On October 11, The Taste Adventure crew,  joined by Fred Kindred, Joe Hermann and Mike Egan, convened again in the heart of Loveland to have lunch at one of that area's iconic eateries:  Paxton's Grill, literally just across the street from the Bike Trail.  Aware of the place's well-deserved popularity, we met up early at 11:30, hoping to snag a coveted outdoor table on the snug patio just a few feet away from Loveland's main street.  While our efforts were rewarded, and the weather was glorious, unfortunately the dining experience was marred by a seemingly ceaseless convoy of HUGE dump trucks rumbling by, often drowning out any attempt at normal conversation. 

While obtrusive traffic noise was exasperating, Paxton's food, as expected, was delightful compensation.  The multi-page menu truly offered "something for everyone"—from appetizers to soups to salads to sandwiches to burgers to wraps to platters to kids' meals to desserts—and even vegetarian choices!  (While primarily lunch and dinner oriented, Paxton's even serves breakfast on the weekends.)  With such a broad spectrum of choices, the group took some time deciding, so a dozen chicken wings were ordered for the table, and some of us took advantage of the various craft beers on draft at the full bar.  The tasty wings didn’t last long.

For the main event, Fred ordered a bowl of white chicken chili, and was pleased with it.  Mike chose a Cuban panini (pulled pork, ham and pepperjack cheese on grilled ciabatta bread) with waffle fries ($1.50 extra for the fries in place of the standard chips), and was a happy man.  A bit more conservative, Joe went for the fish sandwich (two cod fillets on grilled rye) which he found delightful.  John, a native Cincinnatian, tried the unique goetta sandwich (grilled, on rye bread with melted Swiss cheese and grilled onions) with waffle fries, and found it exceeded his expectations.  George, intrigued by the Bleu Boy (thinly sliced roast beef topped by roasted tomatoes, shallots, mushrooms and blue cheese crumbles in a balsamic glaze served on a baguette), gave it a try, and was considerably relieved to discover that it tasted far better than it looked.  All five members of the group felt their respective meals were excellent, and well worth the moderate prices charged.  Service was consistently brisk and friendly.

Everyone in the group had eaten before at Paxton's, so there were no surprises; we all agreed it was one of the best restaurants the Trail Taste Adventure had yet visited.  Factoring in food quality, breadth of choice, reasonable prices, proximity to the trail, excellence of service, availability of outdoor seating and offerings of craft beers on draft, it well deserves 4 1/2 bells.

Paxton’s Grill
126 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland
Phone:  513/583-1717
Website: paxtonsgrill.com
Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 11 am to 10 pm; Fri. 11 am to 11 pm; Sat. 8 am to 11 pm; Sun. 8 am to 9 pm 

October 2017

On October 4 John and George, joined by Rod Gossett, Don Hahn, Fred Kindred and Pete Hostetter, ventured into the heart of restaurant-rich Loveland to enjoy outdoor dining at Bike Trail Junction (BTJ) at the location previously occupied by Julian's before a recent fire devastated the entire city block. (BTJ is owned and operated by the owners of Paxton's Grill, directly across the Trail.)  Currently BTJ is offering only outdoor seating and a relatively limited (but quite adequate) menu. The umbrella-shaded tables and a sheltered eating area afford comfortable outdoor dining for as long as reasonable weather conditions persist.  Proximity to the Trail is unrivaled; tables are only perhaps 15 feet from the edge of the Trail, and extensive bike racks occupy the space in between. Traffic noise from Loveland's nearby main street can be obtrusive and annoying at times, particularly when heavy trucks and Harley riders come through.

Three alcoholic beverages are available on draft (an IPA, a stout and a cider), with numerous others coming in cans and bottles. The moderately priced menu is sandwich-oriented, but salads are available, as well as "kids' dishes" such as PB&J, burgers and hot dogs.  Rod picked an Italian sausage sandwich with peppers on a uniquely spiced bun, all of which he found delightful. Fred opted for a tuna salad sandwich, and enjoyed both the quality and quantity. John, to the surprise of many, did NOT order his usual burger; rather, he chose a BLT wrap, and was very happy with it. Don, Dr. Pete and George all went for grouper sandwiches, which were available either grilled or blackened.  Everyone except George commented on the exceptional quality of the breads and buns used in their sandwiches (he didn't eat his, preferring to get his carbs from IPAs). Service was prompt, cheerful and efficient.

Overall, John and George felt the combination of BTJ's exceptional food quality and quantity, comfortable atmosphere, great service, reasonable prices and exceptional Trail proximity merited awarding 4 bells.

Bike Trail Junction
200 West Loveland Avenue, Loveland, OH
Phone: 513/239-5040
Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun. 11 AM to 9 PM

Oct. 2017

In September 40 cyclists from eight states participated in the fourth annual OTET Adventure Ride. Setting out from Cincinnati’s Public Landing with the Ohio River lapping at our rear tires, we pedaled for seven days before dipping our front tires in Lake Erie at Cleveland’s Edgewater Park.

The Little Miami State Park is an integral part of the 326-mile Ohio-to-Erie Trail (OTET)that crosses the state from southwest to northeast. Stitching together some 22 trails, many of them rail-to-trail conversions like the Little Miami Scenic Trail, the Ohio-to-Erie Trail follows rivers, creeks and old canal towpaths through some of the state’s most attractive settings. The weather this year enhanced the ride by providing a week of sunshine and early-fall temperatures.

In keeping with OTET’s mantra, “It’s a ride, not a race,” some of us explored small towns, historic sites, parks and museums along the way, while others stopped at microbreweries, restaurants and ice-cream stands near the trail. Local color and historical context was provided by fellow rider Mark Looney, author of A Path Through Ohio.

The well-organized ride was staffed by a team of volunteers who know the trail well. Motel reservations were made at group discount rates; luggage was transferred seamlessly between the motels where hearty breakfasts were laid on for the riders; SAGs with drinks and snacks were strategically located; Mike Groeber of Bicycle Revival shadowed the ride with a trailer stocked with tools, parts, and accessories. At the end of the ride we were treated to lunch at the Edgewater Yacht Club before mini-vans and a U-Haul truck returned riders, bikes, and luggage to Cincinnati.

Traveling independently during the day, we gathered for 6:00pm meetings to review the day’s ride and preview the next segment. Despite diverse backgrounds and equipment (tandems, recumbents, hybrids, touring bikes, even the odd e-bike), the group proved most convivial, getting to know one another by sharing meals and stories of other long-distance rides. Several riders commented on how impressed they were with the Little Miami Scenic Trail portion of the ride.

The Adventure Ride benefits the OTET Fund which uses the proceeds to match local jurisdictions’ funding for trail extensions and improvements. Information about the Adventure Ride can be found at OhiotoErieTrail.org. Not interested in a sponsored ride? A touring guide developed by OTET providing detailed maps of the entire route is available through the website and at several local bike shops.

(FLMSP member Phil Obermiller participated in the 2017 OTET Adventure Ride on his trusty e-bike, “Lance,” named after another avid cyclist who also needed a bit of assist.)

Sept. 2017