Level: 3 - Hybrids
Trail: Richland B&O Trail – Route 97 Trail-head (1 mile south of I-71) to Butler Trail head
Distance: 16. 0 mils (F27) or 34 miles (H27)
Map:

Today’s ride is one of the gems of Ohio rail trails, this trail is an almost perfectly flat, well maintained asphalt trail. The Richland B&O Rail Trail passes through North Central Ohio farmlands and small villages as it heads southeast to Butler from Mansfield. We begin our ride near trail’s midpoint at the Route 97 trailhead just south of the I-71 and Route 97 (Lexington) exit.

We cycle south to the Village of Bellville. Passing south from Bellville we pass grain mills as we head to Butler. We turn and head back north to our lunch at Troyer’s Dutch Heritage Restaurant just north of our ride’s start. If you plan on only cycling the 16.0 mile ride, your ride ends at the Route 97 trailhead.

For those continuing on for the full trail ride, we head back to the trail after lunch and cycle under I-71 and into Lexington. We’ll stop for a break at a trailside bicycle shop in Lexington before heading north to the trail’s end in Mansfield. We turn and cycle back to the Route 97 trailhead.

This ride is rated as a level 3 (Hybrids) as it is a longer ride for the recreational cyclist. Cyclists travel at a pace of 11-13 mph. The ride traverse variable terrain with easy grades with a few short climbs. Distance is usually 15-30 miles. Regroups are common but at the discretion of the ride leader. Rest stops taken as needed.

This ride is scheduled on the calendar of the Spin-off Cyclists, http://spinoffcyclists.com. We encourage you to join us on this and other rides. We are a group of cyclists of all ages and abilities who cycle the trails of Northeast Ohio and surrounding areas for fun, health and friendship.