In Englewood, northwest of Dayton, native Brian Verburg turns the bike wrenches at Chain Reaction Ride Shop, located just behind a historical downtown mural. It feels as if you could step right into the picture, and into another time.
Six years ago, a bicyclist traveling the length of the National Road had the good fortune of irreparably damaging a bike wheel in Englewood. The cyclist stayed in a hotel and Verburg stayed in his workshop, lacing up a new wheel overnight.
From downtown, follow U.S. Rte. 40 east over the treetops and across Englewood Dam — the largest in the Miami Conservancy District — to Englewood MetroPark. Even the most valiant road warrior needs to stretch his or her legs, and this 1,900-acre park, with 20 miles of hiking trails and three waterfalls, is the place to do it. Here you’ll find a remnant swamp forest — a State Natural Landmark — where a boardwalk leads to a stand of uncommon Ohio trees, including the pumpkin ash.
Chain Reaction Ride Shop, 9 N. Main St., Englewood, 937/832-BIKE Englewood MetroPark, U.S. Rte. 40 between Englewood and Vandalia, 937-275-PARK.
www.metroparks.org