Summer Isn’t Half Gone!
I can’t believe the number people already talking about the end of the bicycle season. For one thing, there are those of us that do not believe it ever ends. For another, MOST of the best cycling days have yet to arrive!
What can be better than temp’s in The 60’s and Fall foliage? There is no better way to enjoy them than exploring nearby rail trails.
Rail Trails are old rail road right of ways that have been cleared for bicycles. They tend to be rural, shady and often have unique features like tunnels and bridges that are simply breath taking
Organizations like Rails To Trails Conservancy can help you fiind those closest to you or with the features you desire. Join their Facebook groups and get local feedback on them all. Near The Quad Cities, I think of The Key-Wash, Bear Creek, Hennepin, Deep Lakes, Discovery, MRT and GRT trails. Iowa has 1800 miles alone, 1500 in Illinois, 4000 in Minnesota and a 1000 in Wisconsin. None of these are more than a half day’s drive away!
I love The Cedar River Trail between Solon and Cedar Rapids. Start at Big Grove, stop in Eli at House Divided, then on to Cedar Rapids and Mt Trashmore, The Czech Village and Lions Bridge Brewing (amazing pierogies). It’s an incredible afternoon of riding on the smoothest, flattest paved trail of them all. I pretty much have to bribe my wife to ride. This one, The High Tressel, trips to Leisure Harbor in Cordova, she loves (e-bikes scare her and she doesn’t ride enough to spend a day on a traditional bike).
It bothers me that at least weekly I meet someone that isn’t even aware that rail trails exist. Even more have no idea how to find them.
Next season we need to arrange some shop rides to introduce folks to a whole new cycling discipline, Rail Trail riding! I know couples that travel the country, in retirement, finding rail trails where they can camp and explore. Imagine the additional years and quality of life this adds to their retirement. Please, let me know what you think of this idea. Perhaps we can do a dry run this Fall.