Bike Camp-Out Night Ride on the Towpath Trail: June 4-5, 2016

2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the Adventure Cycling Association, and they've got several events planned throughout the year to help celebrate. June 3-5 has been designated as National Bike Travel Weekend, where we're encouraging anyone to try taking an overnight trip by bicycle.

On June 4, 2016, we're transforming our regular Night Ride on the Towpath Trail into a Bike Camp-Out Night Ride!

(If you don't want to camp out, you are still welcome to attend our regular 14-mile Night Ride on the Towpath on the same evening.)

Here's how the Bike Camp-Out Night Ride will work:

1. Register using this form; the cost is FREE!
2. Between now and Saturday, June 4, make sure you've got the necessary camping gear and a way to carry it on your bike. Stop into any of our three Century Cycles stores and talk to us for ideas and suggestions!
3. On June 4, bring your bike and gear and come on down to our Peninsula store to join the Night Ride. We suggest you eat dinner before you come, and arrive around 7:30pm to have plenty of time to find parking, get yourself and your bike ready, and check in.
4. We'll leave for the Night Ride at 8:00pm sharp. We'll ride on the car-free Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail with the regular Night Riders for about 7 miles down to the Botzum Trailhead. Regular riders will turn around and head back to Peninsula, while bike-campers will continue for a few additional miles.
5. We'll set up camp at a special location that we've secured by permit through the Summit Metro Parks. There are restrooms and drinking water available at the site (NO SHOWERS).
6. Feel free to bring some post-ride snacks and beverages. (PLEASE NOTE: Per Summit Metro Parks regulations, no alcoholic beverages are permitted.)
7. The next morning (Sunday, June 5), wake up at your leisure, pack up your gear, and ride back to Peninsula.
8. There are a couple of places to stop for breakfast, including the Valley Cafe (right on the Towpath Trail about 1 mile from the camp site) and Fisher's Cafe & Pub back in Peninsula.

What to Bring

Here is our suggested list of what you'll need to pack for a bike camp-out overnight trip:

• You will need your own bicycle.
• Cargo racks and bags/panniers on the bike for carrying your gear
• Helmet (required)
• Headlight and taillight
• Water bottles with water or sports drink
• Cycling clothing (appropriate for the weather)
• Casual clothing for hanging out at camp
• Tent
• Camp sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag
• Camp pillow
• Headlamp or flashlight for getting around the campsite after dark
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, medications, any other personal items and toiletries you need
• Mosquito repellent spray
• Optional: Snacks and beverages for the evening and morning
• Optional: entertainment for yourself and the group: frisbee, ball/glove, games, guitar, harmonica, etc.

If you've never been on one of our Night Rides on the Towpath Trail before, please see our this page for general information, preparation and safety tips, and photos and videos from past rides.

Join us and have fun!

If you've never taken an overnight trip on your bike before, it's FUN and EASIER than you think! Our staff are bike-camping enthusiasts, and will be there to help you every step of the way. We've taken numerous Sub 24-Hour Overnights ourselves, and have even written an article on the subject for a local fitness magazine!