I took a ride on my bike during my lunch break today to head down to Armleder Park for the opening ceremonies of the bike trail that connects to the Lunken Trail. With the connection complete there are now over eight miles of continuous paved trails packed into the urban setting around Lunken Airport. I found out about the ceremonies from queencitybike.com and though I couldn’t leave in time to start the ride with them, I did catch up to them on the Lunken Trail.

Ohio River Trail Marker

Before riding on the Lunken Trail, I rode on a very small section of the Ohio River Trail, which is still under construction. As it is now, the section of trail is not very scenic and most of it runs along the side of Kellogg Avenue. Though once the trail detours away from Kellogg (at Carrel Street) it gets a little better. One cool relic left from the railroad days is the Carrel Street Station, a remodeled freight transfer terminal, which now serves as a resting place.

Carrel Street Station

Shortly after Carrel Street Station, the Ohio River Trail ends at Wilmer Avenue where connections can be made to the Lunken Trail. This was actually my first time riding the Lunken Trail, which despite running around a small airport, has a secluded feel. After a mile and a half on the trail I caught up with the previously mentioned group and we all rode toward the new connector trail to Armleder Park. Once there we had to ride the mile trail to the ceremony that was taking place over at Armleder.

Councilman Wendell Young

Members of the Hamilton County Park District, along with the Cincinnati Park Board and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission all gave short speeches from the temporary podium. Councilman Wendell Young was there to congratulate everyone on a job well done and to emphasize how great things can happen with cooperation from these organizations. From there a ribbon cutting ceremony was held before I again rode back along the connector and toward home.

Ready

Cut

Hamilton County Park District, Cincinnati Park Board, and Cincinnati Recreation Commission

150′ Long Steel Truss Bridge

My full bike route can be viewed below. I really enjoyed the ride and hope to get back on the saddle a little more often this summer.