Today is day one of two for BikeOhio in the east-central and south-eastern Ohio areas. I am in Licking Co. about 30 miles east of Columbus. I will be riding the TJ Evans Trail , part of the Licking County Recreational Trail system, which runs from Newark to Johnstown (about 16-17 miles). I am launching from Granville.
Trail parking in Granville, home to Denison University. I came into town from the south on 661, parking on the right (east side of the road) – well marked signage just as you enter town. I head out riding west to Johnstown. Just as I cross 661, there is a picturesque Granville station house. The pavement looks new and is about 8 feet wide. I quickly melt into the countryside as I pass a few runners, walkers and a few other cyclist; the Raccoon River on my left.
As I roll along, the views change from woodlands, to farms and pastures and back. At times the trail is elevated from ravines on both sides. There are still remnants of the old rail line I am riding upon. The ½ way point is Alexandria, but if not from a farm sign address, I would not have known.
No mileage markers, though road crossings are marked with cross road names. Speaking of which, be very careful at the crossings as often the tree line and foliage come right up to the road’s edge making it impossible to see oncoming traffic. Between Alexandria and Johnstown, the quality on the asphalt degrades a bit; more bumps and large seized crack, but very ridable. The trail was leaf-covered in many spots as well. I rode the gravel bike but a road bike would have been fine on most days. The last mile into Johnston, the pavement looks like new again. Johnstown looks to be like many of Ohio’s small town farming hubs, where the grain elevator is the most prominent feature in town. I pause for a picture, and then turn and ride east back to Granville.
I pass thru Granville and continue on another 3 miles to Newark. Similar river and woodland views, along with a few more beef farms; a very peaceful ride.
Getting late, but I stop to check out a new bridge then head back to Granville, almost exactly a 32 mile round trip. I take a short off road trip up to the campus. When I say up, it is a serious but short climb.
I smile to think about the late night walks from town back to campus the college kids make on Friday-Saturday nights. Thumbs up for the TJ Evans Trail.
With a few off trail jaunts, my odo says 35 miles. Getting late so I head back to Columbus; big day tomorrow.
Bike Ohio1000
BikeOhio1000 