We’re new, but we’re really nice. 😊
We want to provide trail travelers – and everyone – with a place to stay that matched what we look for, but found hard to come by.
Whether you’re traveling by bike, foot, or car, a little piece of home makes the journey easier. That’s what we try to provide.
Our Values
Fairness
We treat everyone with respect; each and every one of our guests is important.
Integrity
We offer an honest product, quality service, and fair value – and our word is our bond.
Dedication
Trying to make it better every day keeps us on target and meeting our guests’ needs.
The Back Story
Gene Pass was one of the originals of the Friend of Madison County Parks & Trails (FMCPT). And a truer friend of trails there has never been.
Alan Knowles, also an early FMCPTer, had often talked with Gene about Loveland, Ohio, and the impact that the Little Miami Scenic Trail has had upon that town. They both felt that London, Ohio, was poised to receive similar benefits from the Ohio to Erie Trail. The location was prime: halfway between Columbus and Xenia.
Gene was willing to back up his beliefs by buying the corner lot (where the London Guest House now stands) just south and west of where the Roberts Pass (named in part for Gene) section of the Ohio to Erie Trail enters London at Maple Street. He dreamed of building some sort of trail enhancements there.
As Gene aged, he knew the project was over his head, so he put the lot up for sale. Shortly before he “moved on to that greater trail,” he made arrangements to sell that parcel of land to Alan. He and his wife, Carolynn, had become “a little bored with retirement.” They discussed plans with Gene to develop this plot of land with a trail-friendly bread & breakfast. Gene was thrilled with this concept.
Alan notes, “Some of my favorite vacations have been bicycle trips. I have planned several for small groups and often found it difficult to book lodging near trails we were riding. Though they may look close on a map, it was frequently daunting to ride to a hotel from the trail. So, Carolynn and I thought that a bed and breakfast or similar would be a great amenity for both our local trail and our town. Plus, it seemed like it might be something we could manage and enjoy.”
Unfortunately, Gene would not be around to see the London Guest House come to be, at least not like we wish he could be. But the handshake deal that he made with Alan was honored by the family after Gene passed, an honor that Alan and Carolynn appreciated beyond words.
We know that as Gene rides that Greater Trail, he sees and smiles at what has been built. In fact, we suspect he may be joining us on the back porch most evenings to enjoy the company of friends and share a few smiles – things he did often.
One of the kindest and most pleasant men to ever travel a trail: Gene Pass.
Ride On, Gene.