for repairs, couriers for purchases or just bringing tired cyclists back home to headquarters,” Bednar said.
Friday evening offers the option of enjoying a relaxing evening at Caesar Creek Vineyards just east of Xenia or the Yellow Springs Brewery.
The northern section of the Little Miami Scenic Trail (50 miles) will be featured Saturday, July 18, through the village of Yellow Springs and on into Springfield. An off-trail loop to Clifton Mill — the oldest water-powered grist mill in Ohio — is available for an additional ten miles or cyclists may stop at the Yellow Springs Brewery located on the trail for a refreshing beverage.
This ride will feature the popular history self-guided ride for cyclists.
On Saturday, July 15, evening, cyclists will enjoy a hot, fresh dinner buffet, “White Elephant” bingo, Century Ride Awards and GTCC Slide Show.
Cyclists can experience the Xenia-to-Jamestown Connector on Sunday, July 16, from Xenia to Jamestown. Stop by the village for lunch while cycling through eastern Greene County’s farmland. The ride will offer SAG support until 2 p.m.
All rides begin and end at the Fairgrounds Recreation Center in Xenia and are supported by SAG daily for rider convenience and safety, as well as offering rest stops supplied with snacks and beverages. Routes include on-trail, out-and-back trips, as well as extended rides on rural routes on designated days. SAG support also offers purchase pick-up if cyclists buy an item while on the trail and need it transported back to the Fairgrounds Recreation Center.
Greene Memorial Hospital will offer on-site first-aid services to cyclists during the four-day event.
A brochure and registration form is available on the website at www.gcparkstrails.com, by calling 937-562-6440 or emailing [email protected]. Cyclists are urged to join the conversation on Facebook at GCP&T or on Twitter at GC Parks & Trails.
