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CROWN
Tour de CROWN 2026: Rider Guide
Monday, April 6, 2026 by Caitlin Sparks
The Tour de CROWN returns on Saturday, August 29, 2026!
Presented by Great Parks and Tri-State Trails, this community bike ride is open to all abilities and highlights both existing and future trails in the expanding Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network (CROWN), a vision for Cincinnati’s first-ever urban trail loop that connects our city’s neighborhoods and brings people together across the region.
Over the past three years, hundreds of riders have experienced the growing CROWN firsthand, pedaling through newly completed segments, discovering connections between neighborhoods they didn’t know existed, and helping build momentum for a more connected Cincinnati.
Each year, more riders join us, and in return, they become advocates for a more connected Cincinnati, safer routes from neighborhood to neighborhood, and places where people can come together and feel a sense of belonging.
We’re thankful for everyone who rides with us, volunteers, shares information, and helps grow this movement. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or you’re just getting involved, you’re part of something bigger.
Early bird pricing ends June 6. Register now to save.
Want to learn how the CROWN came to life, and where it’s headed next?
👉 Explore the CROWN StoryMap
Whether this is your first community ride or you’re a regular cyclist and you’ve been riding the Tour de CROWN since 2023, now is the time to get ready so you can enjoy a smooth, safe, and fun day on your bike.
Tour de CROWN riders choose from three distance options, all starting and ending at Fifty West Brewing Company. Each route features rest stops and rider support from Tour de CROWN volunteers. Registration includes a post-ride burger and beverage (beer, soda, or milkshake), plus access to the Tour de CROWN Expo. Best of all: Proceeds support Tri-State Trails’ advocacy for a more connected regional trail and bikeway network.
First Step: Make Sure Your Bike is in Great Shape
Before you roll out, give your bike some care. Check your tires for wear, make sure your brakes work properly, and test your gears. Not sure where to start? Visit your local bike shop or MoBo Bicycle Co-op for a quick tune-up or safety check.
We also highly recommend carrying a few essential tools:
- A spare tube that fits your tires
- A mini-pump or CO2 cartridge
- Tire levers and a multi-tool
Pack Smart for the Ride
We’ll have bananas and Deeper Roots Coffee at the start line to get your day rolling, but once you’re on the route, it’s important to stay fueled and hydrated. Our rest stops are designed mostly for water refills, with limited snacks available, so plan to bring what you need.
Great things to stash in your bag or jersey pocket:
- Trail mix or energy bars
- Electrolyte tablets or chews
- Two filled water bottles
Dress for Comfort + Safety
August will bring the heat, so wear lightweight, breathable clothing that works well for outdoor activity.
Don’t forget:
- A well-fitted helmet (required)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
You might also consider padded shorts, cycling gloves, or whatever helps you stay comfortable over longer distances.
E-Bikes at the Tour de CROWN
E-bikes are welcome at the Tour de CROWN, and we love seeing more people able to ride, explore, and feel comfortable and connected. E-bikes can be a great way to enjoy longer distances, tackle hills like Delta Avenue, or ride alongside friends and family at different pace levels. The goal is for everyone to feel welcome and safe.
Learn more about E-Bike on trails: 👉 Riding E-Bikes on Trails
A few things to keep in mind:
- The Tour de CROWN route primarily uses shared-use trails and low-stress bikeways where Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are a great fit. We encourage riders to choose Class 1 or Class 2 for this event. Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph pedal assist) are not permitted on the route.
- Ride at a comfortable, predictable speed, especially on shared-use trails
- Be mindful when passing and communicate clearly with others on the route
- Make sure your battery is fully charged before the ride. There will not be charging stations along the route
Get to Know Your Route
No matter which ride you choose, it’s important to know your route and expected ride time in advance. All routes have staggered start times, so please arrive 45 minutes to an hour before your start time. Registration opens at 7:00 AM at Fifty West Brewing Company.
All rides will depart from the Fifty West Beer Garden. Look for signage and volunteers to guide you.
Our Tour de CROWN ride guides will lead and sweep pace groups and help with navigation, and all routes are marked with color-coded arrows:
- Yellow for the 34-mile ride
- Pink for the 17.5-mile ride
Official 2026 Tour de CROWN Routes:
The Great Parks Full CROWN (34 miles) – 8:00 AM departure
Find your wild on this 34-mile ride through parks, neighborhoods, bikeways, and trail segments that make up the vision for the CROWN. This route offers a front-row seat to the progress already made and the work still ahead, with several on-road sections where trails are still under development.
The Fifty West Half CROWN (17.5 miles) – 9:00 AM departure
This mid-distance route features major trail segments and a rewarding climb on Delta Avenue. You will experience the Little Miami Scenic Trail, Lunken Airport Loop, Wasson Way, and Murray Path, along with important on-road connections.
Tour de CROWN Beechmont Connector Ride (8.5 miles) – 9:30 AM departure
A welcoming, all-trail option along the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Ride out to the Beechmont Bridge Connector and back, then enjoy the celebration at Fifty West.
Getting to the Start Line
The Tour de CROWN begins and ends at Fifty West Brewing Company, and there are multiple ways to arrive:
- Drive and use nearby parking options
- View our Parking Map
- Bike from home if you’re close
- Park farther away and ride in as a warm-up
- Go multi-modal with Metro, TANK, or a carpool
Know Where to Stop
Restrooms will be open at Fifty West before and after your ride.
If you’re riding the full route, you’ll also find bathrooms along the way at:
- Sawyer Point Rest Stop near the Purple People Bridge
Water stations, thanks to Cincinnati Water Works, will be available at:
- Beechmont Bridge Connector
- Sawyer Point near the Purple People Bridge
- Valley Park in Camp Washington
- Wasson Way at Hyde Park Avenue
Finish with a Party
When you make it back to Fifty West, celebrate your ride with a cold beverage, a burger, and high-fives all around.
The Tour de CROWN Expo is open to the public, so invite your friends, family, and supporters to join. We’ll have live music, on-site t-shirt screen printing, vendors and exhibitors, and the kind of trail-loving community that makes this ride so special.
12th Anniversary Bike Cleveland Fundo
When you register for the Tour de CROWN, you’ll receive a promotional code to ride in the Bike Cleveland Fundo the weekend before, on August 22. It’s a great opportunity to explore another region, connect with new riders, and make the most of your late-August miles.
Ride north, then ride home to Cincinnati. Two rides, one incredible week of biking. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even connect the two using the Ohio to Erie Trail.
