In this episode, I set off from North Vernon, Indiana, and enjoy five more days on the Bike Nonstop route. After crossing into Ohio, I experienced a few stressful miles on busy roads leading into Cincinnati, but found refuge in a city-center hotel for the night. The next day, I’m joined by John, who rides with me through the rest of Ohio.
Ohio turns out to be a real gem for cycling, especially with its quiet roads and incredible rail trails. We hit another trail on day two, and I’m lucky enough to meet even more friendly locals, some joining for lunch, others hopping on their bikes to ride alongside me. The people I meet really make this leg of the journey special. From riding through towns like Hopkinsville and London, to reaching Columbus, it’s been a mix of great cycling and warm encounters.
In Howard, we even meet a guy riding an electric unicycle, which had me feeling pretty envious—it was an amazing machine! After riding through Millersburg, where I met an Amish man and saw horse and buggys everywhere, I was reminded just how varied and unique this journey can be. As I close in on the Ohio border and end this video in New Cumberland, I can’t help but reflect on what a fantastic state Ohio has been to ride through. The peaceful trails were a welcome relief, but it’s the generosity and friendliness of the people I met along the way that made this part of the trip so memorable.
Thank you for watching, if you enjoyed this video please consider subscribing.
Links
Ko-fi (If you want to support the channel): https://ko-fi.com/matryder
Garmin in-reach location:
https://share.garmin.com/share/matryder
Bike Nonstop route:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41260633
My email:
matryder2@gmail.com
39 Comments
Everytime you drink a beer, I just eat a pot gummie. Cheers! (the ride through Ohio looks amazing).
Great video the unicycle rider that was crazy fast ROLL ON 🚴🚴
Matt, I've been following you across the US. I was sorry to hear you wouldn't be joining me on the BC Epic 1000. I did roughly 600k of it (Penticton to Kimberley) this summer. It was scorching with highs up to 40C (104F). The heat made us switch from camping to motels so we could get on the road by 6 am at the latest. The big day was climbing Gray Creek Pass (5,000 feet of climbing in10 miles). The bad news was that the descent on the other side was steep and very rocky. Basically, you picked your way down standing on the brakes. We went up the climb almost as fast as we went down it. The descent was brutal.
I'm hoping to do the GDMBR next year. I will likely split it into two sections, half for 2025 and the other half for 2026. Then maybe the Great Northern Bikepacking Route (GNBR). It is over 2,300 km (1,400 miles) and 35,000 meters (115,000 feet) of climbing. It includes some of the BC Epic 1000.
Best to you on your current journey
Can't believe how many old guys (like me) watch your videos and provide you free beer and burgers along the way. Amazing. Ohio was pretty beautiful.
OH is underrated!
One of my favorite states!
Full of fun things!
Lots of places to go and unique things to see
Great people!
I've crossed Ohio 3 times and never used the Erie trail you took. I must check it out.
What a contrast to all those solo miles out west. How do you drink beer and ride so far? I'd be asleep on a trail side bench for sure.
I just looked and missed you coming through NJ! Amazing videos!
Simply lovely! Beautiful scenery and trails, and great people. Glad you had such good weather. Your daily mileage is pretty amazing! Have so enjoyed following the journey. Happy trails!
Ohio really showed out and took care of you, glad to see that from my fellow cycling Americans
So happy you made it to Manhattan. Congrats on finishing. This was another great video. Cheers
Think you matt great movie 🎉
Mat another amazing video. You have built quite a following. You're such an inspiration. Question, how do you edit your videos? What do you do with all your extra footage after you post it to YouTube?
I grew up in Dayton, Ohio and I can't tell you how much joy I get from seeing you enjoy riding the trails I grew up riding endlessly. They're fantastic trails and I'm so happy you had a good time riding. I'll ride with you next time!
My favorite video so far! Right up there with your Old Faithful video! Thx!
Seems you have hit the good life.👍
Another super enjoyable ride along with Mat! Thanks again!!
You seem the happiest in this episode so far, you've got your grin back, you're obviously a people person
So fun to watch… The Ohio Pub Crawl and all the great people supporting you! That VooDoo Ranger beer will make you forget which bag your Sour Patch kids are in. 😂 or which bike is yours!
Matt you must come to San Diego. IPA Capitol of the world. Although our bike paths are not as wonderful as the one you were on last week.
Very much enjoying this video series. Great work.
Hi Mat, love the videos. It’s great to see you so relaxed and happy in this one.
Another great video Matt, think I'm going to have withdrawal symptoms soon when there's no video coming😢. Its great to see so many kind people on your travels.
Off topic but what drone are you using?
I’ve selfishly watched all these and never commented as I get sucked in and forget. Time to change that! Another excellent chapter of your journey. I am taking so much inspiration from your videos and Im looking forward to my own adventure the opposite way (Washington DC to Astoria) next year – thanks Mat! 😊
I can see why you enjoyed Ohio so much. The trails do look fantastic. " the pied piper of Ohio " and "Forest Gumps runners" hilariously accurate.
Another great installment! Lots of those Ohio trails look amazing.
This has become the single best series I have watched this year. I remember Mat deliberating over this route and lack of information. Multiple people including myself said The People will help not really knowing exactly what that meant. Now we know! The people of Ohio sure delivered along with every state he’s been through. Sometimes I get a tear in my eye watching the generosity.
Cincinnati looks VERY cool, the design is superb. Ohio looks like a great state, from the old to the new, great to see.
Again the American people come across as a great bunch, positive, kind, up for a challenge, LOVE IT!
Good to see you doing well Mat, you are cracking through those miles, is the "backside" fettled?
All best!
What a super few days…..I love my visits to US….im out there in November….friendly folks and generous too 😉🇬🇧🇺🇸 ✊
I noticed it in the last video as much as this; think you’re getting sun burnt on one side of your face. Right side me thinks
This video could have been called the Ohio beer tour, lol! Such kind and generous folks through Ohio.
I've lived my whole life in Ohio. I'm glad you got to experience it and even happier it went well. I just got into quad copters, which just got me back on my back after decades, and these videos showed me trails I really didn't know existed here. This motivates me to explore my own backyard, so thank you for that in addition to your wonderful content.
This was the best one yet. Michelle, my wife loves it as much. She keeps saying, ‘it’s so lovely, aren’t people so nice.’ I agree. Your videos restore our faith in humanity. You made the people and scenery in Ohio very beautiful. Keep going with the great content , Mat and Ross. Still loving it. 👍🏻🚴😀
I'm so glad I found your channel… Awesome stuff… I love how much you're able to capture!! Love the bridges. Wishing you many more miles on the peddles.
Mat, consider riding the Western Wildlands Route in the future as it includes parts of the Arizona Trail.
You meet the nicest people on two wheels.
Great video! Couple of Canadian (old) lads looking to head down and do a bit of riding; what’s the best way to get in touch?
Cincy is a midwest town not an eastern town. That room you got has to be 200 a nite that close to the stadium.
I throw them a dog cookie, it works everytime. Even the nasty ones.
Mate more inspiring content with good old British dry humour 😂. Get some bacon and egg down you, your looking skinny 🇬🇧🇬🇧