2014 News
11-27-14
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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
The Board of Directors would like to thank all of you for your support throughout the year. Your help by generously sharing your time, talent, and/or treasure makes it possible for us to help maintain the nature preserve and trail within Madison County.
Most of you have received your 2015 FMCPT membership letter. We thank all those that have returned your membership donation already. This is a big help towards our trail maintenance fundraising for this year. If you have not gotten the chance yet to return your membership, you can also sign up online - it's quick and simple.
London's Olde Fashioned Christmas is this Monday, December 1st starting with lighting the Christmas tree lights at the Madison Health Hospital around 5 p.m.. Santa will be at Cowling Park shortly after and horse drawn carriages will be going down Main Street through the Historic District. There will be plenty of hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, and other goodies along the way as you enjoy the local choirs sing Christmas carols. Local businesses will have extended hours for your convenience. In addition to the tasty goodies, we will have area trail information and will be raffling both a small girl and a small boy bicycle.
There will be no FMCPT Membership meeting in December, but mark your calendar for the Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, January 21st at 7 p.m. at the Madison County Senior Citizens Center. Our guest speaker this year is Chris Haydocy from Haydocy Buick GMC who will be talking about what's happening on the Columbus west side and what that means for us.
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11-05-14
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Hello Friends...........
Soon you will receive a 2015 FMCPT membership letter in the mail. We hope you will give it your consideration since it is one of the major fundraising events each year that helps us maintain the trail in Madison County. If it is more convenient, just click here to get your membership online - it's quick and simple. Your support is most appreciated.
You will notice in the Columbus Dispatch article below that funding was approved to construct the final leg of the Ohio to Erie Trail (Camp Chase Trail section) between London and Columbus. This is part of the motivation behind forming the downtown London revitalization committee. This committee is the spearhead effort to help prepare London for the opportunities that thousands of visitors coming to the city monthly via this trail corridor presents to the community. If you would like to be a part of this planning process, send a note to FMCPT to find out more information.
Mark your calendar for London's Old Fashioned Christmas on Monday, December 1st. Carriage rides begin at 6 p.m. and Santa will be on hand to hear about your Christmas wishes. Enjoy the Christmas carols and holiday lights. Visit businesses in the historic downtown and see what they have to offer. There will be plenty of coffee, hot chocolate, candy, cookies, popcorn, and other goodies waiting for you. Hope to see you there.
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10-16-14
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Hello Friends...........
The Deer Creek Fall Color Ride is this Saturday, October 18th. Riders will be leaving from The Prairie Grass Trailhead between 8 - 10 a.m. There are two routes: a 43-mile and a 79-mile, both routes will have you on the Ohio to Erie Trail and country roads in Clark and Madison Counties. The budget tour will included painted routes, maps, riding SAGs, and information about where food can be purchased along the route. Come out and enjoy the fall colors and our final ride for the season.
The Little Darby State Scenic River Preserve will have its fall clean up on Nov. 1st 9 a.m. - noon. Please see the link for location details. This is a great opportunity to see this park along the Little Darby River while helping to keep it maintained. Please bring clothes to work in the woods. Lunch will be provided if you RSVP the committee leader at 614-736-6562 or zumba2020@gmail.com by Thursday, Oct 30th.
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09-20-14
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Hello Friends...........
The Ox Roast Bicycle Tour had a good comeback this year with 118 riders signed up. Most riders were pleased with the change of the ride date to Labor Day so they could enjoy those Ox Roast sandwiches! West Jefferson officials were pleased to have the riders come to the festival as well as the vendors. Thanks to all that participated in the ride and to those that helped make it possible.
Ten FMCPT members just returned from the 385-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany. These 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's year-old riders enjoyed the adventure, the comradery, and the people they met along the way. It was a learning experience to bring back to the Ohio to Erie Trail. Several photos are posted on our Facebook page, and a full photo gallery will be posted soon.
Please consider enrolling in the Kroger Community Rewards program. Kroger's will donate 5% of your grocery purchases to FMCPT and it will have no impact on your rewards for gasoline. If you are already enrolled, please remember you must re-enroll each year. FMCPT receives a quarterly check from Kroger's based on your designation. As you know, this money goes right back into maintaining the trail.
For those of you living near the west side of Columbus, please note that the next public meeting for the Wilson Road Parkland is on Wednesday September 24th at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be at the Westgate Park Shelter House; 3271 Wicklow Road, Columbus. The conceptual designs will be on display and you will be able to provide some specific input on these designs and to continue the dialogue on the future of the park. More information is on the Friends of Camp Chase Trail Facebook page.
Please join us for the unveiling of the new Jack McDowell memorial sign at the Prairie Grass Trailhead in London on Saturday September 27th at 9 a.m. Jack was a FMCPT Board Director for several years and one of the most prominent persons in central Ohio to help propagate local wild flowers and prairie grasses (one species is unique to this area of the world). We hope this memorial will encourage people to reflect on Jack's words: "May the work I've done speak for me".
The last Full Moon Ride for the 2014 season is coming up on Wednesday October 8th at 7:30 p.m. Let this fun ride get you into the mood for Trick or Treating later in the month!
Come see us at Darby Creek Day on Sunday October 12th 1-4 p.m. at Indian Ridge in Darby Creek Metro Park; 2705 Darby Creek Dr. FMCPT will have a bike repair trailer and informational tent along side our sister group the Friends of Camp Chase Trail.
Save the date for the Deer Creek Fall Color Ride on Saturday October 18th. The leaves should be at their maximum color at that time. Please note the actual routes were just updated to maximize your riding adventure. The 38-mile ride on the website is now 43 miles and the 77-mile route is now 79 miles. The website will be updated soon to match the route changes. In the meantime, you can still pre-register for this budget ride for $10 until October 11th after which it will be $13. You will get maps of the route with places to eat, the routes will be marked, and a SAG will be on call. Don't miss this pretty ride. See the link above for more information.
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08-13-14
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Hello Friends...........
Thanks to all that participated in the Rib Tickler Ride. There were 87 riders and all had an opportunity to get their fill of barbecued ribs and ice cold beer after the ride!
The recent Full Moon Ride had 40 riders start but an early shower discouraged all but the toughest 15 who made it to the Purple Monkey for ice cream. Oh well, September will soon be here with another Full Moon Ride.
This Saturday is the cut off date for the reduced price for the Ox Roast Bicycle Tour. The ride is on Labor Day, Sept. 1st in West Jefferson. You can still pre-register after that date or just sign up on the day of the ride, but it will be at the regular fee. Your ride ticket includes a voucher for an Ox Roast sandwich at the festival - so don't over do it at the food stops along the way!
Also, this Saturday is the cut off date to order the unique 23rd Ox Roast Bicycle Tour t-shirt. Your shirt will be ready to pick up at Registration on the day of the ride. (The only other way to get this one-of-a-kind t-shirt logo is to bribe a volunteer for the Volunteer t-shirt off their back!)
All kidding aside, this two-route option tour through the countryside will be a fun time with a couple of challenges. It will bring you to the festival where you can park your bike in the secured Bike Corral while you enjoy your wood fired Ox Roast sandwich. Enjoy the festival since it's just a short ride back to the High School starting point. Click on the link above for more details.
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07-25-14
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Hello Friends...........
There is still time to make the Prairie Bike Ride this Saturday. See the link for more details on this slow-paced educational ride.
This Saturday is also the cut off date for the reduced price for the Rib Tickler Ride on August 2nd. You can still pre-register after that date or just sign up on the day of the ride, but it will be at the regular fee. This is a fun ride through the countryside and the ribs will be ready when you get back to London at the Rib and Jazz Fest. Click on the link for more details.
If you haven't made it out to a Full Moon Ride yet, one is scheduled for August 10th. Treat yourself to a spooky fun ride!
Bring the family out to celebrate Labor Day at the West Jefferson Ox Roast. The Ox Roast Bicycle Tour will start at the High School but it includes a stop at the festival where there will be a secured Bike Corral provided for your convenience. Your ride ticket includes a voucher for an Ox Roast sandwich. You can pre-register for a reduced price up until August 16th. You can also order a one-of-a-kind 23rd Ox Roast Bicycle Tour t-shirt up until that date.
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07-12-14
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Hello Friends...........
Late reminder for the special Full Moon Ride on Saturday evening July 12th at 8:30 p.m. The moon is expected to appear larger than usual since it is at its closest orbit to Earth. Come out for a fun evening.
The Prairie Bike Ride will soon be here on July 26th. This is an opportunity to learn more about native wildflowers and prairie plants. One endangered specie of wildflower which is unique to this area of the world is currently in full bloom. Professor John Silvius will be on hand to explain about this wildflower and many others along the Prairie Grass Trail. Please send us an RSVP email with your name if you plan to attend so we can have preparations ready. (This is a free educational ride.)
Bring your family and friends to London's Rib and Jazz Fest on Aug 1-2. On Saturday, Aug. 2nd join us for the Rib Tickler Ride. After the supported tour around the countryside, you'll be brought back to the free Bike Corral at the Rib and Jazz Fest just as the ribs are coming off the grill and the beer is ice cold! Plan to spend some time at the festival checking out the bands, Bake Sale tent, the London Coffee Peddler, and many other attractions at the festival. A brand new Giant bicycle will be raffled off in the afternoon. Check out the ride link above for the early sign-up discount.
Before you know it, the Labor Day weekend will be here and the West Jefferson Ox Roast will be in full swing. The Ox Roast Bicycle Tour is back so help us celebrate this popular ride in its 23rd occurrence. The ride will be on Labor Day which means the delicious Ox Roast sandwiches will be ready when you get back to the free Bike Corral at the festival. Each ride will get a voucher for a sandwich so plan to relax at the festival while you savor this treat from this traditional wood fired slow cooked pit method of roasting the meat. And for those who like to collect special items from a ride, a uniquely designed t-shirt will be available during the pre-registration period. See the ride link above for more details.
Finally, the Deer Creek Fall Color Ride is a budget ride designed to take you through some beautiful rural countryside during the peak fall color period. Mark your calendar for this fun ride during this beautiful time of year.
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06-28-14
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Hello Friends...........
Thanks to all who came to the recent Strawberry Festival Bicycle Tour. The weather was beautiful and 127 riders participated. From the post-ride survey and many comments throughout the day, it appears that everyone had an enjoyable day. (Our measurements are if the riders are happy and the bills are covered, it was a successful event!)
Come join us at the London July 4th Parade! What a great way to kick off the holiday. FMCPT will lead the bicycle contingent with line up at 10 a.m. on Park Avenue near the medical center. Just look for the FMCPT banner and green shirts and join right in. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. along Main Street to downtown London where it will turn east on First Street and go up to Walnut Street (and return to the starting point). Feel free to decorate your bike for the holiday or just come the way you are. Your help to distribute candy to the kids along the route will be greatly appreciated. If you have children or grandchildren that would like to participate, so much the better. Kids love to toss candy to kids along the way!
After having foul weather at every Full Moon Ride earlier this year, everything seemed to come together for the last Friday the 13th event with 78 riders participating! Hope the upcoming July 12th Full Moon Ride will be another winner!
If you would like to know a little more about the prairie, plan to join us for the annual free Prairie Appreciation Ride on Saturday, July 26th at 8 a.m. This is a slow educational ride with occasional stops at targeted sites where Professor Emeritus of Biology Dr. John Silvius and/or Program Administrator Julia Cumming from the Madison Soil and Water Conservation District will lead a question and answer participation type discussion of key prairie plants and wildflowers. We like to keep the teacher/leader to participates ratio fairly low, so your RSVP would greatly help us to be sure we have sufficient leaders and groups available. If you are thinking about coming, simply email us at fmcpt@columbus.rr.com and put "Prairie Appreciation Ride" in the subject line and include your name in the message - that's it. As noted earlier, there is no cost to attend. FMCPT volunteers will be on hand to assist the team leaders as needed.
The Rib Tickler Ride is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2nd during the London Rib and Jazz Fest. This is a great way to work up an appetite on a fun ride and get back to the Rib and Jazz Fest just as those ribs are coming off the grill and the beer is ice cold! Enjoy walking around to see the sites at the festival while your bicycle is safely stored at the bike corral monitored by FMCPT volunteers (this is a free service to riders).
The Ox Roast Bicycle Tour is on the calendar for Monday, September 1st. This ride was a hit in West Jefferson for over twenty years. After taking a break for a couple of years, it is back in full swing! This year's ride includes a famous Ox Roast sandwich for every rider! Both routes will make a stop at the Ox Roast festival just before returning to the start/end point. At the festival, you will be able to take advantage of a free secure bike corral to store your bike while you get your sandwich and enjoy the festival. When you're ready to leave, just go over to the corral show your id and get your bike. It's just a short ride back to the high school. Also, a unique annual logo is being designed by the London Visual Arts Guild to be used on the OX Roast t-shirt. These will be collector type items and changed each year. These are only offered during the pre-registration period and will not be for sale at the Registration Table at the event. So, if you are interested, more details can be found at the tour links above.
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06-03-14
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Hello Friends...........
Thanks to all that participated in the recent fundraiser at Los Mariachis. It was well supported and a successful event.
The Strawberry Festival Bicycle Tour is this Saturday. There is still time to register online if you wish or just come out between 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Prairie Grass Trailhead behind the Madison County Senior Citizens Center in London. The Registration Table will be open for business.
The bicycle tour is an early kick-off to the Strawberry Festival June 19th-21st in downtown London. If strawberry shortcake and Cobra sports cars sound like your treats, come on over on Saturday morning on June 21st for some eye candy and good tastes!
Stay tuned for more details about the annual wildflower educational riding tour. This slow paced learning experience is timed for when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Tentative plans are for the ride to be on Saturday morning July 26th. More information will be coming as details are confirmed. There is no cost for this educational ride and no need to register. If you want to learn more about prairie grasses and see rare wildflowers (one species is endangered and unique to this area of the world), plan to join us at the Prairie Grass Trailhead in London on July 26th, and check the FMCPT website for more details soon. (Check out our photo gallery of the 2013 Prairie Appreciation Ride.)
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05-26-14
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Hello Friends...........
We hope you and your family enjoyed this Memorial Day holiday weekend.
We are happy to announce that the popular Ox Roast Bicycle Tour is back again for 2014! Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails will sponsor the ride in cooperation with the West Jefferson Community Association. The ride is scheduled for Labor Day morning, September 1st and will include a ticket for a famous West Jefferson Ox Roast sandwich which will go on sale around noon. You will be able to time your ride to get back to the festival when the sandwiches are ready. More details will be ready soon on the FMCPT website. However, mark your calendar now to save that date for the Ox Roast Bicycle Tour and the West Jefferson Ox Roast festivities. Any proceeds from the bicycle tour will be used for maintenance along the Ohio to Erie Trail in Madison County.
Don't forget to join us at Los Mariachis in London this Tuesday and/or Wednesday. Present this flyer at checkout and 20% of your food cost will be donated to FMCPT. You can enjoy a delicious meal while helping to support the trail. How about that for a win-win event!
Just a few more days left to get your reduced price for the 11th Annual Strawberry Festival Bicycle Tour. The easiest way to pre-register is to go online by May 31st to get your reduced rate. You can register online after that date, or print and mail a registration form, or register on the day of the event. Whatever way suits you best, come on out and enjoy this fun family-oriented ride on rural country roads or choose the trail-only option.
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05-21-14
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Hello Friends...........
Join us at Los Mariachis in London on May 27th & 28th. This is a fundraiser for FMCPT. Print and bring this flyer to Los Mariachis for lunch or dinner on the above dates and 20% of your food cost will be donated to FMCPT for trail maintenance. Good food at a fair price for a great cause - that's hard to beat!
You still have several days to pre-register for the 11th Annual London Strawberry Festival Bicycle Tour. If you pre-register by May 31st, you will save $5 off the price of the tour after that date. You can still register online or by printing and sending the registration form after May 31st at the regular rate. The ride will be Saturday, June 7th and you may register at the registration table on the day of the ride if you prefer.
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05-06-14
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Hello Friends...........
Greetings on the first week of National Bicycle Month! Let's shake off those cold winter blues and enjoy a great cycling month! (London Mayor and City Council declare "London Bicycle Week". See the article below.)
Please note the May FMCPT meeting has been moved to May 14th at 7 p.m. The Full Moon Ride is schedule for the same day and will start at 8 p.m.
Have you seen the concept drawings about the impact on downtown London if the Ohio to Erie Trail was connected through the historical district? Come to the London City Council meeting on Thursday, May 15th at 6:30 p.m. and support our community leaders as they work together to make this happen. A PowerPoint presentation is planned by FMCPT to help envision what this impact could look like.
Join us, and many others, for the Ride of Silence in Columbus on May 21st. for this annual event to express our sorrow for cyclist fatalities due to traffic accidents and encourage the safe use of our streets and roads.
Help celebrate National Bicycle Month at Los Mariachis, 289 Lafayette Street in London on May 27 or 28. 20% of your food proceeds will be donated to FMCPT. Your most bring a copy of this flyer and present it to the cashier. This is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal while helping to maintain the trail.
The London Coffee Peddler is now open at its new location: 127 South Main Street in London. Hours are 6:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Come in for a great cup of coffee and the latest trail news!
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04-03-14
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Hello Friends...........
We have our request in for a beautiful evening for the next Full Moon Ride on Tuesday, April 15th at 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a presentation about the Lewis & Clark Trail by John Sproat at the next FMCPT monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 16th at 7 p.m. at the Madison County Senior Citizens Center (east doors entrance).
Grab those gloves and put on those boots and "Help the Wildflowers" thrive at the Little Darby State Scenic River Preserve on Saturday, April 19th 9 a.m. - noon. A workday is scheduled to remove invasive species.
Come out at see us at the 9th Madison County Community Expo on Saturday, April 26th 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. We will have a display of unusual bike & trikes, a portable bike repair shop, and many informational brochures including the new Ohio to Erie Trail maps.
Here's a handy "Fridge Poster" of local rides and FMCPT meeting dates for easy reference.
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03-13-14
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Get outside and join the Madison County Park District and Soil and Water Conservation District for another invasive species removal day on Saturday, April 19, 2014!
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02-27-14
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Hello Friends...........
Thanks to everyone that came to the pancake breakfast a few weeks ago. You made it another success!
Mark your calendar for Sunday, March 16th. We plan to kick off the first Full Moon Ride of the season at 7:30 p.m. (Yes, we're tire of being cooped up during this long cold winter!)
FMCPT has been accepted as an authorized nonprofit to participate in Kroger's Community Rewards program. This is an opportunity to help maintain the mult-purpose trail without sending a check! All you need are:
1. An email address
2. A Kroger Plus card
3. Shop for groceries at any Kroger store
This process will have no impact on your Kroger rewards for gasoline. Kroger will donate 5% of your grocery purchases after you sign up. Click here for more information.
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01-30-14
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Hello Friends...........
How is that bluebird house coming along? Haven't started it yet? You still have time. The contest deadline isn't until February 6th. First Place Winner receives $60! Just click here for more information about how to get in on the fun!
See all the Bluebird House Decorating Contest entries and find out the winners at the Annual Pancake & Sausage Breakfast on February 8th. It's an all-you-can-eat fundraiser for the Madison County Senior Citizens Center and FMCPT. Please consider bringing a new or slightly used item for the Silent Auction. You will also have an opportunity to get your raffle tickets for the new bike that will be on display to be raffled later in the year. Bring your family and friends for a fun time and a good cause: Saturday, February 8th, 7-11 a.m. at the Madison County Senior Citizens Center in London. (Pre-sale tickets for the breakfast are available through any FMCPT Board Director or contact us with your request.) Tickets available at the door.
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12-31-13
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Hello Friends...........
Best wishes for a Happy New Year!
We hope you can join us for a FMCPT Board tradition of starting the New Year out right with a bike ride on January 1st! We will meet at 1 p.m. at McDonald's in downtown London and make a quick decision about where we will ride depending on weather and trail conditions. Dress warm, bring that bike, and let's GO!
Our 2014 Membership drive is well underway. You probably have received you letter and many of you have sent in your registration for 2014. During this busy time of year, you may not have gotten around to it. So, please take the time now to either download the membership form or just click here to do it all online. We will be updating our distribution list soon with the 2014 membership list so you will keep on getting our latest news by simply updating your membership.
Come join us at the Annual FMCPT Members meeting on Wednesday, January 15th at 7 p.m. at the Madison County Senior Citizens Center (east door entrance). Andy Niekamp (Captain Blue) will be the featured speaker giving a presentation about his hike along the Ohio to Erie Trail last spring.
Save Saturday, February 8th on your calendar! FMCPT will be teaming up with the Madison County Senior Citizens Center for their Annual Pancake Breakfast. Again this year, we will be awarding this year's Blue Bird House Contest winners at the breakfast. So, start those Blue Bird Houses now and follow the instructions on the flyer so we can get it judged and ready for the pancake breakfast.
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11-27-13
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Hello Friends...........
This is the season to give thanks and the FMCPT Board would like to thank you for your donations, memberships, event participation, and your many words of support throughout the year.
Join us at Old Fashioned Christmas in London this Monday. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. along Main Street in the Historical District. There will be horse drawn carriage rides, singing, music, and of course Santa. Look for us in the old London Grill building and enjoy some free bicycle cookies and hot chocolate. A shining red refurbished bike will be raffled off at 7 p.m.
Camp Chase Trail construction continues to move along. Metro Parks plans to open the section from Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park to Galloway by the end of the year (may still be in gravel for the winter). The bridges at the eastern end of the trail will be dedicated on December 6th at 10 a.m. Consider attending the next Camp Chase Trail Friends meeting on January 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the Haydocy Automotive Community Room.
The regular monthly meeting for FMCPT in December has been cancelled. You are invited to the Annual Members Meeting on Wednesday, January 15th at 7 p.m. at the Madison County Senior Citizens Center in London. Captain Blue will be the guest speaker talking about his adventure hiking across Ohio on the Ohio to Erie Trail.
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