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Cleveland Heights Ravine
3 reviews
3.33 of 5
This is a locally maintained trail running on either side of Doan Brook, a local rainwater fed river that feeds into Lake Erie. These trails provide a haven for bikers in the area as they are accessible by bike from the Eastern suburbs of Cleveland. The trails themselves are not perfectly linked, but with some knowledge of the area and some creative riding, can easily be linked into a very technically and athletically challenging ~5 mile loop. Rocks, roots, small hills, loose terrain, fallen trees, river crossings and off-camber riding are packed almost non-stop into this loop.
Summary: Much more difficult than I originally predicted. This trail mirrors the Doan Brook from Coventry Rd. almost all the way to MLK. Its a pretty challenging ride (don't take your eyes off the trail for a second) but very broken up to a first time rider. Near the middle, there is a rock garden for some good technical riding and the singletrack gets very tight in spots. Also, do not ride after any rainfall. This trail is practically covered with roots and most of it is on a downgrade- tire slippage everywhere. Overall, nothing to write home about but a solid trail to boost your bike confidence and trail awareness.
Recommended Route: If your not familiar with the area, don't try to find the other half of the trail off MLK. You'll just get lost and have to ride back up the grueling ramp to N. Park rd. Do yourself a favor and just follow the trail back around the opposite side of the Doan Brook. Probably about a 2 1/2 mile ride total.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Ohio and Erie Canal
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Summary: I would say the flow on these trails is piss-poor, except that if your piss flowed this badly, you'd see a urologist -- or grab an M-80 and a lighter and DIY. On the other hand, this collection of parallel layers of singletrack gives beaucoups enjoyment and will challenge every single rider technically. Rule of thumb: If the trail is visible, it's probably beginner-level. Deeper in the ravine, the difficuty level shoots up. I imagine Ned Overend would do a good bit of hike-a-bike.
Unfortunately, the guys who think they own this track (some of which dates to WPA era) brag about being "old-skool" IMBA-haters, so they're into 40% grades and fall lines "protected" from erosion by thick humus instead of good trail-building. It's a shame, but they do it on purpose, to try to keep usage down and shield their semi-legal trails from discovery.
Recommended Route: Look for an opening in the brush on the west side of Coventry, just south of North Park. More advanced riders will turn left after entering the trail.
Farther down, where the sheet gets serious, you'll enter off MLK, in between the Cleveland Clinic building to the left and the retention-dam clearing to the right. Follow trails on the south side of the gorge, or cross the dam and find more over there.
Other recommended trails in the same area: None. That's the problem with Cleveland: Legal trails are 40 min. away.
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Summary: been there, good stuff plus its close to my house. not the best in ohio, but thumbs up for those who keep it up, great job. a mix of everything-rocks, roots, descents, climbs. just don't ride it if sloppy or wet
Recommended Route: start at the southern end
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3.33 of 5
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