May 30 2022

Manhattan Bike Trails

Bike Trails in Manhattan, NY

When I started Trailsnet over 14 years ago, my goal was to provide information about trails of all types to trail users of all types. As much as possible, I have fulfilled that goal and featured a diverse type of trails of all kinds from all over the world. Above all, Trailsnet has included a mix of urban and rural trails for walking and bicycling. However, considering the vast population of cities worldwide, I felt as if we needed more urban trail featured on this trails network website. So this post is dedicated to bike trails in Manhattan, New York. I wanted to specifically focus on Manhattan bike trails because I can’t do justice all hiking and biking trails in the entirety of New York City in just one blog post. That is easily enough to populate an entire travel guide and still be insufficient in scope. In fact, I’m going to focus even more specifically on (mostly) car-free bike paths in Manhattan to provide some examples of safe and enjoyable rides in this amazing city that has really done a lot to provide alternative transportation for residents and visitors.

Hudson River Trail
Hudson River Greenway

Best Bike Routes in New York City

I have enjoyed four particularly fun bike routes in New York City. I will post trail reviews for each of these bike rides in the “Trails” section of this website. But I will briefly describe them on this page also. To get a nice overview of where each one is located, check out the bike routes function the next time you view Manhattan in Google Maps. Four of the five routes I will describe are mostly car free except when there are detours such as the ones currently happening along the East River bike route. Follow these links to find some of the best bike trails in New York City:

NYC Bike Recommendation

I have visited New York City four times in the past six months. My initial intention was to purchase a bike so that I could have easy access to it for my frequent trips to the city. I didn’t end up doing that, and I’m glad. My second plan was to rent a bike from one of the many New York City bicycle rental businesses. I only did that once, and I’m glad I found a better option. On my most recent trip to Manhattan, I ended up getting a 15 day free trial to New York Citi Bikes. I absolutely loved that option the best, and I will likely utilize CitiBike on future trips to the Largish Apple. Citi Bikes work well, and they are ALL OVER the place. I never had a problem finding Citi Bikes whenever and wherever I needed them. The only problem I occasionally had was finding open docking stations  when I needed to return a bike. So here’s how it works:

  • First, get the Citi Bike app. (You can also use the Lyft app.)
  • Check to see if there are any special offers like the free 15 day offer that I found.
  • Each time you’re ready to bike somewhere, you just pick out one of the bikes at the docking station and scan the bar code on the handlebars.
  • That will unlock the bike, and you’re ready to ride.
  • Once you finish your ride, return the bike to a docking station. They’re easy to find using the Citi Bike app.
  • Dock your bike making sure the green light shows up on the station/dock.
  • You’ll immediately get a notification that you have successfully docked the bike. It will tell you how much you were charged. (Every time, mine said it was free except one time when I kept the bike too long, I was charged $4.90. No biggy!!)
NYC Citi bike docking station
Citi Bike Docking Station

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2022/05/30/manhattan-bike-trails/

Dec 09 2021

Two Wheel Gear Backpack Pannier Review

Ultimate Bike Pannier

I recently had the opportunity to try the Two Wheel Gear backpack pannier. Let me start by saying that I’m already the proud and pleased owner of a Two Wheel Gear pannier, so I was eager to try the backpack version of their panniers. Both of these panniers are incredibly easy to fit onto a bicycle, as long as you have some type of rear bike rack for them to grab ahold of. I was already impressed by the simplicity of attaching my first Two Wheel Gear pannier that I’ve had for over two years. The second one was even easier to attach.

pannier
side view of pannier
backpack pannier
spacious interior

Spacious Interior

I am pleased by both of the Two Wheel Gear panniers that I own, but I am especially pleased by the pannier backpack. First of all, as mentioned above, it has an updated method of attaching it to most bicycle rear racks. Secondly, it is very spacious. I am able to use it both recreationally and functionally for such chores as getting groceries and picking up orders from local restaurants. Just this morning, I picked up both my breakfast pastries AND a ready-made sausage & kale lasagna order. Yum!!! And finally, I like the ability to use my pannier as a daypack/backpack as well as a bike bag. That makes it much more versatile and functional.

Old vs. New Pannier Comparison

If you already have an older version of the Two Wheel Gear panniers, you probably love it and can’t imagine anything better. I would encourage you to consider getting the new backpack style pannier. The backpack pannier has numerous advantages. First, it holds way more than the old pannier. It works especially well as a commuter pannier since it has a special compartment for a laptop computer as well as lots of thoughtful additions in the main compartment to store other office/work essentials. Secondly, as the name implies, it converts from a pannier to a daypack/backpack for easy hauling when you convert from bicyclist to pedestrian mode. Here is a list of features that you will immediately appreciate:

  • Converts from pannier to backpack in seconds.
  • Secure + fast attachment to standard racks sized 6-16 mm.
  • Padded 15-in laptop sleeve.
  • Bottle pockets with umbrella/U-lock strap.
  • Quick access soft pocket for phone or sunglasses.
  • Modular Attachment System (M.A.S) / Helmet Attachment.
pannier comparison
side-by-side comparison

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2021/12/09/two-wheel-gear-backpack-pannier-review/

Oct 16 2021

Active Travel Wallet

Allett Wallet

Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. Who would have thought that I’ve been traveling with the wrong wallet all these years? When I got a chance to try out the Allett Wallet, I must admit I was a bit skeptical. Anyone who knows me realizes that I’m willing to give anything a try, but how am I going to fit all the stuff I need for a typical trail trip into one of those little wallets? As it turns out, it’s the ‘little’ part of these wallets that make them so valuable.

Smaller is Better

It turns out that my worst fear about the Allett wallet turned out to be its #1 asset. When I first looked at the slim design of the Allett, I thought, “I’ll never fit all the stuff from my old bulky wallet into this little wallet.” I was right. And that turned out to be a good thing!! Because I didn’t actually need all the junk I had in my old wallet. At least I didn’t need it on one of my trail trips. I didn’t need my library card, my grocery store discount card, my coffee punch card, my…. Well you get the picture. It turned out that it wasn’t all that difficult to become a minimalist and still have all I needed for my trip-du-jour. So I headed off to New York to explore the Hudson Valley trails, and I did it without my usual bulging pocket stuffed full with a bulky wallet. In addition to all that, I discovered some other benefits to using a small wallet.

Benefits & Justification for Smaller Wallet

First of all, a bit of a mind-set change was needed. For those of you (us) who grew up with the old way of thinking when it comes to wallets (etc.), we needed that huge wallet to keep all of our daily necessities organized. After all, we needed cash, driver’s license, credit cards, debit cards, family photos… the list goes on. But all that stuff isn’t needed on a daily basis any more. Think about it. A lot of that stuff is now in our phones or even on our smart watches. And speaking of our phone, a good cell phone case also has space for a driver’s license, a credit card and even a little bit of cash. In fact, we may not even need the credit card when we can pay with a scan of our phone or watch. So now we can get by with a much smaller wallet, and that has some advantages:

  • We no longer have that unsightly bulge in our pocket.
  • We are not such a visually appealing target for pick-pockets.
  • We can travel much lighter, and this is an especially important advantage for active travelers and trail travelers. The less, the better.
  • With our cash and cards divided between our wallet and our phone case, we are now following the cardinal rule for travelers. Don’t keep all your eggs (or credit cards, or cash) in one basket (or wallet). I wish I would have followed that rule in Paris a few years back. Curses on those Parisian pick-pockets.

Bottom Line

I highly recommend the Allett wallet. It makes a great travel wallet and, if you’re like me, you may decide to make it your new permanent wallet. Sometimes smaller is better and less is more.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2021/10/16/active-travel-wallet/

Oct 14 2021

Hudson Valley Rail Trail

fall colors on rail trail
The Hudson Valley Rail Trail is ideal for human-powered vehicles of all types. It’s a great way to see fall colors and easily accessible from New York City via Amtrak to Poughkeepsie. One suggested route for enjoying this trail is to take an Ulster County bus from the Poughkeepsie train station to New Paltz. Most of the bus drivers are willing to let you off right where the trail begins near the America’s Best Value Inn hotel in New Paltz. Then, make the walk or bike ride back toward Highland, NY or the Walkway Over the Hudson. It is possible to walk the whole thing in one day and fairly easy to bike it in a day.

Empire State Trail

If you stay near the east end of the trail, you can also hike or bike the Walkill Valley Rail Trail on another day and the River to Ridge Trail on yet another day. The Walkill Valley Rail Trail goes both north and south from the eastern end of the Hudson Valley Rail Trail. If you take the Hudson Valley Rail Trail east from Poughkeepsie (actually from the east end of the Walkway Over the Hudson), then turn north on the Walkill Valley Rail Trail (just east of highway 87), you are on the Empire State Trail the entire time. The Empire State Trail is 750 miles of trail enjoyment. It runs all the way from New York City to Buffalo, NY with most of the route being off road. The northern portion of the Empire State Trail utilizes such historic pathways as the Erie Canal Trail and the Champlain Valley Trail.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2021/10/14/hudson-valley-rail-trail-2/

Jun 11 2021

Trailsnet Father’s Day Gift Guide

Why do so many people depend upon Trailsnet each year for the best Father’s Day Gift Guide? It’s simple. We understand that every Father is different, so we have a wide variety of great Father’s Day gifts. Most of them are centered around our Trail-centric outdoor oriented website theme, but not all of them. So let’s get started and see what those crazy folks at Trailsnet have in store for Dad this year. As always, some of our suggestions may include affiliate links, but that does not affect our judgement. We only include gift suggestions that we would enjoy receiving.

Wind Blox Noise Blocker

When you are riding your bike, wind noise can be distracting, irritating and dangerous. Bicyclists need to hear what’s going on around them. Wind Blox is a great product for avid bike riders. It’s functional, inexpensive and easy to attach to your helmet strap. Dad will enjoy this addition to his bike gear. He’ll love this fun and functional Father’s Day gift.

Dad Jokes Gift Book

Here’s the perennial Father’s Day gift for any father, grandpa, step-dad or spouse who has a fatherly sense of humor. Ralph Lane’s Dad Joke Books are favorites for all holidays, but this one is the original Ralph Lane Dad Jokes Gift Book. You can’t go wrong with this Dad’s Day gift. The whole family will love the hilarious jokes and the great illustrations that go with them. Order your Dad Jokes Gift Book today.

Outdoor Survival Kit

Outdoor Dads will appreciate this professional emergency survival kit with essential tools, including: survival knife, Compass, wire saw, water bottle clip, emergency blanket, flint stone, scraper, flashlight, credit card Knife, tactical pen, Survival Bracelet , multi-use spoon, Carabiner, black waterproof box, bait, blow fire tube, Fire tinder, Band aid, Alcohol Pad, gauze swabs. This is a great gift for hikers, backpackers & mountain bikers.

Wild Game Sausage Sticks

The way to Dad’s heart is through his stomach, and his tummy will love this assortment of game meat sausage sticks. Each package contains 15 assorted 1oz individually wrapped 100% Exotic Game Meat Sausage Sticks with 5 sticks each of Elk, Venison and Wild Boar. Unlike other sausage snacks, these sticks are made with 100% exotic game meat – no beef, pork or chicken.

Happy Father's Day to Trailsnet Fans

Thanks to Trailsnet subscribers and visitors. We’d like to extend a special thank you to all the fathers out there who spend quality outdoor time on the trails with their families. You are the absolute best!!!! Keep having fun and making those great outdoor connections with your family. It means more than you know. Happy Dad’s Day!!!

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2021/06/11/trailsnet-fathers-day-gift-guide/

Dec 28 2020

Electric Bikes on Long-Distance Trails

More and more of the world’s greatest bike trails are allowing electric bikes on long-distance trails. Unfortunately, the majority of long-distance bicycle trails in the United States still aren’t suitable or legal for riding electric bikes. Fortunately, that may be changing soon. Some of the new extended trails such as the East Coast Greenway and the Great Plains Trail show great promise for fans of electric bikes and destination trails. In Trailsnet’s dozen + years of publication, one of our most popular posts was entitled Electric Bikes on Trails. It garnered a great deal of attention, comments and social media links. We followed up with an Electric Bikes on Trails Update a couple years later. Just like with regular bikes, there’s a substantial group of us who prefer riding e-bikes on trails rather than (or in addition to) navigating the hazards of riding on roads and facing the inherent risks associated with that option.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

What to Look for in an E-Bike Trail

England bike path
Bike Path in England

Due to the unique nature of electric bicycles, you’ll need to look for specific characteristics in the trails you choose for riding. Of course, the first requirement for a suitable trail is one that allows electric bikes. Many trails do not allow e-bikes (yet), so be sure to inquire as to rules of the trail. When you find trails that allow e-bikes, be sure to add them to Trailsnet.com, one of the only trail-finding websites that lists special categories for electric bike trails. Another consideration when choosing longer trails that are suitable for electric bikes is the availability of electricity for recharging your bicycle. And finally, you want to choose a trail that fits the style of bicycle you own. Many paved and packed gravel bike trails will be good for most types of e-bikes. Of course many dirt trails are more suitable for rugged bikes or electric mountain bikes with at least front suspension.

What to Look for in a Long-Distance e-Bike

Anyone who follows electric bicycle trends knows that this will likely be the next big nut to crack. There are two reasons for this. First of all, as adventure travel returns from this past year of pandemic uncertainties, both active travel tour companies and individual active travelers will be looking for ways to explore the ever expanding universe of long-distance trails. You are certain to see a big rise in the number of people looking to navigate these trails on the seat of an electric bicycle. So these people will begin to search for electric bikes that have been shown to be capable of withstanding the rigors of multi-day bike excursions. In fact, even your average electric bike customers will see the value of choosing a bike that is tough enough to go the distance. Until we start to get reports from e-bicyclists who have actually completed such rides, here are some features to look for in an e-bike that might be able to complete a long-distance trail such as the East Coast Greenway or the Great Plains Trail:

  • Sturdy frame (aluminum frames are good for most trail types.)
  • Powerful motor (Something in the 750W range is good.)
  • Puncture resistant tires (For gravel & dirt trails, fat tires are helpful for both traction and comfort.)
  • Ample battery (Lithium-ion is one of the best currently on the market. Look for one that typically gets at least 45 to 50 miles per charge.)
  • Payload capacity of at least 250 pounds. (Remember, you’ll likely be hauling yourself and your gear and possibly even an extra battery.)
  • Front & rear lights. (These are for you to see and to be seen.)
  • Front suspension at least. (Even if you’re on mostly asphalt or packed trails, front suspension comes in handy for comfort and stability. If you are on a single-track trail, you may also need rear suspension.)
  • Rack system compatibility (Even if you are on a vehicle supported tour, you will need to carry plenty of supplies for you and your bike. Look for e-bike companies that also sell front and/or rear racks, panniers and or other rack systems.)

Stay tuned to Trailsnet on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, pinterest and, of course this website for further information about the best electric bicycles for both long and short trails.

Let's Advocate for More Long-Distance e-Bike Trails

As mentioned above, some trails are less than ideal for electric bikes due to extremely rough terrain or a lack of electrical facilities. However, as new trails are being developed, we should be requesting that e-bikes be allowed on them. The trail developers and administrators will be more likely to consider this option if they feel that electric bicyclists are good trail stewards and courteous trail users. So let’s all do our part to give e-bikers a good name. The way we all conduct ourselves now will help determine which trails are open to us in the future. Here are some tips for safe and courteous electric bike riding and ownership:

  • Know your limits and ride within your skill level.
  • Bring the right kind of bike for the terrain you’re riding.
  • Wear a helmet when riding e-bikes on trails.
  • Stay alert while riding!
  • Know and obey the rules of the trail!!
  • Be kind and courteous to fellow trail users!!!
Mountain Biking skills

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2020/12/28/electric-bikes-on-long-distance-trails/