2026 Cleves Time Trial Series

[Patrick McMullen]

Dear Queen City Wheels Members,

The 2026 edition of the Queen City Wheels Cleves Time Trial Series is now officially underway!

Last night marked the start of our 53rd consecutive year producing and sponsoring this incredible event every Tuesday evening from May through September.

This is the longest continuing Time Trial Series in the country (if not the world!).  If you haven’t found the time to experience this adrenaline rush in the last 52 years, then now is the time to come out and see what you’ve been missing!  Most importantly, a time trial is a great way to measure the improvement in your overall fitness on the bike over a specific period of time.  Many riders come out early in the season in order to establish a starting point toward their goals for the year.  And please don’t assume that you need an aero bike to participate.  Many riders tackle this course every week with a standard road bike, a hybrid, a gravel bike, an HPV or even a tandem!  Remember, this is a training series.  You are competing first and foremost against yourself, not others!  But be sure to invite your cycling friends to join you!!!    

For those of you coming out for the first time, please make note of the following:

1. This is a 10.23 mile “horseshoe” shaped course which begins in Cleves and ends in North Bend, OH.  You will stay on the same road.  There are no turns, stop signs, or traffic lights (you can’t get lost!).  However, the road is NOT closed to traffic.  Although this is not a busy road, riders must be wary of motorists and obey all traffic laws.     
2. Remember!  We are guests of the Villages of Cleves and North Bend.  Please treat the neighbors and motorists with your usual courtesy and respect.  We do not want to in any way jeopardize the good will that we have earned in this rural community over the years.  Admittedly, there have been no issues to my knowledge in the past!
3. There is no parking available at the start line.  Riders are encouraged to park in the gravel lot near the Harrison’s Tomb Monument at the intersection of Brower & Cliff Rd. and then warm up by riding to the start line (which is located at Miamiview & Mt. Nebo Rd).  
4. We begin checking riders in at the start line at 6:30 PM with the first rider going off at 7:00 sharp.  All participants should be checked in by 6:45.  Anyone checking in after 6:45 will be assigned a start number at the discretion of the official handling that night’s event.
5. This event will take place regardless of any prevailing rain, snow, hurricane force wind, or sunny skies in the area.  However, lightning in the area could possibly delay the start.
6. For those who haven’t been out in a few years… it is no longer necessary to sign up in advance to race at Cleves.  The only requirement is that you be a current (2026) Queen City Wheels member.  Your membership provides QCW with liability insurance, so we will confirm your membership at the start line.  You can join or renew your 2026 membership on BikeReg.  
7. Ginny Lenahan has graciously offered to assist at the Start/Finish line again this year.  If any others are available to volunteer on specific nights during the season, just let us know.  It will be greatly appreciated.
8. Finish times will be provided to all riders shortly after the final rider crosses the finish line.  In addition, it is our intention to publish weekly results to the QCW Membership Google E-Mail Group within 48 hours. 

Should you have any additional questions about the event, please feel free to visit the QCW website or contact me directly.  In the meantime, we will be looking forward to seeing everyone (and renewing friendships from last season) beginning next Tuesday evening at Cleves! 

            

            Pat McMullen

            pmcmul...@gmail.com

            (513) 314-9295