Biking the Ohio to Erie Trail (OTET) - Amazing Self-Supported 385 Mile Ride
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- čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
- Ohio to Erie Trail by Bicycle - Amazing Self-Supported 6-Day Ride. For six days in September 2023, I traveled, self-supported, along the 326 miles of the Ohio to Erie Trail (OTET), stretching from Cincinnati to Ohio, as well as an additional 59 miles after to reach my home in Huron, Ohio. In this video, I share the different sections of the trail, trail surfaces and conditions, lodging options I chose and a description of the trail and my journey. By the end, I covered 385 miles over six days through perfect weather and riding conditions.
Ohio to Erie Trail www.ohiotoerietrail.org/
Cuyahoga Valley National Park www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm
Gear:
Bags by Bird. www.bagsxbird.com/
Insta360 X3 Camera www.insta360.com/product/inst...
Surly Midnight Special - Custom surlybikes.com/bikes/midnight...
Arkel Rollpacker Bags www.arkel-od.com/rollpacker-2...
Big Agnes Tiger Wall Tent. www.bigagnes.com/products/tig...
Salsa EXP Series Anything Cage HD Kit. www.salsacycles.com/gear/exp_...
Lodging:
Old Town Reserve, Green County Parks, Xenia www.gcparkstrails.com/parks/o...
Red Roof Inn, Columbus, www.redroof.com/property/oh/c...
Kokosing Valley, 25860 Coshocton Road, Howard kokosingvalley.com/
Hampton Inn, Massillon www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mslo...
Heritage Farms, Peninsula www.heritagefarms.com/camp-si...
Meals:
Flatiron Tavern, flatirontavern.com/
Menches Brothers Of Massillon, www.menchesbros.com/
00:00 Intro
00:27 Day 1 - Cincinnati to Xenia
08:42 Day 2 - To Columbus
17:12 Day 3 - To Howard
27:11 Day 4 - To Massillon
35:19 Day 5 - To Peninsula
42:55 Day 6 - To Edgewater
48:26 Epilogue - To Huron
The state of Ohio needs to put you on the payroll. Best thing on the internet.
Thank you! What a nice comment!
I was planning on doing Akron-Cleveland-Akron this year, but a sideswiper broke my collarbone into 4 pieces. So now I sit and watch other people ride their bikes. Great footage!
G'day Brian, I was sitting here in Western Australia 🇦🇺 and scrolling through some mindless stuff on the TV and I found your video by accident. Absolutely great stuff, the weather looked immaculate and I am gobsmacked by the pretty American towns on your bike journey. Thanks for sharing mate 👍!
Thank you Duane! I'm thrilled that my video showed up for you, and that you enjoyed it!
Duanemcd Great comments from you ! I also bike Ohio trails occasionally. Especially from Springfield to Xenia or Spfld to Urbana. Southwest Ohio. And I have had Yowie encounters and sightings. That is all censorship will allow me to say.
Duanemcd I am currently watching St. Kilda vs Fremantle footy! I love the AFL!
@@DAVYMAC Great stuff! AFL is a great game. As a West Aussie, I hope Fremantle do the job.
@@duanemcdonnell8804 Thanks I agree footy is such a unique sport with a required "all around" athleticism. You gotta be able to run fast UNDER CONTROL with the ball, also jump high and punch or kick the ball accurately and take a pounding and have great endurance and play in bad, cold or hot weather! Go Dockers, I am rootin' for them! 46-36
Fantastic video. It's inspired me to try this myself. I've ridden parts of this trail so many times and it's truly a gem but never thought it possible to bike the entire thing. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! I hope you do ride the entire trail, it is a great ride. In fact, I just rode it again, finishing yesterday, with my father who used an ebike so he could do it with me at age 80.
Ohio to Erie Canal Trail is on my list to ride when the riding season starts again over there. Thanks for the preview, well done.
Thank you Thomas. I've been thinking about my rides for next year too.
Really well presented, multi-media creative so not to be boring. Glad you had great weather and excellent bike trail/road systems! Yes, I'm sure your doggo missed you!
Much appreciated!
Navigating through Akron is the gem of this trip for me, every time.
Right!
Be careful, it’s also dangerous there . 😊
Brian, this video is beautiful! You did an outstanding job capturing the gorgeous trails of Ohio. I watched every minute and subscribed. 👍🏼YOu are a great story teller and I truly appreciate the work you put in on editing. I need to up cycling video game. This has inspired me.
Wow, what an amazingly kind comment. Thank you!
Thanks, Brian! This is one of the most helpful blogs for me in preparing to ride the Ohio To Erie Trail. It is a great mix of information combines with very professional video mixing. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, I appreciate that! It sounds like you are planning a ride on the trail. I hope it is a great one!
Thanks for sharing this video! As Cincinnati resident and regular user of the Little Miami Scenic trail, it's interesting to hear what people think of the city and trail. I see you found the new (barely a year old) bridge over the Little Miami River at Beechmont Road without incident. @Tim Fitzwater complained about the lack of signage. I guess I'm so familiar with it that I don't even notice.
The Grandin Road/Cartridge Factory construction is going on two years. But if you go through on weekends or lunchtime, no one is working. Maybe it'll be done this year. The official detour seems to have been designed by someone who hates cyclists. The route is on busy, fast roads without a shoulder.
Last July we also rode OTET but north to south and enjoyed it tremendously, especially the section between Columbus and Cleveland with the historic canal, amish farms and old industry. The Little Miami Scenic Trail is nice too but I ride it so often that I take it for granted.
Your comment is a great example of how helpful and friendly most people on the OTET are. Thank you!
Really enjoy your videos. The scenic route, music and the way you edit the video. I know it's a lot of work, I hope you continue. You have me out riding more.
Wow! Thank you!
I did Cincinnati to Columbus last year. Hoping to do the other half this year.
Entire trail is fantastic, but I'd say my favorite sections are between Columbus and Cleveland. I hope you the the chance to try them.
Thanks for well-edited and narrated videos.
Thank you
Nice video. I'm headed north to south on the OTET in July. This was a helpful video.
Thank you Robin! I think most people do ride the trail from North to South. I sure you will have a great ride, even if it might be warm in July.
I was on the fence about doing OTET again, but your video reminded me of a lot of the things I've missed on subsequent bike tours elsewhere. Thanks for sharing your experience and I can't wait to see the next one. Your videos are always great.
Thank you! The OTET has some really nice sections and as a whole is a great route. I'm glad I rode it again.
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Next time you are near a Casey's, hit that breakfast pizza!
Thanks. That's on my to do list now!
Thanks man this is a great video lots of information I plan on doing the trail in june.
Thank you Jason!
This is a great resource
Thank you!
Thank you Brian!! Appreciate the information you put in the description. I hope to make this ride someday.
Thank you! I hope you do make the ride some day. It's a good one.
Really love your videos Brian. I have got to get out on an adventure. You give me inspiration.
Thank you! I hope you do get out on an adventure - its worth it.
Beautiful presentation. Thanks!
Thank you!
Love your video. Fantastic job editing! I realize how much time went into that. You definitely made it worth watching keep up the good work ride on Brian 👍
Thank you! It does take time for sure, but i enjoy it and continue to learn as I go. Thanks again!
One of the best OTET videos. Thank you! I plan on riding this trail this year, Lord willing, and your tips on where to stay are duly noted. Thanks again!
Thank you Steve! I hope you get to ride and enjoy it this year!
Great video! Recently got back into biking, and I'm gearing up to do the Kal-Haven trail in Michigan this summer. Subscribed! Can't wait to see what other adventures you go on!
Thank you Scott!
Brian I have enjoyed your videos and they have inspired me to get out and start bike touring. it's funny, I plan on riding OTET next spring! Nice to see a nice video detailing the ride. Cheers
I appreciate that. Thank you. Enjoy your OTET ride, it is a good one. Cheers.
Good stuff!
I'm from the Tuscarawas valley in Ohio, and this is a great video!
I really appreciate it!! 🤘
Thank you Floyd!
this video is well done.
Thank you Steve.
Brian,
Very nice tour and excellent videography
Thank you John!
Awesome ride! A wonderful showing of our great state. I did the bottom half in May(Columbus to Cincinnati) camping at London the 1st nite, and Spring Valley the 2nd. Highly recommend both of those. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you. One of the great things about this trail is that each section has a different feel to it, but all join to make a great ride from end to end.
Once again an excellent video! Greetings from Germany Jörg
Thank you!
Thanks for the video. I may have to look into a Big Agnes tent!
Thank you Eric! The Big Agnes Tiger Wall and Copper Spur tents have both been great.
Great trail ride review… 💫
Thank you Jahair!
Thanks Brian for the video, it was great. Grew up in Huron, doing the OTET next month. Exited about it! Safe travels buddy!
Thanks Randy! It's a great ride and worth getting excited about. In fact I'm planning to do it again next month with my father. Might see you on the trail.
Nicely done! We live in London,OH very close to the trail. Always enjoy talking to folks that are riding through.
Thank you Don! I'm thankful for the many friendly people along the trail.
Love your videos Brian! Inspiring and peaceful…makes me want to do the same! :)
Thank you Brandon. If you get the opportunity, I'm sure you would enjoy this ride.
Extremely detailed and informative. It's nice to see what one might be getting into!
Thank you!
Always love your videos. You mix great commentary, cinematic scenes and music. I really need a 360 cam! I've rode the otet this year for the first time from Cleveland to Akron and back in a day and I'm hooked! Doing the whole route next year. I'm in Toledo so Cinci to Cleveland is a good direction
The 360 does make filming much easier. Good to hear you are going to ride the whole trail next year - it is a great one.
I loved watching your video, Brian. I am a native Buckeye living in NJ now. I am planning to ride the trail this summer. Your video has given me many ideas. But mostly, it has me excited about the trip. Thanks for posting it.
What a great comment Steve! Thank you. I hope you enjoy the ride this summer - its a good one.
Fantastic and inspiring video. Very well done and the music was very tasteful. I'm giving a lot of thought of doing this trail with my wife. I have a client who's farm backs up to the Miami section in Waynesville. I have often looked up and down the trail and wondered where it goes.
Thank you, I appreciate that! Each time I ride this trail, I like it more. So many different sections, environments and experience along the way.
Thank you, im doing human powered route sign research and implementation. There are some great examples of trying to make the current standard better here.
Sounds great!
Thank you very much for the great video and the great insight into the "Ohio to Erie Trail". It's a very beautiful route, which I have on my to-do list. I have one question, is there a train connection between Cincinnati and Cleveland where you could transport the bike back? Or is there another bike trail where you can ride back without riding the same route? Thank you very much for your answer. Best regards from Switzerland
Thank you! There is no rail option that I am aware of between Cleveland and Cincinnati, though there are hopes for some time in the future. czcams.com/video/Qy_aXDBJS-E/video.html There are also no other bike routes that I am aware of between Cleveland and Cincinnati. There is a shuttle service that may be available. zipitransit.com/
Excellent video! Me, along with a couple of friends are going to ride the OTET in June of 2024. Thanks for sharing your gear list. I'm really curious as to what selfie-stick or pole you used on your bike and how you got the effects that you used. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I use an Insta360 x3, and now an x4, to capture the video. Insta360 also has some great selfie sticks. Their Extended Edition Selfie Stick is 3 meters long and can create the appearance of being filmed by a drone. With regard to effects, those are done by using the Insta360 Studio software to convert the 360 video into standard video. I'm sure you will have a great time on the OTET.
Thank you. This wa entertaining and informative. Would you say that most of the route is suburban or rural outside of the cities?
I would say it is mostly rural, but there is a great variety.
Excellent view - thanks for the details! It's nice to see the surface, town details, etc. Is the OTET trail marked? How much did you rely on GPS?
Thank you! While most of the trail follows paths that are obvious, I don't feel it is well marked - especially on road sections. I relieved heavily on my GPS unit.
Just watched both of your OTET videos, excellent content. I will be doing the trail next year and using similar daily mileage. On day three do you have any recommendations where to stop for hotel options? And what size bag is your rear Arkel and front Bags by Bird? Enjoy all your videos, thank you for sharing!
I appreciate your kind words! I don't have a recommendation for hotel options there, but the Ohio to ERie Trail webpage has great resources, including a list of lodging along the trail. ohiotoerietrail.org/lodging The Arkel bag had a capacity of 25L. The Bags by Bird wad the Goldback V2 Medium model. I believe with the side pockets that has a capacity of 17 liters. However, with the expanding flap that can be increased by 5 to 10 liters when needed. He makes his bags by hand and often show out of stock, so you need to request a notice when more come back in stock. Although, it looks like many are in stock right now.
@@briansadventures Brian thanks very much, they look much more user friendly than the rear side panniers! Happy trails!
What a great video. Glad you had perfect weather the whole time. Question I was gonna ride probably half the trail.
Columbus to Cleveland.
Where would you leave your car in Cleveland near the trail.
Thank you
Thank you! I don't have personal experience leaving my car in Cleveland. I hope this link is helpful. ohiotoerietrail.org/parking
@@briansadventures Thank you. Appreciate the info
Thank you so much for this! I will be 72 years old in a little over a month. Last year I received a new hip and knee. I'll get the other knee done in the fall. I live near the Camp Chase trail, and last summer I rode to Xenia and back. I didn't know about the camping at Old Town Reserve, and I couldn't find a place to stealth camp. I rode all the way back to Cedarville and slept on a bench, until the cold and dew woke me up. I'm planning to do the Cincinnati ride next summer. I plan on camping at London, and then Xenia the next night. This video has been extremely helpful. Can you tell me where one might camp between Xenia and Cincinatti. I'll spend a couple of nights at a motel there, and then head back. I can't wait. I'm ridiculously healthy for my age, and now that I can ride again I plan to stay that way. Next year Cleveland or Bust! Be Well, my friend, and Prosper!
That's wonderful! I haven't been stuck sleeping on a bench yet, but I can imagine it. Here is a link to a great resource for the Cincinnati trip. It has lists of all of the biker friendly camping and lodging along the trail. I hope you have an amazing trip! ohiotoerietrail.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=146576&module_id=533398
Fantastic! Thank you, Brother! I just started volunteering at a local bicycle co-op in Franklington, downtown Columbus. I'm learning something new every week. I want to be able to deal with anything that happens on the trail. I even unboxed and assembled an e-bike last week. The biking community is great. Out on the trail I know that anybody out there would stop and help if needed. Thanks for the link. May The Road Rise Up To Meet You, my friend!@@briansadventures
Great video. What is your navigation device mounted on your bike?
Thank you Rich! I use a Garmin Edge 1030 Plus. It works well with my phone, my Garmin watch and my rear radar light, though it would work great on its own. Using the bike computer saves me from draining my phone battery for navigation.
Great video! Really like your presentation style and how your voice overs and music volume are similar so I’m not constantly having to change volume as I watch. Thank you!
Much appreciated! Sound levels have been a difficult thing for me to get right, but I'm hoping I've come to a good formula. Again, thank you!
Thank you for a detailed & well executed video.
Did I miss how you are getting your car? Was it a rental? 🤔
Thank you Karen! Yes, that is right, I live on Lake Erie so I rented a car to take down to Cincinnati to start. I then rode the trail back up to the lake, and then about another 50 mi to get back home.
Did you stay in Yellow Springs? Bunch of us are Warm Showers hosts.
I have not, but that is great to know! I have not used Warm Showers as much as maybe I should have.
Back in around late 90s me and some friends rode the bike path from yellow springs to Cincinnati and back. I was on an old 20" Schwinn stingray (the ole banana seat didn't help things), they was on brand new 20" BMX bikes (can't remember if the was Red Line, or Haro). It was a pretty decent ride, we had no lights, but luckily we had the moonlight. A few of us had backpacks with water and food, and one had a backpack with a few repair tools and patches.
It was a pretty interesting ride, had a few wrecks (those darn center posts on the entrance of the bike path to keep vehicles out).
seen a police chase on the bike path (6:08 right around that bridge), cop cars on the bike path was pretty freaky, which it lead to a foot chase into the forest. one of us was under 18 so we was freaking out a little thinking if one of the cops stopped us to ask questions that it would cut our trip short as it was definitely after curfew.
Sounds like an amazing trip!!!
@@briansadventures i absolutely loved it, it was a few weeks later after that trip that my stingray got stolen, after that i basically went from then till about a month ago without really owning a bicycle, i did ride my mothers old 3 speed when i absolutely had to get somewhere, after the rear hub went out on that 3 speed i hadn't rode a bicycle since around 2005 till about a month ago, so quite a while without riding.
like they say, you don't forget how to ride, but your body also remembers how long since you last rode a bicycle. every weekend I've been hitting up the bike paths, i have around 60-70 miles combined distance so far. i just need to build my stamina and bicycle legs back up.
Really great video editing…what software are you using?
Thank you, I appreciate that. I am using an Insta360 camera, so I start with the Insta360 Studio software to convert the 360 video into 16x9 video. I then put everything together with Adobe Premiere.
Great video! 3 of us are bikepacking from Cinci to Cleveland this spring. Looking forward to exploring all the small towns.
Thank you! I hope you have great weather and a great trip!
What camera gear weee you using? Nice shots!
Thank you! Some of my gear, including my Insta360 One X3, is in my description. Best camera I've found for bike trips, and I've tried several.
Great video! What saddle do you have on your bike? I'm looking to upgrade to something more comfortable - I couldn't imagine riding that far over that many days with the stock saddle that came with my Surly Ogre.
Thank you! I use a Brooks B17 saddle, which becomes even more comfortable the more you use it. At least it has for me. a.co/d/fNe6z3z
Do you remember specifically (or even your best guess) as to where the trail goes to gravel? I was thinking about doing this later this year on a longboard which means I can't do gravel at all. I have done the columbus to cincinatti section in the past which is perfect but not the north eastern part from columbus.
If I recall correctly, North of Danville the surface gets a bit ruffer, maybe still doable in a longboard, but then also more on road sections. North of Massillon is gravel, though I think I have read that there may be some moves to convert some of the gravel of the towpath to blacktop.
Thanks, and thanks for pointing it out in your video it's very useful for skatepacking. @@briansadventures
Thanks for sharing! Were you back on the OTET through CBus a couple of weekends ago? I think I might have passed you along 670. Also, how do you mount your Insta360 on your bike?
Thank you! Yes, I did just complete the trail again with my father this time. It was another great time.
Mounting the 360 is another story. That's been a continuous work in process. Clamps loser grip. Cheaply made parts don't last. I recently tried this mount from insta 360. It's what I used on the last ride, and it worked well along with a selfie stick. I've made the decision to stick with Indta360 bounce because I think that they're overbuilt, and last. I then mount a selfie stick onto the bike mount. I'm still looking for a good strong quick release, to be able to take the selfie stick quickly off the bike mount.
@@briansadventures Well, if you find the magic Insta setup please post a short video! Thanks again for taking the time to document and share. We start our OTET journey Thursday, in Cincy...and we are getting excited!
Thanks for posting. I’ve watched a bunch of these rail trail videos, and I’m continually disappointed to see the majority of these conversions get covered with asphalt. I don’t get it. It’s a drag to walk on and, other than increasingly rare old school racing bicycles with super skinny tires, it’s unnecessary for bicycles. I prefer a crushed stone or gravel surface.
Each has their purpose, but I often get relieved to go from asphalt to gravel. I like the sound. Asphalt also gets ripples and washboard sections, which results in a well maintained gravel section being much smoother to ride.
@@briansadventures ha! I was going to mention the pleasant sound of gravel under bicycle tires. fwiw, I live in eastern CT. they’ve done a number of rail/trail conversions here. All I’ve ridden on have been a packed gravel/dirt mix. Very pleasant to roll on. Also, remember that rail beds are already very carefully graded and engineered with plenty of coarse stone already there. The hard work is already done. I nice dirt/gravel mix put down on top of that remains very stable without the need for constant maintenance like canal tow path or new trail.
As an Ohio Native and always looking for new trails I need to check his out. One question though is do these sites have electric? I have to use the electric assist at times because I am overweight and I do pedal always up some hills and such, that assist is a lifesaver and allows me to make rides that I otherwise wouldn't be able to make. You ever think about trying to get a group of bikers together to make a trip like this? I can say I for sure would be interested.
I believe the Kokosing Valley Campground and Heritage Farms sites have outlets available. I'm not sure about the site in Xenia that I stayed at. Yes, I think you do want to check this out. It's great.
It's interesting some of the shots since I work downtown Columbus so I've walked that trail a million times and I live up by Mount Vernon. I wasn't aware that there was bike trails that would take me all the way up there. I really need to investigate. Is there an app that will use navigation to keep me on track? Odds are I would probably end up riding this alone and since my bike is 100lbs without any gear I need assist so range can always be a limitation when getting lost.@@briansadventures
The ohiotoerietrail.org has great resources including updated maps and GPS files to download, which seem to include all current detours. ohiotoerietrail.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=146576&module_id=505037
@14:23 did that dog have a nearby owner??
That was Lunkin Airport not Cincinnati Municiple . OR is it both ?
I believe it goes by both.
What kind of bike do you have?
It is a custom built Surly Midnight Special
Thank you for sharing your amazing trip with us. My wife and I go to the Waffle House sometimes for dinner and the show we understand the entertainment part!
Exactly, a meal and a show! czcams.com/video/KYNFqmu2toI/video.htmlsi=3_UpB4h5EouoHOp-
That’s hilarious video
czcams.com/video/aNfly0Rs5k4/video.htmlsi=y3iiJ3rgpi4qY1kl
This is our local weatherman lol and his little song
If you happen to read this can you tell me where you get your maps
It just depends. It it is an established trail/route, I usually start with search local resources. For example, the OTET has a variety of resources and maps of the trail. www.ohiotoerietrail.org/ Otherwise, I have purchased maps of routes from the Adventure Cycling Association (www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/) and searched for popular routes on RideWithGPS. I gather these maps and, if there are any gaps, use Google Maps to look closer to fill the gaps. Finally, I brings this into Garmin Connect to finalize and sync with my devices.
Dollar Store perfumes is Not a Good...sign.
It was more comfortable camping, though I've certainly stayed at much worse. I believe the OTET organization took the Red Roof Inn off their list of recommendations and now provides alternatives in the area, which I'm looking to try next time. ohiotoerietrail.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=146576&module_id=533414
I understand fully.
So fantastic! What a blessing to see the Lord working on Appalachian Trail! Thank you for letting the Lord do his work through you to lead others into a right relationship with God through Christ!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17.
what a stupid name. it should go to erie pennsylvania
the entire columbus area section is terrible. And dangerous. homeless camps, crime and tweakers, and traffic. And to even call that area a trail is a lie.
Crappy signage and dangerous and disjointed street riding. Good luck not getting lost, killed or robbed, or all three.
Not my experience.
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Shawn!