Apr 10 2012
The Hawthorne Trail is 16 miles long, not counting the side trail to the look out areas.
From the Hawthorne side it is fairly flat for about the first 6 miles and then some hills, then sink holes ! For trikkers, a good challenge! Probably the most natural scenic trail in Florida.
Here is a link to the FL trail information
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/north/trails/gainesville_hawth.htm
Here is a good video of the trail as well.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/04/10/trikke-carving-on-the-hawthorne-trail-in-florida/
Apr 08 2012
A multi-use trail around Boulder, Colorado has finally been officially proposed. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one with these wild and crazy ideas. At least four years ago, I started talking to people about a trail that encircles Boulder. Why not?
Connect trails for a loop trail.
According to an article in today’s Boulder Daily Camera, numerous groups may be working toward the goal of creating a trail that encircles the People’s Republic of Boulder:
Trailsnet!! Okay, trailsnet wasn’t mentioned in the article, but I’d love to get involved in the process because I think it’s a great idea. Of course I think all trails are a good idea. I’m especially sold on the idea of creating trails that are functional (commuter trails), easily accessible, and heavily used. A Boulder loop trail would definitely meet all those criteria.
The article also mentioned Portland, Oregon and Loveland, Colorado as cities that either currently have such a loop trail or are working toward completing one. I’m guessing there are probably other loop trails around communities in existence or being created. I know that Denver has four unofficial loop trails all radiating from Confluence Park and utilizing the Platte River Trail as their common denominator. If you know of any other community loop trails, I’d love to hear about them.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/04/08/loop-trail-around-boulder-colorado/
Apr 06 2012
Hikers enjoy Big Dry Creek Trail in Colorado.
There is no shortage of diversions on this trail. In fact, getting from point A to point B may not even be your goal on the Big Dry Creek Trail. Having fun along the way seems to be the order of the day.
In fact, at the (Westminster) City Park area alone, you could see a movie, go ice skating, have a great lunch, watch a softball game, play soccer, throw a frisbee, or hang out at the Butterfly Pavilion. You could also head off on another trail such as the Highline Canal Trail.
Another great aspect of this trail is that you are only on a road for about a half mile and that road (99th Ave.) is a very sedate little byway. It is hard to believe that this trail passes through such a busy, industrious part of Colorado, because it is such a relaxing ride. It’s one of those types of rides where you could put yourself on auto-pilot and just let the bike follow the path while you daydream and sightsee.
For out-of-town guests on this trail, it has a few hotels near mile 4.3 (if you’re starting at Standley Lake). Even better, you will find a variety of types of hotels from fairly expensive to relatively cheap. One of the hotels is a Westin and another is called Spring Hill Suite by Marriott.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/04/06/big-dry-creek-trail-in-colorado-2/
Apr 03 2012
View Lake Pontchartrain from the Tammany Trace trail.
I just flew in from New Orleans and boy are my legs tired!!
Although most people associate New Orleans with Mardi Gras and Cajun food, it’s also trail central for outdoor enthusiasts. Located directly across Lake Pontchartrain from the Big Easy, the Tammany Trace trail is a bike rider’s paradise. It’s easy to find, easy to ride, and easy to fall in love with. Trail lovers will start their tour of Tammany Parish in the beautiful southern community of Covington, Louisiana. Stay at one of the many local bed & breakfasts such as the Camillia House Bed & Breakfast, and they may even let you use one of their trail bikes for free.
Whether you rent a bike, bring your own, or borrow one from your hosts, you’ll love the activities available on the Tammany Trace. For the younger crowd, there are numerous “state of the art” playgrounds right beside the trail. There’s one in Abita Springs, one at the Tammany Trace (Caboose) Headquarteres, and a children’s Splash Fountain at the Mandeville Trailhead.
For the adults, there are also a couple recreation areas in the form of a brew pub and a brewery. The Abita Brew Pub is located right on the trail in Abita Springs and serves great food and drinks. The Abita Brewery is officially located in Covington but is much closer to the actual town of Abita Springs. The brewery is located near Josephine Street which crosses over the Tammany Trace Trail. It offers a free tour and beer tastings at 2:00 on weekdays and twice daily on the weekends.
Bike riders enjoying the Longleaf Trace Trail in Mississippi
Another biking trail within easy reach of New Orleans is the Longleaf Trace Trail in Southern Mississippi.
How do we love this magnificently charming Mississippi trail? Let us count the ways:
If you have ever visited the Longleaf Trace Trail or the Tammany Trace trail, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below. If you have any questions about these two wonderful trails or the bike riding experience in and around New Orleans, don’t hesitate to ask.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/04/03/new-orleans-also-the-city-of-trails/
Apr 03 2012
The Santa Ana is a beautiful California trail
You would think that traveling from the beaches of Huntington and Newport to the Chino Hills would be a tough workout. But surprisingly, the elevation climb of west to east was easier than vice-versa. But more on that later.
The best route for starting California’s Santa Ana River Trail is from the Huntington Beach Trail to Weir Canyon Road. You will notice very little difference, exertion-wise, when going either way on the trail due to the winds usually blowing west to east. So you’ve got elevation gain going west to east, but you’re bucking headwinds going east to west. So it’s a wash.
Even on the weekend, this trail isn’t nearly as crowded as its sister trail, the Huntington Beach Trail… (Learn more about the Santa Ana River Trail here.)
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/04/03/californias-santa-ana-river-trail/
Apr 02 2012
We tested the Bike2Power phone charger on a cruiser bike a couple weeks ago, and it worked like a charm. It charged an iPhone with no problem, was easy to install, and held the phone just fine on relatively smooth roads, cement paths, and gravel paths.
But what about on bumpy, rutty, steep mountain bike paths? How would it perform on a Colorado single-track trail like the Heil Ranch trails? Rather than keep you in suspense, the answer is: It worked just fine. Here are the high points:
single track trail
It was my pleasure to run this unit through the gauntlet. I would love to hear from anyone else who has had the opportunity to use the Bike2Power Spinpower unit.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/04/02/mountain-bike-trail-test-of-spinpower-phone-charger/