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When the road beckons |
Portage Path takes a tour of Akron along an 11-mile loop. It has great scenery and most of the pavement is smooth, which gives it great potential for a high average speed. That said, when you are in Sand Run Metro Park, take caution a quarter of a mile after the Mingo pavilion; there is a slight rise in the road and a stream crossing. It comes up suddenly and can take down a rider, especially if he or she is using slick tires.
Getting There
Leave Cleveland headed south on I-77 and drive about 26 miles before reaching the intersection with Copley Road (State Route 261) and I-76. Exit I-77 and take a left onto Copley Road. Approximately two miles down Copley Road, look for the beginning of Portage Path on the left. There are many free parking lots near the start including one near the John Brown Home and Perkins Mansion.
The Ride
Opening the ride is a one-mile downhill down Portage path. Continue on Portage Path until about three miles into the ride, then turn left into Sand Run Metro Park. You will curve through the park and begin another one-mile downhill that is very twisty. Exactly halfway through the ride (5.5 miles), turn left onto Sand Run Road. This is the longest climb of the loop.
After about a mile, turn onto Wiltshire Road, and then turn right at North Hawkins. North Hawkins can sometimes have some heavy traffic, but motorists are usually friendly to cyclists. Turn right at the stop sign, head through the traffic circle, and continue on South Hawkins. You'll turn left and climb up Copley Road until it intersects Portage Path, where the tour began.
Article and photographs © Joseph Holmes, 2000
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