Camping in Madison County, Ohio

2015 News


12-02-15
Madison Messenger article: Still pursuing trail camping idea

12-01-15
Madison Press article: Observation deck nixed from campground grant

12-01-15
Monthly newsletter released by Rails to Trails of Wayne County

11-24-15
Monthly newsletter released by the Friends of the Camp Chase Trail

11-23-15
Quarterly newsletter released by Miami Valley Bike Trails

11-20-15
Madison Messenger article: Scout building trail-side shelter

11-19-15
Hello Friends,

We encourage you to renew your FMCPT Membership for 2016 online. This simple way is easy and saves paper, envelopes, and volunteer time. Just click here and scroll down to the "PayPal now available" wording, select the type of membership that works best for you, and then click "Buy Membership". This will take you to a secure webpage to use a credit card or PayPal. That's all there is to it!

If you would rather fill out the Membership Form and send with a check, click here to print out a Membership Registration form.

If neither of the above methods is right for you, we will send out a Membership Form, return envelope, and cover letter in a few weeks.

If you would like to read about some of last year's accomplishments, please click here for our 2016 Membership Letter.

We thank you for your consideration in helping FMCPT maintain this section of the Ohio to Erie Trail.

Sincerely Yours,

Wayne Roberts, Executive Director
Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails

11-18-15
Madison Press article: Scout project to benefit bike path

11-11-15
Monthly newsletter released by the Friends of the Little Miami State Park

11-06-15
Columbus Dispatch article: ODNR awards $11 million for outdoor recreation

11-06-15
Columbus Dispatch article: A lane of their own

11-05-15
Columbus Dispatch article: Greenways is a go

11-04-15
Record Herald article: City awarded grant for Triangle Trail

11-04-15
Chillicothe Gazette article: Triangle Trail extending further

10-31-15
Champ Chase Opening - Galloway Road to Sullivant Ave

10-30-15
Monthly newsletter released by Rails to Trails of Wayne County

10-29-15
Madison Messenger article: Campsite a possibility adjacent to bike path

10-25-15
Hello Friends,

The last Full Moon Ride of the season is coming up this Tuesday, October 27th at 7:30 p.m.

Join us, and the Friends of Camp Chase Trail, for a celebration ride on the new section of the Camp Chase Trail. We will meet at 3 p.m. at Galloway Road and O'Harra Road to ride the three miles to Sullivant for a six-mile round trip. Parking is limited in Galloway so you might consider parking in another location and bike in from there. (There is ample parking at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park at 8465 Alkire Road). For a longer adventure, meet with the FMCPT contingent at the London Coffee Peddler at noon (come a little early for some great coffee, waffles, and muffins!) (Note this is a different start area in London than listed in the last newsletter.) We'll ride to the Galloway Tavern for lunch (they have a huge hamburger) and be ready for the 3 p.m. celebration ride. And – if you really get into it – Halloween Costumes are Encouraged!

10-20-15
Madison Press article: Campsite to come along bike trail?

10-13-15
October newsletter released by the Friends of the Camp Chase Trail

10-10-15
Madison Press article: Bridge 'inspectors' lean to make inspection

10-09-15
October newsletter released by the Friends of the Little Miami State Park

10-09-15
Hello Friends,

FMCPT is having an informal Bill Young Memorial Ride this Sunday at 1 p.m. Bill was a Board Director and Officer with FMCPT for many years, and owned a bike shop in London along with his wife Vickie. If you would like to join us on this free ride to honor Bill, just show up at the Prairie Grass Trailhead in London. We will then drive to Jamestown to start the ride towards Xenia and maybe on to Beavercreek. It will probably be dark by the time we get back. If you are interested and need more details just email us at fmcpt@columbus.rr.com.

Time is running out to get a discount on the Fall Harvest Tour registration fee. You may pre-register before Sunday in order to get the early discount. You can still pre-register after that date online, or just come out and register the day of the ride. The tour will be on Saturday, Oct. 17th starting at the Prairie Grass Trailhead behind the Senior Center in London. There is a 43-mile route and a 79-mile route on this non-supported budget tour. The longer route will have the option to stop at local vineyards, a wine shop, and winery where there is a wine tasting option. Enjoy these marked routes through the beautiful rural agricultural countryside in Madison County. Online registration is easiest but a printed registration form is available from the above link, or at the London Coffee Peddler.

Another section of the Ohio to Erie Trail will be opened on Friday, October 30th. Come join with the Friends of Camp Chase Trail for a celebration ride on the new section of trail from Galloway Road to Sullivant Avenue. If you're up to it, Halloween costumes are encouraged! We will meet at 3 p.m. at Galloway Road and O'Harra Road to ride the three miles to Sullivant for a six mile round trip. If that's a bit of a short ride for you, come join with FMCPT at 12:30 p.m. at the Roberts Pass Trailhead along S.R. 665 on the east side of London. We'll ride to The Galloway Tavern, which is about 20 miles from the trailhead, and have lunch. The celebration ride will start nearby at 3. After the ride to Sullivant Avenue we'll ride back to London.

10-01-15
Columbus Dispatch article: Last link in Alum Creek Greenways Trail opens

09-30-15
October newsletter released by Rails to Trails of Wayne County

09-24-15
Madison Messenger article: Park board explores campsite idea along bike path

09-23-15
Hello Friends,

We are in for a treat at the next Full Moon Ride! According to John Switzer's Commentary on Sept. 6th in The Columbus Dispatch: "This month's moon is called the harvest moon, and it will be full on Sept. 27. … There will also be a full lunar eclipse, and it will be the best lunar eclipse of the year for those of us who live in North America. It will begin at 9:07 p.m. and will reach totality at 10:11 p.m…." You will see in the above link the ride is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. so you will be able to enjoy the large harvest moon for a while before the eclipse starts. For those that ride to the Purple Monkey for a snack, you may see the total eclipse. Come on out on Sunday and enjoy the fun!

Saturday, October 17th is the date for the Fall Harvest Tour. There is a 43-mile route and a new 79-mile route on this non-supported budget tour. The longer route will have the option to stop at local vineyards, a wine shop, and winery where there is a wine tasting option. This is a nice experience for those that are not in a rush and believe the tour itself is the destination. Both marked routes will direct you to some of the prettiest areas in central Ohio. A discounted early registration is available through October 10th. Online registration is easiest but a printed registration form is available from the above link or at the London Coffee Peddler.

09-15-15
Quarterly newsletter released by Miami Valley Bike Trails

09-11-15
Columbus Dispatch article: Work at 3 rail crossings to smooth Camp Chase Trail

09-10-15
September newsletter released by Rails to Trails of Wayne County

09-07-15
September newsletter released by the Friends of the Little Miami State Park

09-04-15
Columbus Dispatch article: Paving the Way

08-24-15
August newsletter released by the Friends of the Camp Chase Trail

08-23-15
Hello Friends,

Saturday, August 29th will be a busy day for us:
1. The Madison County Emergency Management Agency is sponsoring a Safety Expo at the Madison County Fairgrounds in London from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 400-500 people are expected at this family oriented learning experience. FMCPT will have a Bike Rodeo in the Della Selsor Building with bike safety discussions and demonstrations, an expert bike repair shop, and trail information available outside the building. Bring the kids, grandkids, and neighborhood kids and challenge them to participate in the rodeo. Either bring your bikes or use the bikes at the rodeo. In addition to all the emergency equipment that will be on display, refreshments will also be available. So, come out for a fun afternoon!

2. Later that evening is the Full Moon Ride at 8:30 p.m. which leaves from the trailhead behind the Senior Center. Enjoy the ride to South Charleston or anywhere in between. More details are available at the above link.
Monday, September 7th (Labor Day) will be the West Jefferson 24th Annual Ox Roast Bicycle Tour. Early registration is now over but you can still pre-register online and even order the unique Ox Roast Bicycle Tour t-shirt. (Please note that the t-shirts will NOT be available for purchase the day of the ride but orders will be taken for later delivery.) If you want one, please order now and it will be available when you arrive. Also note, the starting point has been changed from previous years. Both ride routes will now start/end at the festival itself in Garrette Park. Adequate vehicle parking will be available at the festival. After the ride, be sure to have your sandwich voucher exchanged for one of those famous Ox Roast sandwiches! Finally, a Giant bicycle will be raffled later in the afternoon. Plan for a fun ride on the area's rural roads and then enjoy the festival – and that Ox Roast sandwich! Please see the above link for more details.

Saturday, October 17th is the date for the Fall Harvest Tour. There is a 43-mile route and a 79-mile route on this non-supported budget tour. The marked routes will direct you to some of the prettiest areas in central Ohio. A discounted early registration is available through October 10th. Online registration is easiest but a printed registration form is available from the above link or at the London Coffee Peddler.

08-22-15
Madison Press article: Cycling Friends ride a better trail

08-21-15
Madison Press article: Seeing Red

08-18-15
Madison Press article: Park officials: Where's the toilet?

08-06-15
August newsletter released by the Friends of the Little Miami State Park

08-03-15
Hello Friends,

We had a nice turnout for the Blue Moon Ride alternative route last Friday with 50 riders participating.

The Rib Tickler Ride is this Saturday, August 8th. You can still register online or just do so when you arrive. The registration table will be at the Rib and Jazz Fest in downtown London on Second Street near Oak Street. When you return, the festival will be open and the ribs should be about ready – and the beer will be cold! FMCPT will have a bike corral available so you can enjoy the festival. Check out the links for more details.

Some fun for the family is coming up on Saturday, August 29th at the Madison County Safety Expo. Many large shiny vehicles with lots of lights will be on display by our central Ohio safety and security officials. There will be food and refreshments available and many demonstrations for young and old. FMCPT will be demonstrating bike safety and repair with a bike rodeo to challenge youngsters of all ages. The event is at the Madison County Fairgrounds in London at Elm and Garfield Streets and goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mark your calendar for the Ox Roast Bicycle Tour on Labor Day, September 7th during the West Jefferson Ox Roast. Please note that the ride starts and finishes at the festival in Garrett Park this year (not at the high school). That huge, delicious Ox Roast sandwich will be ready for you when you finish the ride. The winner of the new Giant commuter bicycle will be drawn during the festival. If you would like a unique commemorative t-shirt, they must be ordered during the pre-registration process so it will be ready for pick up at the registration table. Discounts for early registration will be available until August 22nd. Please see the ride link for more details and directions.

07-23-15
Columbus Dispatch article: Report details use, economic impact of local trails

07-22-15
July newsletter released by the Friends of the Camp Chase Trail

07-21-15
Madison Press article: Blue moon cycling ride scheduled for July 31

07-17-15
Madison Press article: Volunteers conserve natural resources

07-16-15
Hello Friends,

Just a couple more days and the opportunity to learn more about rare (and not so rare) prairie plants will be here. This Saturday is the Prairie Grass Trail Ride. We are trying a new format this year and look forward to seeing what you think about it. The concept is the same – a fun learning experience. This slow paced ride will start at the Prairie Grass Trailhead in London at 8 a.m. More details are in the link above. We hope you will take advantage of this unique educational ride – and it's all free.

On Friday, July 31st is the Blue Moon Ride – a little twist on the Full Moon Ride. Instead of going west, the ride will go east from the Prairie Grass Trailhead - so note this is different than what is stated on the link above. We will leave the trailhead as a group at 8:30 p.m. and will be escorted across London by the London Police Department. We will then follow Roberts Pass to the Wilson Road Trailhead and return. The total ride will be about 17 miles. For those that want to travel less, you can turnaround wherever you wish. On the way back, we encourage you to stop for pizza, a sub, or ice cream at Phat Daddy's Pizza, 15 E. First St., right along the street route in London. Bring your helmet inside for a special discount to cyclists! We look forward to your feedback for this special route this month.

The London Rib and Jazz Fest will soon be here on August 7th & 8th. There is going to be a bigger and better car show this year including special rubber-peeling rides down Main Street by the Viper Owners Association on Friday from 5-6:30 p.m. You can get a ride in one of these V-10 powered cars for $10 with all funds going to the Madison County Health Partners Free Clinic. FMCPT will have their Bake Sale tent and Duck Pond open for business on Friday and Saturday. The Rib Tickler Ride will get an early start on Saturday timed so that you will return to the festival just about the time when the ribs are coming off the grills and the suds are all cooled off and ready for thirsty riders! Be sure to leave some room for desert at the Bake Sale tent! FMCPT will have their free Bike Corral ready to park your trusty steed while you enjoy the festival. Please note you can get a pre-registration discount up until August 1st so just go online to easily register and pay via credit card or PayPal.

By the way, the normal monthly FMCPT meeting has been rescheduled to August 12th due to a scheduling conflict. (Many of the FMCPT Board Directors will be on a special ride from Cleveland to Cincinnati on the Ohio to Erie Trail!)

Check your calendar for a fun family outing coming up on Saturday, August 29th at the Madison County Safety Expo at the Madison County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fire Departments, Police Departments, Sheriff Departments, EMS units, and others will be coming in from all over central Ohio. Helicopters, large fire trucks, all kinds of emergency hardware will be there and open for your inspection. FMCPT will have a Bike Safety exhibit there with demonstrations and bikes available to participate in the learning experiences. So bring the kids, grandkids, neighborhood kids and all the supporting people you need and come over for a fun time!

Looking out a bit, the Ox Roast Bicycle Tour is scheduled for Labor Day, Monday, September 7th. The two rides option will mostly stay the same as last year. We are working on a new unique t-shirt for this year's ride. The ride will be at the West Jefferson Ox Roast festival again this year with a Bike Corral staffed so you can leave your bike safely and enjoy that included Ox Roast sandwich as you stroll through the festival. FMCPT will have the winning raffle number picked for the new Giant commuter bicycle after most of the riders get in to the festival. The website is ready for pre-registration which will give a discount up until August 22nd. Those that attended last year's ride enjoyed the modifications to the tour as it reopened after a couple of years lapse. This is the tour's 24th year! Many thanks to Jared Miller and his family who started and carried on this tradition for many years.

Our friends, The Simon Kenton Pathfinders', will have their 16th Annual Fund-raiser Bike Ride The Rita A. Larson MEMORIAL RIDE on Sunday, September 13. Registration is 8-10 a.m. We hope you will consider this fun ride for this worthy cause, put on by this wonderful and energetic organization!

07-09-15
Cincinnati Business Courier article: Little Miami Bike Trail expanding, putting it closer to downtown Cincinnati

07-09-15
July newsletter released by the Friends of the Little Miami State Park

07-04-15
Columbus Dispatch article: Metro Parks plans work on Camp Chase Trail next week

06-24-15
Hello Friends,

Thanks to all who participated in the recent London Strawberry Festival Bicycle Tour. We hope you will now return for the London Strawberry Festival which starts tomorrow (June 25) and runs through Saturday. A special treat is on Saturday as the rumbling Cobra's roll into downtown London. They park near the courthouse and soon start their Charity Rides for a neck snapping adventure up Main Street to Cowling Park. 100% of the $10 donation for the ride goes towards the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – a win/win ride for everyone! Oh, and did we mention Strawberry Shortcake! Check out the links for times.

The Full Moon Ride is schedule for Wednesday, July 1st at 8:30 p.m. For those that travel the entire route, there's a stop at the Purple Monkey in South Charleston. A great place for pizza, subs, and ice cream. Click on the above link for more details.

Join us in the bike section for the Fourth of July Parade in London. Set up is at 10 a.m. along Park Avenue (look for bikes in the parking lot at the Medical Clinic). The parade starts promptly at 11 a.m. on north Main Street near Cowling Park and goes downtown. We need your help to pass out candy to kids along the way (both they and we love it!)

The wild flowers are getting ready for their July spectacular show. Take it all in during the annual outdoors learning experience called the Prairie Grass Trail Ride on Saturday, July 18th. This slow, relatively short ride is intended to be enjoyable and instructive about native wildflowers and prairie grasses that grow along the trail. A new method is going to be tried this year with instructors at key locations with groups of riders going to each station. Come see why this section of the Ohio to Erie Trail looks a little like a prairie. The ride is free and promises to be an interesting morning. See the link for more details including the starting time.

06-19-15
Madison Messenger article: Grant accepted to sealcoat Prairie Grass Trail

06-16-15
Madison Press article: ODNR grant for bike trail approved

06-12-15
Madison Press article: Cyclists cross country to cure cancer

06-08-15
June newsletter released by the Friends of the Little Miami State Park

06-04-15
Hello Friends,

Yes, there is still time to pre-register for the London Strawberry Festival Bicycle Tour this Saturday. The tour kicks off early at the Prairie Grass Trailhead between 6:30 a.m.-8 a.m. What a great way to get a little training in for GOBA! If you can't do GOBA this year, consider coming back to London for the Strawberry Festival June 25-27 and enjoy some short cake, great music, and see the Cobra sports cars. Hope to see you on Saturday. By the way, you can always register during check-in on the day of the ride – and did someone mention chocolate dipped strawberries?!

The next Full Moon Ride is schedule for Wednesday, July 1st at 8:30 p.m. We had about 45 riders at the June ride. If you have not tried this fun ride, give yourself a treat. Click on the above link for more details.

Save the date for the Prairie Grass Trail Ride on Saturday, July 18th. This is a slow, relatively short ride that is intended to be enjoyable and a learning experience about native wildflowers and prairie grasses that grow along the trail. The groups leaders have many years of experience with these special native plants and will help trail users gain a new appreciation for this section of the Ohio to Erie Trail. The ride is free and is primarily intended for an educational experience. See the link for more details including the starting time.

06-01-15
June newsletter released by the Friends of the Camp Chase Trail

05-27-15
Hello Friends,

Thanks to all those that have pre-registered for the 12th Annual Strawberry Festival Bicycle Tour coming up on June 6th. If you have not registered, you can still get the early registration discount thru May 30th. The easiest way is just go online and fill out the form and pay via PayPal or a credit card and you're all set. Looking forward to seeing you on the 6th.

Bike Month will be over soon. Hope you will wrap up the month by attending the Miami Valley Cycling Summit on Friday, May 29th in Piqua. See the link for speakers and other event details.

The next Full Moon Ride is schedule for Tuesday, June 2nd at 8:30 p.m. If you have not tried this fun ride, give yourself a treat. Click on the above link for more details.

The Prairie Grass Trail got its name because of some very special native wildflowers and prairie grasses that grow along the trail. The Salmon Colored Royal Catchfly is one of these flowers which is also endangered and unique to this area of the world. To find out more about these very special native plants, join us on the little known Prairie Grass Trail Ride on Saturday, July 18th. This is a slow, short ride that is intended to be enjoyable and a learning experience. The ride is free but we think you'll get much more than your money's worth. See the link for more details including the starting time.

05-15-15
Hello Friends,

You may have recently received a packet with registration forms for FMCPT sponsored rides for this summer. The 12th Annual Strawberry Festival Bicycle Tour is coming up on June 6th. You can save $5 by pre-registering by May 30th. Either return the hard copy of the registration form with a check, or simply go online and fill out the form there and pay via PayPal or a credit card and you're all set. Just check in at the Registration Table on the day of the ride for last minute details. (Please note that you will need to fill out and sign the ride waver and bring it with you to the event. Otherwise, you'll need to fill one out at the Registration Table on the day of the event.)

Join us at the 2015 Senior Fair at the Madison County Senior Citizens Center on Tuesday, May 19th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. FMCPT will have an informational booth staffed with volunteers.

The Ride of Silence will be this Wednesday, May 20th and is scheduled in cities all over the world. The starting point for the Columbus ride is at the Columbus City Hall, 90 West Broad Street. Please see the link for details. A carpool is available from the Prairie Grass Trailhead at 5 p.m. for anyone that wants to take advantage of it.

(Please note the Monthly FMCPT meeting will not be held on May 20th to allow the Board and members to participate in the Ride of Silence.)

Bike Month will be over soon. Hope you will wrap up the month by attending the Miami Valley Cycling Summit on May 29th in Piqua. See the link for speakers and other event details.

05-11-15
Madison Messenger article: He's at it again: Heiman preps for 850-mile ride

05-05-15
Quarterly newsletter released by Miami Valley Bike Trails

05-01-15
May newsletter released by Rails to Trails of Wayne County

04-25-15
Hello Friends,

In a few days, those of you that have participated in one of our past support rides will receive registration forms for the 2015 Strawberry Festival Bicycle Tour, the Rib Tickler Ride, and the Ox Roast Bicycle Tour. Even if you do not receive a registration form, you can download one or register directly on the FMCPT website at www.fmcpt.com. Also, if you receive the registration forms, you can still choose the online option which may be simpler and easier for most. If you do choose the online option, please note that you will need to fill out and sign the ride waver and bring it with you to the event. Otherwise, you'll need to fill one out at the Registration Table on the day of the event.

If you live in the Columbus Metropolitan Area, please consider attending one of the Design Workshops at various times from April 27 – April 30 at Haydocy Automotive Community Room during ConnectColumbus. It is your opportunity to express your opinion about the future of transportation in Columbus. More details including the specific time periods are here.

A Trail Sentinel training session is planned for Wednesday, April 29th for new sentinels or as a refresher for current sentinels. Please click here for more details.

May is Bike Month and it will soon be here! Check out your local and regional area for special events going on throughout the month. A good way to start the month is with the Full Moon Ride on Sunday, May 3rd. May 15th will be a popular Bike to Work Day: here's one by Bike Springfield. Friends of Camp Chase Trail have their Hilltop Route listed along with several others for Columbus here. Finally, wrap up the month with the Miami Valley Cycling Summit on May 29th in Piqua. See the link for speakers and other event details.

04-13-15
Hello Friends,

For those that made it over for the first Full Moon Ride of the season, had a cool ride in more than one way! For those that went all the way to the Purple Monkey, got a chance to get warmed up and share a few stories. There was a beautiful full moon lighting the way back to London.

Tune in to WCYC-LP Ready FM on 105.1 for Community Matters with Greg Eades for a 40-minute broadcast featuring Friends of Madison County Parks and Trail on Tuesday, April 14 at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 16 at 10 a.m., or Saturday, April 18 at 2 p.m. This London radio station is spreading the news about what non-profits are doing in the community. The broadcast will also be available on their website at www.ReadyFM.com or on your Smartphone with the TuneIn app.

Here's a reminder about "Help the Wildflowers!" this Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. – noon at the Little Darby Preserve followed with a free lunch. Please send a RSVP to Howard Yoder at holoyoder@juno.com so enough food is ready! See the link for more details.

A Trail Sentinel training session is planned for Wednesday, April 29th for new sentinels or as a refresher for current sentinels. Please click here for more details.

04-11-15
Madison Press article: Volunteers needed for invasive plant removal

04-05-15
Madison Messenger article: Invasive species removal

04-05-15
Madison Messenger article: Train to be a trail sentinel

04-04-15
Madison Press article: Park officials seeking volunteers

04-03-15
Hello Friends,

We hope you enjoy the presence of your family and friends on this important religious holiday weekend.

For our hearty trail riders, this Saturday evening is the kickoff of our Full Moon Ride series. The weather looks like it will be clear but chilly so please dress accordingly. Please click above for details on time and location.

A few days ago, Kroger sent us a letter to be sure and remind our FMCPT supporters that April is the annual renewal month for the Kroger Community Rewards program. This is especially important for those that are currently participating since the program is designed to have a life of just one year so it does not automatically continue without you knowing about it. So, while you're thinking about it, just click on the link above for more detailed instructions. All you need handy is your Kroger Plus card, our organization's number is shown for you in the instructions. This is an easy way to help support our trail maintenance efforts.

Ready for a little time in the woods?! The Madison County Park District and the Soil and Water Conservation District are hosting an invasive species removal day on Saturday, April 18 from 9a.m. – noon. Tools and lunch will be provided but volunteers are reminded to wear protective clothing. Come Help the Wildflowers! Click on the link for more details and how to RSVP for planning arrangements.

Are you aware of the FMCPT Trail Sentinel Program? This is a great opportunity to be a Madison County ambassador while riding the trail. We are planning a Trail Sentinel training session on Wednesday, April 29th. Please click here for more details.

The Ohio to Erie Trail is on the cover of the Ohio Official Travel Guide for 2015! This picture is the section on the boardwalk on Summit Lake just south of Akron. You are encouraged to visit the beautiful Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail from Cleveland through Akron and way beyond!

03-31-15
Columbus Dispatch article: The C-C-Camp C-C-Chase Trail ride was...

03-18-15
The 2015 Ohio Official Travel Guide features the Ohio to Erie Trail in Akron on the front cover! Click here to view the entire guide online.

03-08-15
Hello Friends,

The snow is melting and the temperature is rising, soon it will be time for a trail adventure! Come out and celebrate spring at the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Opening Day For Trails on March 28th. So far, three locations along the Ohio to Erie Trail in central Ohio will have volunteers and information displays to welcome trail users. Stop in and say hello and find out the latest in local trail developments. Click here for details on the locations.

Mark your calendar for the kick-off of the Full Moon Ride series for 2015 on April 4th.

Help with trail maintenance when you shop at these stores:
        Kroger's using their Kroger Community Rewards program (needs to be renewed each year).
        Amazon using AmazonSmile.

02-18-15
Madison Press article: Ag society hires marketer

02-17-15
Madison Press article: A local stop on the Underground Railroad

02-15-15
Madison Messenger article: Volunteer trail sentinels thanked

02-06-15
Hello Friends,

Our 10th Annual Pancake & Sausage Breakfast is almost here, and this year it brings the opportunity to start Valentine's Day off right by treating your loved ones to a fun time at this "all you can eat" event. There will be the judging of the Bluebird House Decorating Contest and winner selection (if you want to be a winner, get your contest rules here and start preparing!) Another fun part of the event is the Silent Auction. (If you have new or lightly used items you would like to donate to FMCPT for the Silent Auction, you may drop them off prior to the event at the London Coffee Peddler, 127 South Main Street between 6:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday-Saturday. If that is not possible, bring them with you the day of the event.)

If you have not renewed your FMCPT Membership for 2015, please do so soon since our distribution list will be updated shortly. It's easy to renew online here.

If you did not make it to the FMCPT Annual Members Meeting in January, you missed an interesting presentation by Chris Haydocy of Haydocy Buick & GMC in Columbus. Chris talked about issues on the Columbus Westside and the major efforts underway to turn it around. Included in this effort is the completion of the Ohio to Erie Trail from Columbus to Galloway. (You can expect to see the new pedestrian and bicycle bridge going up across I-270 this month!) Work is underway to extend the trail from the recently completed section in Galloway towards this new bridge. Also, work is underway to develop a new park along Wilson Road in Columbus which will include a Bicycle Hub, and the Ohio to Erie Trail will pass through this new park as it follows along part of the Camp Chase railroad right-of-way on the Westside. Stay tuned with our sister organization the Friends of the Camp Chase Trail for all the latest news along this section of the Ohio to Erie Trail.

As the Ohio to Erie Trail gets closer and closer to Columbus, interest is picking up for the long-term project to revitalize downtown London. When the Columbus piece is connected to the already interconnection to Cedarville, Xenia, Springfield, Cincinnati, Dayton, Yellow Springs, Urbana, Bellefontaine, Piqua, and others on this paved multi-purpose trail network; how will this impact London? How London, as a community, treats the expected increased flow of trail users could have a significant impact on downtown businesses and amenities. If you would like to be involved in some manner to help downtown London to become the best it can be, please contact the London Community Organization, the Downtown London Association, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, the London City Administration, Friends of Madison County Parks & Trails, or just come to a committee meeting on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m. at the London Coffee Peddler. This is an all out effort to get citizens, business owners, building owners, organizations, and others to work together to make this happen. Your input, talent, and support are most needed to help downtown London become the place where you would like to be. Take the first step today and contact one of the above organizations.

02-03-15
Quarterly newsletter released by Miami Valley Bike Trails

01-30-15
Madison Press editorial: 3-foot rule for bike safety

01-30-15
Columbus Dispatch article: University District to get first protected bike lane in Columbus

01-16-15
Ohio to Erie Trail Newsletter: Winter 2015

01-05-15
Hello Friends,

The FMCPT Board hopes you all enjoyed a rewarding holiday season and are looking forward to an exciting New Year.

FMCPT recently joined the list of charitable organizations participating in the AmazonSmile program. If you shop on Amazon, this is an opportunity to have Amazon donate 0.5% of your purchases to FMCPT. To find out more about the program and/or to register for this feature, click here.

Another painless supporting program that FMCPT participates in is the Kroger Community Rewards Program. Please see the lick for details. If you are already registered for this plan, please note that it has to be renewed each year.

FMCPT will be wrapping up its 2015 Membership drive soon. If you have not renewed for the New Year, you can easily do so online at the above link. Your membership donation is a major fundraising source for funding our trail maintenance expenses throughout the year. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Please join us for the Annual FMCPT Members Meeting on Wednesday, January 21st at 7 p.m. at the Madison County Senior Citizens Center in London. The guest speaker is Chris Haydocy who will be talking about the impact of the Ohio to Erie Trail on the west side of Columbus. This is a great opportunity to meet other members, the Board of Directors, and the current Officers. Refreshments will be available.

Before you know it, February will be here and time for the 10th Annual Pancake & Sausage Breakfast on February 14th. This annual fundraiser is a fun way to chase the winter blues away. In addition to a delicious breakfast, we'll have a silent auction, bike raffles, and the annual Bluebird House Contest. So, mark your calendar and start that bluebird house now! Click here for more details about the Bluebird House Contest.

Please see the newspaper articles below for the latest park and trail updates along with upcoming events and dates.

01-02-15
Facebook post: New Year bike ride

12-30-14
Columbus Dispatch article: Metro Parks expect record year

12-30-14
Madison Messenger article: Grant will prolong life of bike trail

12-30-14
Madison Messenger article: Metro Parks winter hike series starts Jan. 3

12-30-14
Madison Messenger article: Pump track another recreation option

12-28-14
Madison Messenger article: Get out and about at area parks

12-28-14
Madison Messenger article: Camp Chase Trail meeting set

12-28-14
Madison Messenger article: Metro Parks taps new leader

12-22-14
Westside Messenger article: Township wants community input for new trail

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