Greene Trails Cycling Classic Raises Funds to Help Maintain County's 62 miles of Paved Trails

Raising funds to maintain its 62 miles of paved trails in Greene County, Kil-Kare Raceway and County Parks & Trails recently hosted the 2012 Greene Trails Cycling Classic, a four-day biking event that attracted approximately 200 cyclists to Xenia and surrounding communities.

"We really wanted local cyclists to join us this year," says Greene County Parks & Trails Director Chrisbell Bednar.  "We added a special history ride on Sunday for those cyclists who want to enjoy a day on the trails with friends and family. Participants were given a flyer sharing historical landmarks along the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Cyclists met and enjoyed fellow cyclists from across the state and nation who support our trail system in Greene County."

Additional sponsors of the event included Miami Valley Hospital Sports Medicine, National Aviation Heritage Alliance, K & G Bike Center, Five Rivers MetroParks, McDonalds-Detroit Street-Xenia, Hearthstone Inn, Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, Clifton Mill, Hospitality Homes, Grinnell Bed and Breakfast, Tudor’s Biscuit World, The Donut Man, Stoney Creek Roasters, Wickline’s Garden Center and Florist and Elmcroft of Xenia.

All rides began and ended at the campgrounds located at Greene County Parks & Trails’ Fairgrounds Recreation Center in Xenia.  Cyclists designed their own riding experience with choosing from one to four days of programming.

Many riders return to participate year after year based on the quality of the paved trails in the region.

"It says so much about the event that we have participants return year after year from as far away as Mississippi to enjoy our trails and visit with our park staff," Bednar says. "Our Greene Trails cyclists make us realize how special our trails are to both residents and visitors."

The 2013 Greene Trails Cycling Classic is scheduled for July 11 to 14. For more information, call Greene County Parks & Trails at 937.562.6440 or email rgregory@co.greene.oh.us.

LEFT - The Cooper siblings, left to right, Pete and Stephanie, of Yellow Springs, dig into the fried chicken dinner served Saturday night.

RIGHT - Robert Cooper of Yellow Springs gets his winning Bingo card reviewed by Greene Trails volunteer Becky Williamson.

 

LEFT - Beverly Sieviers and David Harrision of Avon, Indiana, receive their 100-mile Century Ride Award from Greene County Parks & Trails Director Chrisbell Bednar.  The couple is planning to move to Greene County because of the quality of the county’s paved trails.

 

RIGHT - OK Bryant---shown receiving his 100-mile Century Ride Award---and his wife Tallulah from Mississippi travel each year to Greene County to participate in the four-day cycling event.

LEFT - David Brown of Beavercreek had a cheering section waiting on him when he completed his 100-mile Century Ride. His wife and two children were at the finish line with signs created just for him.

 

RIGHT - Xenian Jim Buckner always wanted to attend the Greene Trails Cycling Classic and purchased the event on the Public Television 14/16 Auction.  Although living only two miles from the campsite, he chose to stay in his tent so he could enjoy the complete experience. Buckner received his award for completing the 100-mile Century Ride from Greene County Parks & Trails Director Chrisbell Bednar.