Larry, a Campfire Partner, and his family had ridden the Monon Trail before and were excited to share it. When the Scheunemanns found themselves planning to be in the Indianapolis area for the 4th of July weekend plans went into action. Larry transported the eight bikes we needed from Champaign County to the Rohrer Road access point. Four adults and four kids geared up and lathered on sunscreen. Then they were off!
MONON TRAIL – INDIANA
Out & Back from Monon Trial Access – Rohrer Road
Lunch Stop: HopCat – Broad Ripple
Ice Cream Stop: Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream – Carmel
Biked: 18.4-miles
When’s lunch?
A bit into the ride the riders started talking about lunch. One of the Stephens’ boys suggested HopCat in Broad Ripple. They now had a destination. Jarrod and Jessie find it key to have a halfway destination when they hike – and this adventure was no different. The group was able to use this future place of rest as motivation. The bikers could cheer each other on to an endpoint, even when the endpoint was only half of the day’s ride.
Mostly Flat – Easy to Navigate
The crew ebbed and flowed by one another mile after mile. The trail was wide and easy to navigate making riding alongside each other while talking effortlessly. The group welcomed the shade plus there was incline and decline at times to create interest. Trail users easily found restrooms and maintenance tools along the trail too.
Eateries Broke Up the Monon Trail Nicely
After biking slightly over nine miles the group reached their lunch destination. After locking up the bikes, the travelers went inside HopCat and enjoyed their food with a side of good conversation. Knowing the kids (and maybe the adults too!) would have tired legs on the way back to the vehicles they decided to stop at Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream for their final pick-me-up in Carmel.
Carmelfest – The Final Stretch
Carmel was having their 4th of July festival, CarmelFest, and the Monon Trail went right through the festivities. Bikers were greeted with signs to dismount and festival goers walking along the trail.
The adventurers arrived back at the Rohrer Point access point with 18.4-miles recorded on their bikes. This was the longest bike ride the Scheunemann kids have completed to date. Everyone is excited about the next bike trail adventure!
You Can Never Have Too Much Ice Cream!
The night before the ride the Scheunemanns enjoyed ice cream at BRICS, also on the Monon Trail, with friends who live in the area. You can never have too much ice cream in the summertime!
