Jul 15 2012

Trailsnet Sidebar Missing

Sorry for the inconvenience, but the Trailsnet website has gone haywire recently. For a while yesterday, it was totally messed up but thanks to Jason of MadLab Media for making some partial fixes at the last minute so the site is at least functional.

Unfortunately, since I contacted Jason on a Friday, there was only so much he could do before the weekend, so I’m hoping to get the sidebar back early this coming week. It may be something I could do myself, but I always worry that I’ll make a bad problem worse if I mess around with it.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/07/15/trailsnet-sidebar-missing/

Jul 09 2012

Recreational Trails Program Passes

Recreational Trail Funding Approved

Congress & President Obama have come to the rescue of trails across America.  On July 6, the Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

family on hiking trail

trails are for everyone

was rescued for another two years as Barack Obama signed the transportation bill that was approved by the U.S. Congress. Thanks to this legislation, the RTP will receive $85 million in annual funding for the next two fiscal years.

Since its original passage in 1991, the RTP program has funded state trails programs across the nation and provided essential funds for thousands of trail projects. This federal sponsorship has allowed partnerships between such organizations as state governments, non-profit organizations such as Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, private donors and corporate donors. As a result, the numbers, miles and quality of trails dramatically increased during that time period.

Thanks to all of you who wrote letters to your elected officials in support of our nation’s trails. This vote came right down to the wire and was a squeaker, so there is no doubt that your letters and emails made a difference. I am convinced that this legislation would not have passed without the input of trail lovers across the country. I wish I could say that the crusade was over, but we’ll probably have to step up to the plate again in two years to lobby for continuation of trail funding. In the meantime, let’s get out there and enjoy those trails, but keep in mind that they exist because we made raised our voices and were heard.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/07/09/recreational-trails-program-passes/

Jul 07 2012

Electric Trail Bikes

Are eBikes Legal on Trails?

I have discussed the legalities of electric bikes on trails numerous times in the hallowed halls of the Trails Network Blog. So I won’t belabor the ethics & legalities of electric vehicles on public paths in this particular blog post. Here’s the bottom-line. Electric bikes are allowed on some trails and not on others. Where they are allowed, there are often very specific rules that determine the extent of their use. In most cases, pedal-assist bikes are permitted even if they aren’t technically allowed on a trail. Often times, the local authorities either:

  • don’t know the rules themselves.
  • have bigger fish to fry than electric bike users.
  • have no idea you’re on a pedal-assisted or electric bike.

Electric Bike Producers, Sellers & Resellers

Below is a list of just some of the companies that make and/or sell electric bikes or pedal-assisted bicycles:

Of course this is just a small but diverse sample of the many electric bike, electric personal transportation vehicles and pedal assist bicycles out there. We’ll run more electric vehicle reviews in future Trailsnet blog posts. In the meantime, leave a comment sharing your experience with electric bikes or evehicles of any kind. As you know, we’re huge fans of personal transportation vehicles… especially if they can be ridden on trails!!

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/07/07/electric-trail-bikes/

Jul 05 2012

Trail Pictures on Pinterest

Trailsnet Trail Pictures on Pinterest

photo of trail in colorado

Betasso Trail in Colorado

Do you enjoy viewing trail pictures as much as I do? Each time I look at one, I imagine hiking the trail, trail bike riding or setting up camp nearby  on an epic backpacking journey. Trailsnet has a great collection of trail pictures on Pinterest along with active travel pictures and trail transportation photos. In addition, you’ll find some great books, good movies, humorous quotes and inspirational sayings.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/07/05/trail-pictures-pinterest/

Jul 02 2012

Ten Reasons Why You Need Trailsnet

Ten Reasons to Subscribe to Trailsnet.com

  1. You’re stuck in traffic on your way to gym to ride a stationary bike.
  2. You enjoy biking.
  3. You want to lose a few ugly pounds.
  4. You enjoy hiking
  5. You want to save the planet one eco-friendly bike ride at a time.
  6. You enjoy Trikke carving
  7. You want to save money on commuting, working out and recreation.
  8. You enjoy trail running.
  9. You value your life and limb; safety is important to you
  10. You want to meet other outdoor recreation lovers.

Add your own reasons for loving bike trails, hiking trails, backpacking trails and more by visiting the comments section below.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/07/02/ten-reasons-why-you-need-trailsnet/

Jul 01 2012

Outdoor Survival on the Trail

Trail Survival

If you spend a lot of time on the trail, whether it is for trail recreation, trail travel or trail commuting, it is a good idea to be prepared for the worst. You may never need emergency trail supplies, but it’s a good idea to have them. Here is a brief list of some items it’s nice to have with you on longer trail trips. This list is specifically geared toward trail biking, but many of the items also come in handy for trail hiking, trail Trikke riding, etc.

  • water
    two mountain bikers on desert trail

    bike prepared

  • snacks
  • waterproof poncho or jacket (a poncho can also be used as a temporary survival shelter)
  • multitool for fixing your bike
  • spare bike tube and/or tire
  • tire pump
  • small knife or survival tool
  • sunscreen
  • matches (waterproof matches are best)
  • portable water filter like the PurifiCup

Of course this list is just a suggestion. Each geographic region, trail and person require modifications, additions and subtractions. I’d love to hear what you think should be included on this list. Feel free to make suggestions by commenting on this blog post.

For other outdoor survival products, suggestions and updates, Rocky Mountain Survival has a great website with helpful tips, links and products for the serious survivalist or the weekend trail user. If you are looking for some great outdoor survival tools, you may also want to check out the products at Survive Outdoor Longer. They’ve got some nice, compact multi-tools to keep in your seat pack, day pack or cargo pants/shorts pocket.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/07/01/outdoor-survival-trail/