Ride Pleasant Streets - Sunday Long Edition

Join us on Sunday, Nov. 20 @ 2:00 PM as we explore connections to several community assets—including Xavier, Walnut Hills HS, and Cincinnati Children’s. We’ll enjoy existing streets and trails, and also take a peek at connections that might (or will) exist in the future! Although this is a“long edition” ride, the distance has been trimmed to ~17 miles so we aren't out in the cold for too long—especially while we are still getting used to it. And speaking of cold weather, pick up some great winter riding tips on this recent episode of WVXU’s Cincinnati Edition, where host Nick Swartsell talked with our very own Fraser Cunningham! 😊 Additional valuable recommendations were also shared by Nate Kemphues of MoBo Bicycle Co-op, and Caitlin Sparks of Tri-State Trails. ❄️ 🚲 🙌 PLEASE PRE-REGISTER HERE (25 riders max) after reading the event details. ———— Route preview: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41454063 As an added bonus of Queen City Bike’s sponsorship of this event, you can navigate this route for free on the Ride with GPS app at any time—both during the event and after! ———— Departure Time: 2:00pm (<— Earlier start time!) - Please plan to arrive early so we can all leave in a punctual fashion - We will meet in front of Community Happens Here. - Ride leaders will be there by 1:45pm to answer any questions! Distance: 16.6 miles Difficulty: - Advanced Beginner and above - All riders should be comfortable with basic bike-handling and traffic skills - We will regroup as needed throughout the ride Terrain: - This route is rolling, rolling, rolling! There are lots of gentle ups and downs with very few flat stretches. A handful of climbs will take some extra effort. Climbs: - The two hardest climbs will be a short segment up Huston Ave. (~0.2 mi; max 4.6% grade) near Lower Millcrest Park; and the return journey up Montgomery Road as we head back to Pleasant Ridge (~0.6 mi; max ~4.5-5% grade). Descents: - This route includes a roll down Lester Road (neg 4-5% grade); a fun sweep down Stanton Ave (neg ~3% grade); and a series of moderate and beautiful downhills through North Avondale. Traffic stress: - ~85% of this ride will be on low-traffic streets Higher-stress areas: - The busiest area will be riding through the center of Pleasant Ridge (on Montgomery). The multiple traffic lights, the lower traffic volume on Saturday afternoons, and our presence as a group will all help to reduce the stress in this section. - We will also have a couple crossings and turns that involve busier roads like Smith, Reading, or Montgomery. Alertness and good communication will be important at these locations. - We will be there to share traffic tips and help you feel comfortable Post-ride: - Given the turn to cold weather, our outdoor post-ride gatherings will be on hold for a while. - Let’s talk amongst ourselves during the ride, however, and see if there is interest in warming up afterward at a local eatery! - Whatever the spontaneous plan, please know that additional family members/friends are always welcome to join in for the après-bike relaxation. - We should be done with the ride by about 4:15pm. ———— Safety Notes: - Helmets required - Bike must be in good working condition. Please contact me if you have any questions! - If you have not been vaccinated for COVID-19, please plan to wear a mask during the ride Weather Notes: - In the event of adverse weather, I will post an update on the day of the ride—at or before noon - Updates will be shared on the Facebook event page, and also via the Ride Pleasant Streets Google Group - No message means the ride is still on! Parking: - Community Happens Here asks that if at all possible, we do NOT use their parking lot during our events. - There is, however, PLENTY of free parking located one block from Community Happens Here at the Pleasant Ridge Community Parking Lot (behind the Walgreens at 6204 Montgomery Road). From your parking location there, simply cross Woodmont Ave and go past the Sunoco gas station—and you will be at Community Happens Here. ———— Queen City Bike is grateful to Pleasant Streets and Community Happens Here for helping to make this bike event possible.