blackdiamondmike

I've built three houses for myself in the last decade and a few others for other people. When I say "I built", I mean that I surveyed the lot, hammered every nail, hung every sheet of drywall, wired, plumbed, layed carpet and tile, EVERYTHING. The only contractors I use are HVAC and insulation installers because they typically can do the whole job for less than I pay for materials. I'll also get help with roof shingles and concrete flatwork and basement walls. I'm not licensed in any field and the state and county are fine with that as long as my name is on the deed. Like others have said, it's an incredible amount of work and hard to invision the process. It seems like you may not have the skills to literally build it yourself. If that's the case, you definately want a GC. It is hard to manage subs and as an owner-builder, they won't take you as seriously or give their best rates. I found the local inspectors to be very helpful. You may want to pick their brains for a good local GC. Seconding others when it comes to: put in a basement!, use mid-range finishes/fixtures/cabinets/windows/etc

Nice video, Luke! Thanks for leading a great ride around some nice new-to-me roads. -Mike

Thrashing Trails is a pay-to-ride place between Xenia and Fairborn in Greene County. Zoning rules prevent him from advertising or putting up a sign. I think he has to call it a club and charge a $5 membership fee and its $15 to ride. Honestly it isn't that great but it does have some hills and creeks over about 120 acres. I see you have a ktm 450. He does't allow motocross bikes, loud quads, or aftermarket pipes on bikes. He puts ads on craiglistdayton.org every few days in the rv section with contact info.-Mike

I also live in Beavercreek and I saw a blue xt 225 one morning last week on Indian ripple road. Was that you? I live right off Indian ripple and ride a yamaha wr250r and a KLR 650. I've been to thrashing trails a couple times and like to ride dirt. Next time you go let me know and I'll join you. I'm always up for dual sport rides. -Mike

I was out riding today some roads that are popular among bikers and I believe part of a commonly ridden loop by Ohio-riders and found a lot of fresh chip seal work in Warren County. Some of the roads off Cornstalk, the northern part of Corwin Rd, some roads around the little miami river and Cedar hill rd have all been ruined with chip seal. I ride corwin rd all the time and thought it was in good condition, but this morning it was like riding on marbles. I'm sure it will improve with time and compaction but I'm a little ticked off. Why would Warren county ( one of the wealthiest and fastest growing counties in Ohio) resort to chip sealing?

I think I know the area on hilltop rd that you're talking about. If you take Hawkins rd (near kil kare) to ford rd, it will take you to the backside of that area. The city of xenia owns some of it and the little miami river is back there. Went back there a couple weeks ago to explore, but saw some xenia workers so I left. I don't know if there are are trails back there, but it is secluded. Some of it is posted as a police firing range so watch out!

You may want to try a place called "Thrashing Trails". I see you live in beavercreek (so do I). It's a pay-to-ride place next to greene county career center. It's $10 a day on sat and sun for about 150 acres of trails. It isn't marked, but it's 2 or 3 driveways north of the school and there's an old water truck out by the road. It's a good place for a beginner as long as it isn't muddy. I know a few trails in beavercreek and fairborn (not legal) but they aren't worth the risk of trespassing charges.

Thanks for organizing a great ride. Lots a good riders on a wide variety of bikes. Had a great time!