Recreational riding is a step above cruising around your neighborhood. This is everything from a trip out and back on the University Trail (14 miles), to day riding - trips of 50 miles or more. Because you'll be traveling farther from home and your support system, this involves a little more planning, more gear and a more critical look at your bike. Clothing and accessories become a little more important, too. But most importantly, this is where biking starts to become an adventure!
Destination Riding
Up to now you've been pretty casual about riding - just getting on the bike and putting around until you're tired or bored or it gets dark. Now you'll start to think about riding to a destination - using your bike as transportation to reach an event or a place of interest. You can ride the Wabash Cannonball Bike Trail to Oak Openings Park for a picnic; or bike to the Wood County Fair in Bowling Green; or up the Maumee River to Grand Rapids for the Apple Butter Festival. Think about the dozens of short trips you've made and local places you've visited in summers past to brighten up a weekend - now doing it on your bike makes it an adventure! Not to mention that you're getting in shape, not using any gas and keeping your vacation dollars in your own community.
      There are also open event rides in the area, such as Bike to the Bay, where hundreds of riders get together for a day (or two) of good riding fun. These events usually have mobile SAG, rest stops with refreshments and social events before and after.
     Does this sound like a bit too much to start? Don't worry, there are local trips at all levels which will be fun, and you'll find many ideas on the Where to Ride page. And if you're already thinking about overnighters, you'll find those in the Touring section. We hope the pages in this section will help you prepare so your ride can be the most efficient, comfortable and enjoyable ride it can be.

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