Loveland, Ohio

Loveland is a former river-and-railroad town that is re-emerging as a center of the Northeast suburbs of Cincinnati.

Construction of a rails-to-trails bicycle path along the Scenic Little Miami, ironically, laid the foundation for this re-emergence. The paved portion of the trail extends 62 miles from Milford to Yellow Springs and beyond. Historic Loveland features several antiques shops, including one that recognizes the importance of the trail.

Loveland got a taste for staging a major cycling event in 1997 with the Tour de Loveland. The 3000 people in attendence, mostly new to cycle racing, clearly enjoyed the blur of brightly colored jerseys, the whir of chains and sprockets, and the amazing speeds at which these professional cyclists maneuvered around the tight course. The crowds were equally well-rewarded with the 1998 National Criterium Championships.

Loveland's heart-shaped logo depicts the Little Miami River and the Bike Trail. The three clouds represent the three counties that share the "Sweetheart of Ohio".