More than 700 cyclists rode last year's Tour de CROWN, and organizers expect similar turnout Aug. 29, when the fourth annual fundraising ride returns to Fifty West Brewing Company on Wooster Pike.
The event supports the Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network, a planned 34-mile trail loop now more than 65% complete. About 24 miles are built, with another six funded for construction, according to Tri-State Trails, which organizes the ride.
East-side riders will recognize the route. The 17.5-mile Half CROWN passes through Wasson Way, the 4.3-mile trail running through Hyde Park and Oakley, before looping around Lunken Airport and climbing Delta Avenue. A water station will sit at Wasson Way and Hyde Park Avenue.
Presenting sponsor Great Parks is widening and repaving the Lunken Airport Loop trail, historically one of the narrowest shared-use paths on the CROWN route, in time for event day. Great Parks is also advancing the planned Oasis Trail between International Friendship Park and Lunken Airport, the Columbia Connector extending the Little Miami Scenic Trail westward toward Mariemont, and the Beechmont Bridge Connector.
"We see people come off the trail and into Fifty West every single day, whether they're running, walking, or riding," Fifty West Brewing Company owner Bobby Slattery said in Tri-State Trails' Aug. 17 partner announcement. "That community is a big part of what makes our Wooster Pike location special, and Tour de CROWN gives us a chance to celebrate it and give a little something back."
Three routes leave from Fifty West: the 34-mile Full CROWN at 8 a.m., the 17.5-mile Half CROWN at 9 a.m. and an 8.5-mile Beechmont Connector Ride at 9:30 a.m. Registration opens at 7 a.m. on event day. Ride-week pricing begins Aug. 24 at TourdeCROWN.org.
Columbia Township will close a lane of U.S. Route 50 on ride day to create a safer connection between Murray Path and the finish line. Reser Bicycle Outfitters will provide mechanical support at registration and two roving mechanics on the route. The Christ Hospital Health Network is staffing rest stops at Sawyer Point and Valley Park along the 34-mile course.
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are welcome. Class 3 e-bikes, with pedal assist up to 28 mph, are not permitted.
After the ride, participants get a burger and beverage at Fifty West, plus the Trail Expo featuring live music, on-site t-shirt screen printing and vendors. The expo is open to the public.
The inaugural ride in 2023 drew 325 cyclists. Since 2019, more than $43.2 million in public funding has been invested in CROWN projects. Looking further ahead, Wasson Way Phase 8 would extend the trail from Ault Park to Armleder Park and connect to Lunken Airport via the Beechmont levee. The City of Cincinnati is expected to fund the $18.5 million project, according to Wasson Way's project page, with ODOT projecting completion in 2031.
Coming up:
- Aug. 24: Ride-week pricing opens at TourdeCROWN.org
- Aug. 29: Tour de CROWN, registration 7 a.m. at Fifty West Brewing Company, 7605 Wooster Pike
