20k Trail Run on 1 December 2007

On 1 December at 10AM, there was a trail run beginning at the shelter house in the campground.  145 runners (way more than the 104 runners last year) braved cold weather to run 12 miles including part of the flat, twisty mountain bike trails and part of the old Cincinnati to Pittsburgh Stagecoach trail along the gorge.  This third time event for the Park was sponsored by the Ohio River Road Runners Club with help from the Miami Valley Mountain Bike Association and raised money for the Park. Even the Park Ranger for John Bryan joined in the event.  Perhaps the best part of the run was the hot chocolate and chili served by the fireplace in the shelter house. 

April 29, 2007 50K Trail Run

This was the first race of the 50K Trail Series sponsored by the Ohio River Road Runners Club.  The race began at 7AM and covered 4 laps of trail covering part of Clifton Gorge and part of the mountain bike trails in John Bryan State Park.  Forty runners turned out for the race.  Here are some photos:

Fall & Spring 2007 Fast Laps Series

The Friends of John Bryan State Park and the Miami Valley Mountain Bike Association co-sponsored the Fall Fast Laps series, a set of off-road time trials which encourage new and experienced mountain bikers to improve their biking skills.  The race series was very successful with an average of 50+ riders per race.  Many local bike shops such as Kettering Bike Shop, K&G Bike Center and Bicycle Stop contributed prizes as well as Five Rivers Outdoors, Young's Jersey Dairy, and Kenda.  The Fast Laps series is a big fundraiser and the proceeds go to trail improvements and the Friends of John Bryan.

Here are a few photos from that series.

June 16 2007 Get Fit Naturally Bike Ride

A ride and a cookout.  What a great combination for a fine summer day.  There were 30+ folks who came from Columbus, Springfield, Dayton and the surrounding area to enjoy a nice ride on the trail and some fine grilled food.  This ride was part of the "GET FIT NATURALLY" rides sponsored by local bike clubs in their local State Parks to encourage folks to get out and exercise.  We had many families and first timers enjoying the great sport of mountain biking.

To see a video of the ride checkout this:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTFGavoYrA8

Psycho Series Cross Country Race on 10 June 2007

Psycho Cycles bike shop sponsored a cross-country race on 10 June 2007 with over 60 racers showing up to compete on the trails.  There were many beginner riders as well as seasoned riders battling to win their categories.  Many thanks to Mike and Liz for their generous donation to the Friends group from their race proceeds.  With a hot dog cookout afterwards (courtesy of Smitty & Butch) this was a race to remember.

Psycho 6 Hour Race on 26 August 2007

On 26 August, the second annual 6 hour mountain bike race was held by Psycho Cycles bike shop.  Sixty two bike racers competed to see how many laps they could complete in 6 hours on the mountain bike trails.  There were solo racers and divisions for teams and fun was had by all.  The race was followed by a big cookout and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the thrills and challenges of racing for that long.  Psycho Cycles graciously donated money from their proceeds to the Friends of John Bryan State Park.  There is also a film clip from the 6 hour race at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnbO8V5zgMg

Cyclocross Race 7 October 2007

On 7 October, The Friends, MVMBA and BioWheels bike shop sponsored a cyclocross race on a freshly taped course in the grassy areas of John Bryan State Park.  Cyclocross is growing in this area as evidenced by the turnout.  A yurt was erected across from the DayLodge for registration and 200+ riders (double the amount from the previous year) showed up to test themselves on a great course designed by local cross racers, TJ and Phil.  It didnt hurt that we had 90 degree weather with the leaves changing color.  The race was a huge  success and BioWheels gave a generous donation to the Friends of John Bryan.

Located just minutes from Dayton, Springfield and Columbus, Ohio; John Bryan State Park features some of the most beautiful spots in western Ohio. Among Ohio's 73 state parks, John Bryan is noted for its 7.5 miles of quality mountain bike trails, 10 miles of walking trails, opportunities to view wildlife and the Little Miami River. The Little Miami, which flows through the state park, is among Ohio's cleanest streams. It is designated as a State and National Scenic River. Amenities at the park include non-electric campsites, picnic shelters, walking trails and a reservable day-use lodge for private gatherings. For more information, contact the park office at 937-767-1274 or 937-322-5284.