Dec 20 2010

Connecting Rail Trails to make Super Rail-Trails

Super Rail-Trails

Rail trails are fantastic. But how do you turn an ordinary, every-day rail trail (if such a thing exists) into SUPER TRAIL!!!
 It’s really quite simple; you just connect two good trails and you get one great trail.  Here are some examples:

C & O Canal trail connects to the
  GAP trail, the Western Maryland Rail Trail,
and the Mount Vernon Trail.

So the next time you’re looking for a great rail trail; one you can plan a vacation around…
Check out which trails can be connected to make a super trail.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/12/20/connecting-rail-trails-to-make-super-rail-trails/

Dec 18 2010

Rails to Trails Vision

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is one of the most important organizations out there. I like what they’ve done in the past, what they’re doing right now, and their vision for the future.

In their “Welcome” flyer, they have proposed the following “bold ideas:”

  • They want to, “…double the amount of funds that support trails…”
    • biker on the C & O Canal  Towpath Trail
  • They want to create a “True Nationwide Network [of trails] … to ensure that all Americans can enjoy the benefits and beauty of rail-trails.” More specifically, they have set a goal that by 2020, “90 percent of Americans will live within three miles of a local trail system.”
Those goals are noble, simply stated, and achievable. But they won’t necessarily be easy to achieve. They need our help. If you are interested to learn more about the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, visit their website and become involved in their mission. 

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/12/18/rails-to-trails-vision/

Dec 17 2010

McQueen’s Island Historic Trail & more

In a pamphlet I recently received from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, they had brief descriptions of the following trails:

Here’s what I’d like to know:
Have any of you ridden any of these trails?
Is McQueen’s Island actually an island?
Is Lake Mineral Wells Trailway the best rail trail in Texas?

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/12/17/mcqueens-island-historic-trail-more/

Dec 16 2010

Why not use unemployed to build trails?

I know it sounds simplistic, but we can always use more trails and there are thousands of people unemployed, so why not utilize an underutilized work force?

We are already paying unemployment benefits, so it wouldn’t cost much more than what we’re already paying. It just seems to make so much sense to employ those same people to build and improve our network of trails.

A little trail goes a long ways.

Let’s look at the possible benefits:

  • It would provide employment.
  • It would give us more and better trails.
  • It would improve the self esteem of the unemployed.
  • It might encourage some to find other work.
  • It would promote alternative transportation.
  • It would introduce more people to our incredible national trail system.
  • It would promote active lifestyles.
  • It would help unemployed people to get out and network and learn new skills.
As I write this list, I realize I could go on much longer, but I’ll stop there and close by giving a quick look at the facts:
  • We have legions of people who are unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits/income.
  • We have land currently available for trail building. (federal land, open space, abandoned rail corridors, etc.)
  • Trail building does not require highly skilled/specialized labor (for most trail corridors).
  • Most segments of trail do not require costly or sophisticated tools, machinery, or supplies. (Certain trail segments need bridges, asphalt, & concrete, but even those segments can benefit from a certain amount of good old sweat equity to lay the foundation.)
Just think what we could accomplish if all the players/entities worked together: government, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, American Trails, National Park Service, cities, towns, states, individuals, corporations
Just like the Conservation Corps from the past, we could build a legacy that could be enjoyed by millions  right now and for generations in the future.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/12/16/why-not-use-unemployed-to-build-trails/

Dec 15 2010

Military biking website

Military Cycling rocks!!!

Thanks to Twitter, I just discovered the Armed Forces Cycling website. Now I just need to convince our soldiers to get out there and explore the great trails in this country. They put their lives on the line to protect our country, so they need to at least enjoy the safety of trail riding instead of risking their lives on our crazy roads. Besides, it would be a great way for them to relax.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/12/15/military-biking-website/

Dec 14 2010

Bike equipment for rail-trails.

I have often spoken of the many benefits of rail trails when it comes to health, the environment, alleviating traffic congestion, family togetherness, and saving fossil fuels.

Rail trails are for everyone.

Another benefit of rail trails is their versatility. Not only are they an ideal fit for nearly all possible riders, regardless of age, size, or ability, they are also versatile when it comes to equipment. Nearly any type of cycle will work on most rail-trails. Personally, I have ridden recumbents, mountain bikes, cruisers, road bikes, and hybrid bicycles on rail trails. And I was quite comfortable in all instances. (Sometimes road bikes are less-than-ideal on dirt or gravel trails, so I use one of the other types of bikes for those trails.)

It’s nice to know that you don’t need something fancy, expensive, or technical to enjoy the vast network of rails-to-trails out there. Not only is it physically possible to ride just about any type of non-motorized wheeled vehicle on the rail trail network, but it’s also socially acceptable. Unlike road and mountain biking, there is no expectation that you wear certain clothes and ride expensive bikes. Rail trails are like the great equalizer. Everyone from all backgrounds and socioeconomic groups is welcome. Spandex or no spandex, fancy bike or plain Jane bike, you’re accepted just the way you are.

Ya gotta love rail trails.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/12/14/bike-equipment-for-rail-trails/