Jun 05 2011

The Bike Speech

Who says learning to ride your bike isn’t a big thing? Don’t tell that to this little guy. He is swelling with pride and excitement, as well he should be. Now just think of all the trails he can ride:

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/06/05/the-bike-speech/

Jun 04 2011

Celebrate National Trails Day

trails are for everyone

Today is National Trails Day! Since 1993, we have celebrated the first Saturday in June as National Trails Day.

If it was up to me, this day would trump every other holiday. We’d launch fireworks, open presents, eat turkey, and hide trail eggs. But it’s not up to me, so how about I just provide you with some National Trail day links instead of all that other aforementioned stuff:

These are but a few of the awesome organizations celebrating National Trails Day.
But you can have the mostest bestest National Trails Day of them all. Just pack up your colorful eggs, tryptophanic turkey, obnoxious fireworks, and pretty presents & hit the trail.
Don’t forget to let us know how you celebrated National Trails Day!

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/06/04/celebrate-national-trails-day/

Jun 02 2011

Take your dog on a bike ride with pupRunner

I know that many of you, in addition to being trail lovers, are also dog lovers. So take a look at this video about a cool bike trailer that allows you to enjoy both your dog and your bike ride, at the same time. Note that your dog can either ride along or walk along.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/06/02/take-your-dog-on-a-bike-ride-with-puprunner/

Jun 01 2011

Loop Trails

I don’t mind riding out-and-back trails. In fact, when I’m writing a trail guide, I am always focused on the details, such as taking pictures, jotting notes, and getting GPS coordinates, so the ride back is kind of nice to actually enjoy the trail without so many distractions.

bridge over Cherry Creek Trail

Having said all that, though, my favorite rides are on loop trails. I especially enjoy my first ride on a loop trail, because the whole trip includes new scenery. I recently had the opportunity to write a trail guide for Colorado’s Northeast Denver Loop Trail that includes Cherry Creek Trail, Highline Canal Trail East, Sand Creek Greenbelt, and the Platte River Trail. Altogether, it was a 42 mile trail with a nice combination of urban, suburban, and rural scenery. Those of you who follow this blog know that I was in seventh heaven. That’s the kind of trail I like the most. I am deeply appreciative of the changing scenery.

The weather was perfect, and I made pretty decent time, but I still barely got off the trail by dark. Each one of the trails was vastly different. Cherry Creek Trail cuts right through the heart of Denver. It starts at beautiful and busy Confluence Park, then meanders past historic parks, cultural parks, country clubs, and a high-end mall.

Just as the city portion of Cherry Creek Trail begins to turn into the suburbs, I turned onto Highline Canal Trail. Like Cherry Creek Trail this trail is completely paved; and it has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, numerous major road crossings makes it a little less relaxing than I prefer. So I was glad when I turned onto Sand Creek Greenway. This trail has no major road crossings but less than half of it is paved, so a mountain bike is recommended. Sand Creek also passes through numerous environments including a major industrial section. I know many people are turned off by this type of scenery, but I like it for a change. The mountains and prairies are beautiful, but the factories and refineries are an important part of America’s culture also.

Finally, the greenway dumps riders off onto the Platte River Trail which, in turn, delivers them right to Confluence Park in Denver for a completed loop. It’s a good ride and a great workout. Now I’ve completed two of the four major Denver bike loops. I look forward to riding the other two soon.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/06/01/loop-trails/

May 24 2011

Chicago Family Friendly Bike Trails

trails provide perfect family recreation

I just came across this list of Chicago bicycle trails in the online version of Chicago Parent magazine.

I am always happy to share family-oriented trails on trailsnet. 

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/05/24/chicago-family-friendly-bike-trails/

May 22 2011

New Santa Fe Regional Trail in Colorado

Palmer Lake, Colorado

A biking trip along the New Santa Fe Regional Trail is an extremely unique trail experience. Oh sure, you’ll see the usual beautiful trail sights such as flowers, deer, streams, and trees. But what other trails offer you views of the enigmatic Air Force Academy chapel, football stadium, and perhaps even jets & gliders directly overhead?

New Santa Fe Regional Trail

 Then add in the views of Pikes Peak and the prospect of continuing your ride on the lengthy Pikes Peak Greenway, and you may have one of the top rail-trail experiences around. The trail starts in Palmer Lake, Colorado and goes through the beautifully forested grounds of the Air Force Academy all the way to Colorado Springs. From there you can turn around and ride back to where you started or continue for another 16 miles all the way to Fountain, Colorado.

trail overpass near Air Force Academy

Eventually, this trail will be a part of the Colorado Front Range Trail and continue all the way from New Mexico to Wyoming. In the meantime, this is a great time of year to take a bike ride or walk on the New Santa Fe Regional Trail.

sandstone bluff

nearing Pikes Peak Greenway

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/05/22/new-santa-fe-regional-trail-in-colorado/