PRO TIPS

Difficulty    

Easy to Moderate. Predominantly flat. 

General Overview of Route

This 41-mile route meanders back roads in three counties- Union, Marion, and Delaware, stopping in the villages of Richwood, Prospect, and Magnetic Springs to visit their unique parks and histories. The route follows along the banks of the scenic Scioto river, where you might spot a Bald Eagle or two, passes the Columbus Upground Reservoir, and follows Fulton Creek. Anticipate spotting former one-room schoolhouses, private family burial plots, century family farms and sturdy farmhouses. Richwood offers a diverse selection of dining and celebration options, and there is a full-service bike shop in Prospect. 

Ride Tips

Selected to minimize traffic engagement and maximize sight lines for safety, this route travels public roads of state, county, and township oversight, and experiences periodic commuter, commercial, and agricultural traffic. In general, but not always: our state roads are smoothly paved and lined two-lane roads with shoulders suitable for bicycles; county roads are lined and two lanes, may not have shoulders, may be smooth paved or chip-sealed; county roads are typically narrower, unlined, chip-sealed roads without shoulders. Bicyclists must be prepared and proficient to ride public roads. Note that cornfields can block lines of sight around bends and intersections. 

Navigation

Download this map to your Ride with GPS mobile app for turn-by-turn guidance during your ride. Click “Send to Device” at the top of the map on this page. Or simply print the map and cue sheet.

Start / Finish

This route begins and ends at beautiful Richwood Lake Park, in Richwood. The community activity center of Richwood, the park features fishing and paddling on the lake, a paved multi-use path, playgrounds, outdoor sports, picnic, and restroom facilities. An alternative start / finish venue further east is the Prospect Community Park in Prospect. 

Special Segment

A local favorite of cyclists, and motorcyclists, are the miles of gentle curves hugging the banks of the Scioto River, the majority of which thread between expansive farm fields and the gently flowing Sciota, where you may spot deer and Bald Eagles. Seasonal flooding may leave some road sections potholed and patched, so vehicles traverse it slowly.

Eat & Drink

Richwood is a well-kept oasis, and not just for its beautiful lake and park. Beneath its laid-back small-town feel is a vibrant community expressing its creative and entrepreneurial energy! Be sure to check out Smoky Bears Grille and Chill or Chef's Parlour for original recipes and cold beverages. Prospect Community Park is true gem as well, and Prospect is home to Pedal & Power Bicycles- a genuine independent bike shop. 

Restrooms

Restrooms can be found in Richwood at the lake park, library, restaurants and convenience stores. In Prospect restrooms can be found at the park, restaurants and convenience stores and Dollar General. In Magnetic Springs there is a porta-potti at the ballpark.

Terrain

There are no gravel roads on this route however newly chipped and sealed roads may have loose small gravel. Low lying secondary roads along Scioto River and Fulton Creek may see seasonal flooding and may have potholes and patches.

Cautions

The following segments are short but deserve added attention.

  • SR4: Two short crossings, with long sightlines.
  • SR37: Periodic commercial, commuter, agricultural use.
  • Low-lying secondary roads along Sciota River and Fulton Creek may see seasonal flooding, potholes, patching.
  • Rural roads may have seasonal agricultural vehicles and visibility at intersections and around curves obscured by cornfields.
  • Railroad crossings are diagonal to road. 

About this Route Evaluation

These notes are provided as general guidance and not intended to replace your own pre-trip research and due diligence. Familiarize yourself with the route beforehand. Avoid periods of anticipated increased traffic. Road conditions are subject to change.