mission

#HOIBikes

bicycle#HOIBikes
Walkable, bikeable communities build stronger downtowns, provide more support to local businesses, and help their local micro economy grow.
Portland’s Mayor Sam Adams said they  built their legendary bicycle infrastructure for the cost of one single mile of highway. Bike commuting grew 39% from 2000-2010.  There are many associated benefits: lessening dependence on foreign oil, lessening costs of obesity, lessen demand/cost for car parks, increases in tourism, etc. Small improvements that add up for any community.
On September 1st in Greenville, Ohio we will be presenting our third Revitalization Training for 2015 on Walkable/Bikeable Communities.  To bring that point home even stronger, the staff decided it’d be “fun” to ride our bikes to Greenville (120 miles).
We plan to make stops in communities along the way including London, Xenia, Tipp City, Troy, and Piqua. We are inviting anyone to join us for any leg they choose on the unsupported ride.  I’ve challenged Mayor Mike Bowers of Greenville to lead the riders into town.
All well and good, but there is that matter of actually riding 120 miles over two days.  I’m likely the weakest link, the oldest on staff, and probably not as fit as my younger counterparts.  I started my weekly training rides on Mothers Day 3 weeks ago. Five miles my first ride out, last week 11 miles, yesterday on Memorial Day 16.5 (I feel like a three year old, but that .5 counts!).  My legs are holding up fine, but I am a little saddle sore. I figure with three months to train, I’ve got this! So as we organize and train, follow our progress on Instagram #HOIRides and plan to join us.
Joyce
PS I’m not riding back.