Ride to East Fork State Park

Easter Sunday was absolutely beautiful this year and the lush green countryside kept calling to me. And since it was Sunday, my favorite day to ride, I took off on the Buddy with no particular destination in mind.

On Olive Branch Road I passed this low-lying log cabin situated on a little fishing lake. I stopped to admire the view and watch some ducks paddle over the pond's glassy surface:

About 25 miles east of my neck of the woods in Clermont County is the East Fork Lake State Park. I decided to head out that way and do a little exploring.

The East Fork Lake is an "artificial" lake, which means years ago the Army Corps of Engineers basically flooded the valley and farmland and created this huge lake. Kind of like they did in "Deliverance" when they flooded the land to make this huge lake. Kind of fascinating, kind of creepy.

The park has several access points and I entered it from the area where the camping sites are, which is off of Old SR 32.

Sadly all these camping sites are occupied by concrete parking pads for RVs! No tent camping so there went any idea of riding out here and camping solo or with a group on the scoot.

They do have primitive backpacking camping on the other side of the park, but I am a bit timid for that. Particularly since there have been multiple Big Foot sightings around the park! No, I am not kidding!

So I scooted into the park from Old SR 32 between Williamsburg and Batavia and parked my scoot at the camp store, hoping to get some maps and learn more about the park:

Here at the camp store I bought a tee shirt with a heron on it and a Payday bar and some lemonade to wet my whistle. The lady in the shop was very nice and offered me lots of information about the area.

I honestly had not been here in a few years and so got a good overview of what is at the lake: boating, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking trails, a paved bike trail, horseback riding, and miniature golf to name a few of the many things to do at the lake. There is also a paved bike trail that runs from the park to Williamsburg.

I left the camp store and headed out into the camp site area to see what it was like. There were many sites and many of them were "pet friendly". The settings were quiet and nicely nestled back among the the trees and grassy slopes. I counted very few campers and all of course in RVs.

Down at the boat launch I looked out over the expanse of the lake where a few people had set up to fish from the outlying pier:

The boat launch was very busy with lots of boats being hauled out and put in the water. They were lined up all along the parking lot:

Looking out over the water there was this island of trees which appeared pretty in the otherwise utilitarian setting of the boat launch:

Looking at this reminded me that this lake actually flooded out many farms and a few villages. Old timers will tell the stories though I am not sure there is really any definitive history detailing the scope of the lost villages and farms. I plan to try to do some local research on this in the county.

There is evidently some fine backpacking in the park and this website offers some additional facts about the East Fork lake and trails:

http://backpackohio.com/eastfork.html

From this site:

"Head about 30 miles due south from Caesar Creek Lake and you'll hit the shores of William H. Harsha Lake (a.k.a East Fork Lake). This 2160-acre man-made lake created for flood control in 1978 is the centerpiece of East Fork State Park-one of Ohio's largest.

Man's history in this area dates back to 3,000 years ago when the mound building Hopewell and Adena Indians occupied the area. Some of their handiwork stills remains in the southern section of the park. Fast forward to the late 1860s, when gold was mined at two locations in the park's vicinity. This minor "rush" resulted in the formation of the Batavia Gold Mining Company, whose existence didn't last a year.

Like Caesar Creek, East Fork is located in the glaciated Till Plains, so expect similar topography. Despite advancing development from the west, low rolling wooded hill, abandoned farmlands and swampy lowlands create the park's landscape and lay protected inside the park's boundaries.

East Fork Wildlife area occupies approximately 2000 acres at the eastern one-third of the lake. The areas woodlands contain beech, sugar maple, red and white oak, shagbark hickory and wild black cherry trees. The wetter lowland forests are composed of silver maple, American elm, black gum and sycamore. The meadows and remnant prairies contain big blue stem grass, purple cone flower and more."

More about the park's history and natural beauty can be found here:

http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/eastfork#history


Directions:

Scoot down Summerside Road from Old SR 74 behind Eastgate Mall.

Turn RIGHT onto Barg Salt Run. Scoot out this until you come out at Round Bottom Road.

Go RIGHT on Round Bottom Road and pass Tealtown Road on your RIGHT. As the road gently curves left, turn RIGHT onto Binning Road.

Follow Binning Road out to the stop sign at the bridge (on your left), but go STRAIGHT ahead and follow this sweeping road out past the new condo development on your left.

At the stop light of Amelia-Olive Branch road (which you are on) and Old SR 74, turn LEFT.

Follow this out until it dead ends and turn LEFT. Go down the hill to the light and turn RIGHT and follow this into the village of Batavia.

Here you can explore a bit and then head out of town on Old SR 32 toward the Clermont Mercy Hospital area where you will see Bauer Road on your LEFT.

Continue on STRAIGHT out Old SR 32 then travel on a few miles to the entrance to the park on your RIGHT.

There are plenty of places to eat, gas up, or use the restroom along the way, especially if you take Bauer Road to your left out of Batavia and go over near Clermont Mercy Hospital.

If you like cemeteries, a pretty one is just on your left as you head up the hill on Old SR 32 out of the village of Batavia.

Covered Bridge Ride, Stonelick Township

Last Sunday I took a little ride out to the Stonelick Covered Bridge in Clermont County Ohio on the Buddy Psycho. This is a nice 20 mile loop ride from my home on back roads.

The bridge site is located off Stonelick-Williams Corner Road near Owensville. On February 11 of this year the bridge collapsed while under renovation. Luckily no one was hurt, but the bridge was a total loss. There are, however, plans for future restoration at some point.

Here is the bridge as I saw it last year when I discovered it on a car ride:

This was the last surviving covered bridge in Clermont County, built in 1878. Here is a brief history of the bridge from Wikepedia:

"The Stonelick Covered Bridge is located on Stonelick-Williams Corner Road in Clermont County, Ohio, crossing the Stonelick Creek. The one-lane covered bridge was built in 1878. It is 140 feet long and supported using a 12-panel Howe truss. The property was added to the National Register on September 10, 1974, being the last surviving covered bridge in Clermont County.

In 1983 a garbage truck broke through the floor. It also suffered some fire damage in 1991. A creek bank revetment project was undertaken in 1999 to prevent further erosion from undermining the bridge.[2]

The bridge was permanently closed to all traffic in May 2010 after its floor and supporting structure was severely damaged by an overweight truck. Repair and rehabilitation, including improvements to raise the weight limit from 3 to 12 tons, was initially estimated to cost $1.2 million USD.[3]

After funds and approval for the rehabilitation project were obtained, a request for bids was made in April 2013, with an updated engineer's estimate of work at $720,000.[4] Construction work began in October 2013. A temporary steel falsework was constructed under the bridge to give additional structural support during the work and to provide work platforms, followed by the removal of all the siding.[5] Additional work to be performed included the replacement of all siding and the roof, additional structural support, repointing and grouting of stonework, and addition of lighting and security systems.[6]

On February 11, 2014 the upper shell of the bridge unexpectedly collapsed, falling off the deck and into the river bed, as repair work was being performed. All workers escaped without serious injury.[7][8] After assessing the collapse, the County and the contractor have determined to continue the process of restoring the bridge. They now plan to completely disassemble the bridge, inspect each component to determine whether it needs to be replaced, and continue the restoration as originally planned, using as many original components as possible.[9]"


Last Sunday I took the 10 mile ride over to view the bridge, or what was left of it. This is the south entrance to the construction area:

This is the view from the side, looking northeast. As you can see all that remains are two steel rails spanning the river:

I turned around on this road and scooted less than a tenth of a mile over to the historic St. Philomena Catholic Church, the oldest Catholic church in Clermont County, built in 1839:

As I face the church, to my backside is the Stonelick Creek. This grated platform spanned the bridge and was closed to pedestrian traffic, but I couldn't resist a closer look:

A man had been standing in the middle of it earlier when I arrived, shooting photos of the churning Stonelick Creek. I passed on that photo op as I don't do heights!

Here is a view of the newer span that I came over to get to the covered bridge and church:

I left the area and headed back home. Along the way I took one of my favorite back roads and passed by this "free range" chicken farm. Or at least a farm with lots of chickens running loose and a few cow friends hanging out too:

I stopped to chat with her and she was a bit curious about my black scooter. Perhaps a relative?

Naw, probably not!

The Buddy performed flawlessly. It was comfortable to ride and easy to manage. I've added a basket to the back, zipped tied right on to the stock seat rail. This is temporary until I get a real rear rack.

I am concerned about visibility on this black scoot, awesome as it looks. I may add a hi viz yellow flag this weekend.

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Though the covered bridge no longer exists for now, you can still enjoy a ride out to the area as I did and see the old church and cemetery.

Just take Route 50 EAST out of Milford and pass the UDF on the right at Round Bottom Road.

Continue on to Williams Corner Road on your LEFT. Turn here and it is a short jaunt out over the little bridge. See the church on your RIGHT and if you go LEFT you will come to the bridge restoration area.

There is a residence right by this area, so please be sure not to park so as to obstruct their drive way.

If you go back WEST on Route 50 toward Milford a RIGHT on Sugar Camp Road will take you on a delightful twisty road along a creek up to Route 131.

Route 131 EAST (right) can take you out into the northern areas of Clermont County for some awesome back road riding.

Check out Stonelick Lake and beach and the little mom and pop restaurant in Newtonsville called "The Gathering Place".

Enjoy a day of slow riding out in the northern reaches of Clermont County.

Food,Fuel, Restrooms: The UDF on Round Bottom Road and Route 50 will get you fueled up and provide you with snacks and a restroom stop along the route.

Summerside to Batavia

I haven't been posting on here. Usually I post on my blog, Ruckus Scooter Love.

But I decided to start posting local scooter ride routes that I discover with the thought that others might find them enjoyable. If anyone reads this blog at all.

If nothing else this will serve as a catalog of some of my ride routes out of the western Clermont County area. I live next to Eastgate Mall and all rides start right outside my door!



On Sunday I rode to the village of Batavia via Summerside Road off Old State Route 74.

Going down Summerside Road you come to Clepper Park. You can cut through the park road to Barg Salt Run or stop in the park to relax and use the restrooms or have your lunch at a picnic table along the lake there.

Once you leave Clepper Park take Barg Salt Run Road toward the east (right out of the park entrance on Barg Salt Run Road).

You will enjoy a slow, easy winding ride all the way down Barg Salt Run to Round Bottom Road.

Turn right on Round Bottom and pass Teal Town Road on your right. Just at the curve to the left, take a sharp, dipped, right turn onto Binning Road.

This is a one lane paved road that runs along the East Fork of the Little Miami River as it flows into Batavia a few miles east.





Along this route I found beautiful, peaceful, farmland with quiet stretches for rest and photo ops:





Once I traveled down Binning Road I came to Amelia-Olive Branch Road and turned right.

I passed the new development of houses, condos, and apartments at Lexington Run on my left and my curiosity got the better of me so I turned in and explored there a bit.



I found some beautiful lakeside spots and saw a Canadian goose mom watching over her brood:



After I left Lexington Run I turned left back onto Amelia-Olive Branch Road and went all the way to the end at the traffic light, where I turned left.

This road now takes you all the way into the village of Batavia where you come out on the road up the hill to Clermont College.

Turn left here and come down into the main road into the village, Main Street. From here you can explore the village to your heart's content.

Main Street winds through town and eventually becomes Old State Route 32 which will take you all the way out into Adams County. Most of my future adventures will be via this road as it is near and dear to my heart.

But back to this ride...I then went through the village, past the courthouse on the left, and turned left as the road followed left. Just after you veer back to the right again, you will see Cemetery Road to your left.

If you love to explore old cemeteries you will enjoy stopping here and doing so.

If you want to get a bite to eat in town there are a few little places and a UDF there as well.

I then turned back from here and headed back home the way I came. My total mileage was about 30 miles round trip and it was just enough of a nice little ride to get me feeling like I'd been on a mini-adventure close to home. I was only gone a few hours and I ride slowly and take my time on a 49cc scooter.

You get out in the rural areas and you can also explore along the route, take in the Cincinnati Nature Center on Teal Town Road, the War Bird Aviation Museum off of Amelia Olive Branch, or hike in Sycamore Park off of Rt 132 in Batavia.



It's a nice, refreshing little ride with few cars. I highly recommend it!

And don't forget to wave as you go by!

Here is a ride summary:

>Off Old SR 74 go to Summerside Road and ride down to Clepper Park on your right
>Right on Barg Salt Run Road
>Right on Round Bottom Road
>Right on Binning Road
>Right on Amelia-Olive Branch Road
>Left on Old SR 74 into Batavia
>Left on Clermont College Drive
>Right onto W. Main Street (Old SR 32) in Batavia
>Left on N. 5th Street to Union Cemetery on your left

Ohio River Scenic Byway

Right out our door is a fantastic route to scoot along the mighty Ohio River! If you haven't checked it out yet, I encourage you to do so. You won't be disappointed! It is called the "Ohio River Scenic Byway" and runs along Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

We are fortunate to have a very beautiful section of it right outside our city and easily available to us for our scooting pleasure!

From the Byway.org website:

"This history-rich byway meanders along the banks of the Ohio River, hugging its shoreline and offering almost continuous views of the river. The history of the Ohio is found both in rural landscapes and quaint river communities, covering periods from Native American habitation through western settlement, affecting transportation patterns and industrialization."

This 943 mile road runs from Charleston, West Virginia to Nashville, Illinois. There are three sections: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. I used to live about midway on the Ohio leg of the run, just across from Maysville, Kentucky.

From Rt 52 you can pop over to Maysville and explore this historic river town or take the ferry across from Augusta, Kentucky and enjoy the thrill of an old fashioned river crossing and a lunch at little outside cafes in Augusta.

Portsmouth has it's fascinating riverside murals and a wonderful visitor's center to offer you insights into the history and culture of this once bustling little river town. Portsmouth also offers overnight accomodations if you'd like to make this trip a two day journey.

Over the years I have visited some of the little river towns along the Ohio section and marveled at some of the history and natural beauty of the Scenic Byway that runs through my state. This is absolutely my favorite place to ride.

You are traveling along the Ohio River and the views are breath-taking. Occasionally you will see a river barge hauling coal, grain, or other goods. Some of these boats are historic in nature and yet still offer passenger rides from Cincinnati to Portsmouth. Some offer scenic cruises all the way down to New Orleans via the Mississippi River!

This area is also filled with history from the Underground Railroad houses to the Civil War raids. There is even the site of a sunken Civil War frigate along the way! Ullysses S. Grant was born in this area as well as other colorful historic characters such as Harriet Beecher Stowe, Branch Rickey, and Roy Rogers.

Among my favorite places to explore are the many "mom and pop" eating places from historic inns and wineries to dairy bars and dives. So much good stuff to eat along the way! A biker's culinary paradise, just waiting for samplings and reviews and maybe a few homemade recipes!

You can start out the journey from downtown Cincinnati via the Columbia Parkway or pick up Rt 52 just off I-275 near Coney Island.

From there you can ride the Ohio Byway (Rt 52 in Ohio) through New Richmond, Moscow, Neville, Chilo, Aberdeen, Manchester, and out to Portsmouth.

From Portsmouth eastward the route becomes very "citified" until you get out past Wheelersburg. As you enter into Lawrence County at this point the road eventually becomes Rt. 7.

I recommend out to Portsmouth and back for a day ride. This will keep you in the rural areas where you will have many opportunities for great eating and photo ops while exploring fascinating historical and natural wildlife areas.

In future posts I will highlight some of the sights and expriences along our section of the Ohio River Byway. Meanwhile, winter might be a good time to explore it via automobile in preparation for wonderful spring ride planning!

Come Along On the Ride!

Come along for an "easy ride" - a virtual experience of my scooter rides here in southwestern Ohio. That is what this blog, a companion to my main blog, "Ruckus Scooter Love", is going to be about.



I am using it as a journal of sorts and also as a ride directory for those who also want to get out on the back roads and explore new places on their scooter or motorcycle right here in our area.

Many scooter riders use their scoots for utilitarian purposes only such as commuting to work, running errands, or quick rides around their neighborhoods.

But there is more to scooter riding that this.

There is adventure waiting right outside your door.

Quiet rural back roads to meander along and take pictures or picnic. Historical sites to learn about right here that played a part in the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, the pioneering of the Old West. We have a lot of fascinating history here!

There are old cemeteries, old churches, old houses, tiny villages, historical markers, old stagecoach roads, all part of Ohio's remote past. All interesting places to explore off of the main routes.

All places you might stumble upon riding on two wheels and totally miss riding on four.

Not only are there interesting historical places, but also beautiful natural habitats, some protected, some still primitive. Once you travel out of the city and and into it's outlying areas the world opens up in a way that you cannot imagine.

On a scooter or motorcycle you are immersed in this world and you notice it all and experience it intimately. Something that is not possible in a car where you are encapsulated in metal, glass, and rubber.

Little villages with great little restaurants, wineries, dairy bars, general stores, picnic groves dot the landscape. Stop in for a snack, breakfast, lunch, or supper!

The back roads abound with plenty of good eating and I plan to highlight a few of my favorite places along the way as well. It is always fun to ride to a place, have a good meal, and head back home along the back roads toting dessert in the saddlebags!

I am riding a scooter and am decked out in hi-viz gear and a smile!





Come along on the ride! Find your smile and a slower pace of life!