Hit the Trail at Beans Bike Park
Well, when we're talking about "us" - hikers, bikers, and conservationists -- the answer is no. Not on the same piece of land, anyway.
Since I have one foot in each group (hm, that means I have three feet, doesn't it?), I was awfully glad to find out about Beans Bike Park. The Beans crew built motocross and mountain bike trails in Dennison, made up some rules, and opened to the public on Memorial Day Weekend. What can I say except WHEEEeeeeeee!? This is a fun place and a great idea.
What's so great about it? Well, my inner child is thrilled that there's a place I can actually get to use my "mountain" bike for something other than jumping speed bumps around the neighborhood. The conservationist in me is happy, because now when I chase bikers off the "foot traffic only" trails in the metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, I can tell them to take their bikes to Beans. Finally, I think Beans is great because it's about time someone used open land to make money -- without putting up another housing development or shopping plaza.
You may find a lot more reasons to love Beans. Parents, for example, will like the no-nonsense rules. (And let's face it, rules like this won't stand in the way of any fun). There are seven basic rules for open riding, and rule #1 is "Must have helmet, no exceptions!!" No alcohol or drugs are permitted in the park, either. (I like the way these guys think.)
The park is open 365 days a year, and overnight camping and night riding privileges may be obtained on occasion; this is at the owner's discretion.
Admission is $4 per rider, per day. Kids under 3 and adults over 90 years old pay 1/2 price. At these prices, they're not exactly greedy capitalists, are they? Actually, the folks at Beans say they're more interested in furthering the sport and providing a safe and fun place to ride. "We love our sport and the Ohio MTBR Scene - but were starving for a new place to ride and explore and want to share our trails with everyone, not necessarily make huge piles of cash - although that would help us cover expenses and develop new trails," says Ken Frankenberry of Beans Bike Park.
At Beans, we can all get along. Even Motocross and mountain bikers (on separate tracks, that is.)
The copyright of the article Hit the Trail at Beans Bike Park in Ohio is owned by Diane Stresing. Permission to republish Hit the Trail at Beans Bike Park in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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