Late in the day on Saturday, (approx 5:00 p.m.) just as the rain was coming and going, I made it to Loveland with my newly purchased bike off of Craigslist, nothing fancy, just a great deal on a Huffy. As I pulled into the parking lot the worst of the storm had passed and just a few sprinkles were lingering. I pulled out my bike, cell phone and water bottle in hand and ventured off to get the wheels wet. Shortly into my ride, I noticed the mile markers painted on the path (I am new to this path) and realized I had just passed the 40 mile marker and the numbers were going down. Ok, this is great, I will be able to follow my progress. Not long into my ride, I noticed the sound of running water, various places displayed a beautiful flow of water blanketing the rocks that led to the river below which ran the entire distance beside me. Since it had just stormed there were limbs down from the winds (nothing to drastic) but it also left the bike trail completely empty with little ole me to enjoy the whole thing to myself !!!! I had been riding maybe 30 minutes when it started raining a constant refreshing rain, I didn't care, it cooled things down and left me feeling more refreshed than ever. As the rain was coming down I noticed I was no longer alone on the trail. I had beautiful bright yellow finch traveling along side of me as if they were dancing with me. Multiple times, various places in the path, it was breathtaking. I was so happy with myself for not letting the rain scare me away. I wish I had brought a camera because there were multiple places that gave you a perfect set up for some beautiful shots, especially with the water coming down the streams off the hillside. Watching my time I realized I should start heading back, by the mile markers I had riden 10 plus miles and I had to return to my starting designation. I stopped and turned around just short of coming into Morrow. Again on the ride back, the birds had invited several Cardinal's to join in on the dancing. Ok, I am thinking, this is something out of a fairytale with Cinderella, death must be knocking on my door, cause nature just doesn't act this way. If I run across deer, that's it. I am destined to be pushing up daisy's. As I am returning to the vehicle, I remembered there was a path that cut off and took you to Lebanon, an additional 8.2 miles to be exact. I stopped there and took in some information, upon bringing myself back up to the LMST, there is a flippin baby deer !! Just beside it is it's mommy, I gently applied my brakes as I didn't want to spook them. They stood right there and let me glide right past them. My ride was refreshing, mesmerizing, uplifting, and exhausting. It was so worth it. I recommend everyone ride at least once in the rain. The stretch between Loveland and Morrow is mostly shaded with nature all around you. ON Sunday, I started at the beginning of the path off of Newtown Rd and rode to Loveland (round trip 30 mile), not as much Nature, many areas with no shade, enjoyed the Loveland to Morrow stretch much better. 52 +/- miles over 2 days, not bad for a rookie. Oh my aching $$%%.

Is there any campsites along the Little Miami for someone that wants to do a multi-day trip? Thanks.

May29-31, 2010
This was the third time that we have done the trail. We started in Milford and traveled to Xenia where we spent 2 nights. We did the Creekside trail to Dayton and went north to Young's Dairy before we headed back to Milford. We were extremely disappointed with the trail this time. It was so overgrown that in many places the shrubs were over the trail. As we got closer to Xenia the trail improved. The Creekside trail was in perfect condition. Riverside Cafe was under construction from the fire. We didn't know there was a fire, so were disappointed to not find it open. We rode on to Corwin and ate there. We will definitely do the trail again since we love all the trail options. Brenda and Ted Gatchel, Prospect, Ohio