Barnstorming & Bicycling in Western Ohio

Dayton, Ohio – April 21, 2008 – Barnstorming brings to mind the era when colorful open cockpit biplanes took to the skies over the farmlands, performing daring aerobatic stunts that included loops, rolls and flying low over open fields, swooping down and almost touching barn roofs in “Waldo Pepper” style.  Today, a different sort of “barnstorming” can be experienced in the rural landscapes via automobile, motorcycle or bicycle.  The Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau offers an exciting program designed to connect the rural countryside and lovely historic downtown communities, stitched together with a colorful patchwork of painted Barn Quilts. 

Barns represent ties to the rural life, a reflection of our history and agricultural heritage.  The purpose of this unusual tour is to promote and celebrate the unique rural and agricultural experience.  Barns are hand painted with true folk-art renditions of traditional quilt patterns, 8 X 8 foot squares that dot the scenic landscapes as visitors make their way from town to town.  It celebrates quilting as a traditional artform as well as offering an appreciation of the architecture of farm buildings.  The trend is growing, capturing the spirit of the heritage traveler.  

The original concept is credited to Donna Sue Groves of Adams County, Ohio.  In 2001, she created a way to honor her Mother, an expert quilter, with the idea to paint quilt squares on Adams County barns, which would also highlight the shared heritage of the Appalachian region.  The idea caught on like wild fire, and her dream of linking that region has expanded into many other states, creating a large network of barn quilt enthusiasts. 

The timing of the Miami County VCB project, which began in spring of 2006, coincided with the Miami County Bicentennial in 2007, and each of the original barns that were painted carried the Bicentennial designation.  Within Miami County alone, visitors can view over 56 barns.  The Barn Quilt Tour is truly a tourist attraction on its own, and bicyclists are encouraged to make it a 2-day, overnight tour.  Along the way, traveling at a leisurely pace, visitors will find historic communities such as Piqua, Tipp City, Troy, Covington and West Milton – each featuring their own quaint downtowns offering unique shopping and dining experiences, as well as historical and heritage attractions, most with quality accommodations.   For more information go to www.visitmiamicounty.org. 

Those experiencing the Barn Quilt Tour by bicycle will find a real treat at the Bicycle Museum of America in beautiful downtown New Bremen in Auglaize County, just a short drive from Piqua.  The Museum holds one of the world’s largest collections of bicycles – from the very first bicycle of 1816 to the high-tech mountain and racing bicycles of today.  Bicycle enthusiasts from around the world have visited here, and Arts and Antiques Magazine  picked the Bicycle Museum of America as one of the “100 Top Treasures” to see in the U.S and Canada.  Find out more at  www.bicyclemuseum.com.

Additional bicycle rides and races:

Indian Lake Fireworks FUNd Ride & Run in Logan County on June 7.  For more information, call 888-564-2626.

15^th Annual Firecracker Century Bike Tour in Van Wert County on July 4.  For more information, call Greg Gamble @419-495-4226 or go to www.vanwert.com/museum.

Annie Oakley Bike Tour in Darke County on July 20.  For more information, call Roger Bowersock at 937-417-5772 or go to info@colavitaohiocycling.com or http://www.colavitaohiocycling.com.

US Cycling Federation Ohio State Junior Road Race Championship in Logan County on August 16.  Go to www.Team-COBC.com.

Tour de Donut in Darke County on September 6.  For more information, call Roger Bowersock at 937-417-5772 or go to info@colavitaohiocycling.com or http://www.colavitaohiocycling.com.

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