The change of seasons offers many opportunities to get out and go — especially if you like to bike. In early spring, for example, we are reminded to clean up our bikes when we receive our Ohio Bicycle Federation events calendar, our Crankmail newsletter, and email reminders of annual bike rides. Here are some of our favorites — add yours to the list:

Spring in-town rides:

Walk (4.5 miles) or bike (10, 20 or 30 miles) to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for EarthFest, April 23 — The route starts and ends at the zoo, and money raised supports Earth Day Coalition. Participate and get into the zoo for free for Earth Day. New this year: ride your bike to Earthfest and use the free, secure, valet bicycle parking provided by the Ohio City Bicycle Coop (at the Hippo Lot behind the Rainforest). For more information contact 216-281-6468 or go here.

Bike from Ohio City to the lovely Stanford Hostel in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, May 6th — Spend the evening hiking, playing Frisbee, cooking out and relaxing under the stars before the hostel’s annual pancake breakfast on Sunday morning.

See parts of the Industrial Flats you’ve probably never seen and then enjoy the early signs of spring from the flat, paved ride on the Towpath (the hostel is near Peninsula right off the Towpath). If you’re interested in biking, email John McGovern.

If you don't want to bike but would like to come down to the hostel on Saturday for all of the fun, you can spend the night at the Hostel for under $20.

And if you're not up for a night at the hostel, bike or drive down on Sunday and join us between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the pancakes! It's $8/adult and $4/children 10 and under. Eat lots of pancakes, local maple syrup and sausages. This is the major fundraiser of the year for the Stanford Hostel/Northeast Ohio Council of Hostelling International

Bike to and hike the dike, May 20 — Get the whole family on the Lakefront bikeway or the bike path in Rockefeller Park and end with a rare hike on Dike 14, Cleveland's unique lakefront nature preserve! You will see a variety of migrating birds and perhaps other elusive wildlife, along with one of the best views in Cleveland. For more information.

Spring out-of-town tours:

Ohio Spring Tour, April 23 — An early season tour of 25/50/64 flat miles starting in Amherst. Get your blood moving, test your conditioning. Visits many historic towns and villages in Lorain County. Go here for more information.

Pedal with Pete, May 20 — A full-service fundraiser benefitting cerebral palsy research starting in Kent. Routes are 17/50/60 flat to rolling miles. The 60-miler has scenic, rolling hills and some challenging climbs. For more information.

Sunday in June, June 11 — A scenic bikeride through the Amish countryside starting at Century Village, Burton. Routes are 25/50/62/100 miles. Also, snacks, lunch and live entertainment. For more information, call 440-975-9744.

Summer in-town rides:

Rail 'n Trail Bicycle Tour, August 13 — Combine a scenic train trip down through the Cuyahoga Valley with a leisurely bike trip back on the Towpath Trail - two great ways to see the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Board the Cuyahoga Valley Express (porters will load your bike) and ride in comfort to North Station in Akron. Then cycle back, with a stop off at the Stanford Hostel for a spaghetti lunch. Go here to register.

Resources
Crankmail's Ten Best Rides in Cleveland