Jan 25 2013

Minneapolis Midtown Greenway

Commuting Trails & Recreational Trails

denver trails

Platte River Trail

Trails are fantastic recreational resources that help people get outdoors, stay in shape and have lots of fun. But it’s important to note that trails are more than just fun. They are becoming an important part of the commuting infrastructure of many cities also. For example, the Colorado Department of Transportations (CDOT) is just getting started on construction of an 18 mile trail that will link Denver and Boulder, two very active communities. Such a trail will allow commuters from both of those cities to forego their automobile and commute by bike. This is part of a program known as the 36 Commuting Solutions and the US 36 Express Lanes project.

Minneapolis Bicycle Commuting

Another city that is coming on board with safe and efficient cycle paths is Minneapolis, Minnesota. Watch the short video below to get an idea of what Minneapolis is doing to promote bicycling as a feasible commuting option.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/01/25/minneapolis-midtown-greenway/

Jan 24 2013

Electric Bike Trailer for Kids and…

logo for ridekick electric bike trailersRideKick Introduces Electric Bike Trailer for Kids

The folks from RideKick have come up with another great idea. First they came up with the electric bike trailer that turns any bike into an electric bike. Now they have come up with a kid bike trailer that is also an electric. So now, you can take your children on a bike ride and get that extra little boost for those tough hills, long hauls or “into the wind” sections of the ride. In other words, now you can take your children on your trail rides. Pure genius!!

Electric Boost, Plus It’s a Utility Bike Trailer

So you don’t have kids or your kids are all grown up? No problem. Personally, I think this trailer would also be great for hauling groceries, camping gear, trail maintenance supplies, etc. In other words the new Ridekick trailer would be great for providing a boost to anyone who needs to haul a load with a little extra oomph. And the best part… you can now be one of the first people to get the new Ridekick at a discounted price. Check out the video below for more information. Then go to RideKick’s IndieGoGo child trailer page and become a supporter of this great company and fantastic new innovation.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/01/24/electric-bike-trailer-for-kids-and/

Jan 22 2013

Notify Someone When You Hit the Trails

bike riders looking at trail map

trail navigation

Stay Found is First Trail Rule

“When you’re going out for a trail hike, trail run, backpacking trip or bike ride, you should always let someone know where you’re’ going and when you expect to be back, especially when you’re going on a solo adventure.” Said the world’s biggest hypocrite. I’d say about half the time I’m on a trail journey, I break this rule. (Or for you optimists out there, half the time I follow the rule.)

Make Sure I Return App

It’s such a pain to remember to tell someone all that information. And let’s face it, sometimes it feels as if you’re imposing on people or burdening them with “being in charge” of making sure you get back safe from your trail adventure. But it just got a little easier. Thanks to Tim Shettlesworth at the All Outdoor Forum, you can now “set it and forget it.” Well technically you won’t want to forget it, but my point is that it just got easier to stay found. He has added a Make Sure I Return function to his website.

Notify Someone That You’re Going to Be Out on the Trail…

… without really notifying them. It’s a great idea. Whenever you’re going on a trail outing, you visit the Make Sure I Return App. Once there, you fill out a form that tells where you’re going and set a timer for when you expect to be back. You also leave your [cell preferably] phone number and – most important – the email address of who you want to be contacted. Then, if you don’t return at a certain time that person will get an email notifying them of your no-show. In many cases, they’ll call you and you’ll say, “Oops, I was out on the trail a little longer than I expected” or “Oops, I forgot to shut off the timer when I got back.” But in the worst case scenario, they may have to send out the search party to look for you. Actually, that isn’t the worse case scenario. The worst case scenario is if you didn’t use the Make Sure I Return App and no one knew you were missing.

So be safe. Let someone know where you’re going or use modern technology to do the job for you. Make sure you set the app up correctly when you venture onto the trail and turn off the timer when you return. You will find similar apps out there for iPhones, iPads & Androids. But before you look at those other ones, visit the All Outdoor Forum and take a look at Tim’s potentially life-saving web page. The life you save, may be your own.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/01/22/notify-someone-when-you-hit-the-trails/

Jan 21 2013

Rails With Trails Movement

Add Trails Alongside New Railroad Lines

rails with trail petition

rails with trail petition

Some things just make a lot of sense. I’m all in favor of adding new rail lines. But as long as they’re building those lines, it makes perfect sense to build trails alongside them. And I’m not the only one who feels that way. There’s a national group that is promoting Rails With Trails.

Petition for Adding Rails With Trails

I wanted to draw your attention to this important “Rails With Trails” petition that I recently signed:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/rwt/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=system&utm_campaign=Send%2Bto%2BFriend

I really think this is an important cause, and I’d like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It’s free and takes just a few seconds of your time.

Thanks!

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/01/21/rails-with-trails-movement/

Jan 20 2013

Is Damascus, Virginia the Real Trail Town?

Seven Trails, One Town

trail town u.s.a.

Trail Town?

Many towns call themselves “Trail Town USA.” But for my money, Damascus, Virginia has a pretty good claim to the title. For one thing, seven major trails come together in Damascus. Six of those trails come together in the parking lot of Mojoes Trailside Coffee House. Can you imagine the stories you’d hear if you sat in that little coffee house each day. It sounds like my kind of place.

List of Trails That Merge in Damascus Virginia

So I was bound & determined to find out which seven trails came together in Damascus. It took a bit of research, but finally, on the Virginia Bike website, I found the fabled seven trails of Damascus, VA. Without further ado and in no particular order, here’s the trail list:

I’m not saying that Hancock, Maryland isn’t a strong contender for the title of Trail Town USA. After all, it is the home to both the C & O Canal Towpath Trail and the Western Maryland Rail Trail. Those are two awesome trails. And it’s not far from the Appalachian Trail and some other wonderful bike paths and hiking trails. But seven trails? That’s kind of hard to beat.

Feel free to leave your opinion about what you think is the greatest trail town. Glenwood Springs, CO, Huntington Beach, CA, Cumberland, MD? They all have great trails and are fun places to visit. We’d love to hear what you think.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/01/20/is-damascus-virginia-the-real-trail-town/

Jan 18 2013

Trail Hiking & Backpacking Boost Creativity

Trails Versus Tech: Trails Win

hiker with walking stick and daypack

trail hikers more creative

Recent research shows that backpackers scored 50% better on creativity tests after spending four days on the trail disconnected from electronic gadgets. WebMD article reveals that connecting to nature and disconnecting from electrical distractions provides a pretty significant boost in creative juices.

Is there no end to the ways that trails improve our lives?

Apparently not. So turn off your cell phone and find a good hiking trail. You’ll have fun, get in shape, save money and become more creative.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/01/18/trail-hiking-backpacking-boost-creativity/