Today, the family headed to Howe Meadow in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to ride the STOMP Bicycle Adventure. STOMP is an organized bike ride with over 1000 riders each year. There are several distances to choose from. We had signed up a couple of months ago for the 10 mile family ride. There was a special for $50 and that enabled all 4 of us to enjoy continental style breakfast, snacks, lunch after the ride and t-shirts for each of us. It was a great deal and all of the proceeds to to support the Metro Parks Serving Summit County.
As we approached from the parking lot, it looked like quite the festival environment. Registration was smooth. We arrived about 9:30AM and our ride was to begin at 10:30AM.
We picked up our t-shirts and walked around the farmer’s market for a bit. I entertained the kids while Stephen got our bikes put together. We had to take 2 cars since we had coolers, helmets, wheels, a Weehoo trailer, a Burley trailer and 2 bikes. It just doesn’t fit in one vehicle. The Weehoo had a flat when Stephen went to put it in the car today. He patched it. At the STOMP grounds, we bought a new tube from Century Cycles in case we needed it. When Stephen returned to the car to get us ready to ride, it was flat again. So, the trailer was fixed twice before we started the ride.
Around 11AM, we were on our way. At our only street crossing, we stopped for the train.
Most of the family ride is on the towpath. After about 5 miles, we stopped at our Fun Stop. Our stop was located at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park.
Everyone enjoyed a cold beverage and snack. Then, we headed back down the trail. We made a pit stop at Hunt Farm.
Despite the rough start to the day, we had a great ride. We got back to the main area at 1PM, which is when the live music began. Nathan Hedges was the artist this year.
Lunch included grilled hot dogs, brats, sandwiches, grapes, carrots, baked beans, chips, cookies, drinks and left overs from the morning. No one leaves STOMP hungry.
Cascade Subaru, Century Cycles, Friends of Metro Parks and many, many other sponsors and volunteers make this event possible. Back in 2003, I chaired this event for 2 or 3 years. It was amazing to see it in action today. If you are ever looking for a fun, organized ride, please check out STOMP.