Hinkley and Northern Cuyahoga MetroParks

June 17, 2010

A second trip to Medina, after getting completely through Hinkley Metropark was in order. This time I went with Pat and his daughter Savannah. They had never been in this park before so I showed them the hiking spot too! I must say no matter how many times you see it, it is still beautiful there! It looked as though it was going to pour on us as we pulled in, but the rain held off. First the little hike at Whipps Ledges, took the back way and got up the biggest hill first.Stopped to see the rocks, inscriptions on the rocks, some climbers, and a little wildlife.

Then onto the next Metropark, Mill Stream Run. Roads were getting a little rough. On one curve I ground down one of my Guardian bells!

Raven

My motorcycle is a 2007 Yamaha, VStar Classic (650). When I purchased it, I had just finished my Rider's Edge course through HD. It is my very first bike, never had one except for my regular bike that I would ride on the canals.

I call it Raven, because it is black with so much chrome...raven's like shiney stuff...and it just wants to be out finding new places!

It had 250 miles on it when I purchased it. After riding it for 16 months it now has 8600 miles on it!!! Guess I love to ride. These are the states I have taken Raven through so far.

Canal Fulton evening and the Hinkley and Medina Ride

June 10, 2010 Thursday

After getting all my chores done at home on a sunny day (seeing how I didn't do it yesterday because we attended an impromptu party, but that was more fun than work) went for a little ride to Canal Fulton stopped and sat at the park after walking over to the deli and getting some iced tea. We sat listening to a band at a local hangout. The band was really good. We just sat in front of the museum sipping iced tea, laughing at our jokes, and listening to the good music. It is a fun place to hang...just watching people, lots of bikes too!This is an older pic of the canal boat, there is another one they still use on the canal.

Nice little ride for the evening.

June 11, 2010 Friday

I am sometimes teased that I am only a "fair weather" rider. But that is changed. I was the one chomping at the bit to get this ride in, no matter what the sky looked like. The weather man was wrong again as usual, it was supposed to be sunny and dry, but it was cloudy and sprinkling (we missed all the areas of downpour). Had to stop under a bridge and put on some more gear for a possible downpour. This is what the clouds looked like, they were sort of scary looking.


Traveled up 21 to Copley Rd. and then onto State St.. State Street is really a nice road, so relaxing! It brings you right to the Hinkley Metropark. Parked the bikes and Brian was so excited to see the short staircase leading into the loop hiking trail!

There were only a FEW!


The park of course has some factual information about the rock formations.

The hike was worth it! The rocks were beautiful. It was a little hot and muggy but had a blast, even traveling off the beaten path!

I saw this formation and got a little excited, might find a cave near by!

If there is a cave I will be checking it out! This one wasn't deep at all but cool!


After we get back to the bikes, someone's fuel light comes on. Decide to try to find a local station. This is not a fun thing without maps or a GPS. But after finding this quaint little town Medina, I finally ask a street worker where they keep their gas stations. On the outside of town. This town was well planned and seems to be prosperous, even in today's economy! Gas up and head back into town to find some chow!

The buildings are well kept as is the entire city! I am impressed and want to move here!

Finally find a cafe called the Main Street Cafe. It is a little pricey, but the food, water, and service is awesome! The ambiance just pours out of this building when you enter it! Original brick walls with original paintings from a local artist or old fashioned mirrors, tasteful seating arrangements and table settings, although a little dark it is nice! Their downstairs has a place for a band.

This is the back with the bar area, and this is a pic of the front

They even have a Rally in the Alley, where bands come and play until late in the evening. They were just setting up for that but we were worried about the weather forecast, but will be back next week!

The entire square is very neat and tidy, there is a drinking fountain,

a Gazebo, and stores around the entire square.

Overall the trip was about 100 miles, but the it was really fun to get in some hiking, photographs, good chow, and some sight seeing too! Thought I would have been whipped from the entire day, but managed a couple of games of Putt Putt and lost! So many close shots...just means I need to get my clubs out and go golfing more too!