Get Ready to Hit the Trail
About fifteen years ago the city where I lived opened up a rail trail along the bed of an old rail road. In fact, the trail bordered my neighborhood and traveled about 5 miles north and 15 to 20 miles south of me. Additional trails leading east and west of it eventually linked up to the original trail.
It was then that I left heavily traveled streets and returned to bicycling on a regular basis. These trails have sprung up all over the country and offer residents a wonderful activity whether they are alone or with an entire family.
What is a Rail Trail?
A rail trail is simply an old railroad bed that is no longer used and has been converted into a path for people to use for recreational purposes. Actually some rail trails can provide functional transportation for one point to another in some instances. A rail trail is not used for vehicular traffic. Instead traffic on a rail trail consists of runners, walkers, inline skaters, and bicyclists and therefore make for a great family biking activity.Many rail trails are paved, but some have a crushed limestone, dirt, or other surface. Clearly a paved trail allows for the greatest variety of traffic as they can be used by inline skaters whereas other surfaces don't allow such activity.
Each rail trail may have different rules but in general, pets are allowed on trails although they should be on a leash. Some rail trails are urban/suburban and receive heavy traffic while others are more rural and are lightly traveled.
Why is Rail Trail Biking so Great?
Rail trails offer a number of advantages for families seeking a safe outdoor activity as well as for those focusing on fitness goals.A rail trail won't offer the challenge of steep up hill climbs or rugged terrain that mountain biking offers. Instead, you will generally find a more level path and one that may even be more protected from sun and wind in some areas due to wooded surroundings. There are few instances of pot holes, unexpected gravel, and other "road hazards" thus they are one of the safest possible family biking options.
Face it; cars don't mix that well with bicycles and other pedestrian modes of transportation. Rail trails separate you from automotive traffic with the exception of occasional, well marked crossings.
When you plan trips around the country you can generally include biking a rail trail in your travel plans. Finding them is pretty simple and I'll tell you more about this a bit further down the page. This ready availability makes it an activity that your family can build on and engage in routinely.
Rail trails generally have trail heads and free parking areas where you can leave your car/truck. In addition, these trails sometimes offer "facilities" periodically or pass through populated areas where families can stop and take a break, have lunch, or perhaps even stay the night.
Where Can I Find a Rail Trail?
Finding a rail trail is very easy. The Rails to Trails Conservancy has a website that allows you to simply input your destination and the type of trail you prefer to locate trails in the area. Finding the perfect family biking experience is simple with this tool.Once you have the name of the trail it can also be useful to research the trail further online. This can often provide more detailed information such as other trails that link up to it, sites of interest near the trail, and detailed maps.
What Should I Take Along on Our Rail Trail Trip?
The items needed for biking a rail trail is similar to that for any type of distance biking excursion and will vary based on the time of year and how far you plan to travel. However, here are some basics to get you thinking.Well, of course, but I would mention that my personal preference is to use a hybrid bicycle with tires that aren't too slick and yet not too "knobby". Knobby tires offer more resistance and require more effort to pedal. On the other hand "slick" tires don't handle even crushed limestone very well and falls need to be avoided. (If you want to learn more, you can visit this page on Cannondale bikes that includes a section which discusses how to determine the right bike size.)
Be sure to take a long a tire repair kit, including a pump, and any other tools to be sure you don't get stranded. I've had the experience and it isn't fun.
This isn't an absolute must, but just as in many other situations, having your cell phone available in case of emergency adds some security.
Don't leave home without it. Get a holder for each bike and let each person carry their own water bottle.
With a small bag on your bike it's easy to take along some fruit, granola or power bars, whatever you want to take along to assure you have the energy needed. Take along some cash if you will be purchasing a meal.
Bug repellent, sunblock, sweaters or jackets, a cap, sunglasses, and so forth should be considered. It never hurts to take a long some bandages and so forth in case of scrapes.
If anyone has allergies don't forget tissues, allergy medications, or whatever else needs to be readily available.
Rail Trail Precautions
Although family biking on rail trails is a safe activity, you should wear any safety gear you typically wear. Helmets in particular. Although the risk of getting hit by a car is minimal, falls can still occur.Here are a few things to keep in mind on rail trails:
Riding Along a Rail Trail
This one includes a bit of a history lesson
Air Line Rail Trail
This 13:45 film explores a converted rail line that is now a picturesque hiking trail in Connecticut. Visit futuredv.com for more info.
Runtime: 13:48
785 views
1 Comments:
Get the Family Outdoors
Check out the Trail Mix Blog to find out about more nature, hiking, and biking activities.
What is Your Favorite Rail Trail?
Vote or Submit Your Own
Springwater Corridor - 40-Mile Loop Trail System Portland Oregon
The Springwater Corridor is a 21.5 mile trail betw more...2 points
http://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Greenways/Monon Trail.htm
Monon Rail Trail (Indianapolis, IN)0 points
http://www.pps.org/great_public_spaces/one?public_place_id=200
Chattanooga Riverwalk0 points
Otago Central Rail Trail Official Website, Otago, New Zealand
The Otago Central Rail Trail, a non-profit project more...0 points
Interval Training at My Local Rail Trail in Dutchess, New York
I love to exercise on this trail, especially at su more...0 points
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Other Rail Trail Pages of Interest
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Bike Trail: Indiana's Cardinal Greenway
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The Cardinal Greenway is the longest single bike trail in Indiana. It's a paved rail trail which is used by walkers, runners, bicyclists and those with inline skates. It's great for fitness training*, families, and anyone who loves outdoor activities...
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The Monon Trail
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Many years ago my husband and I began planning some of our vacation time around rail trails. These trails are revamped rail lines set up to accommodate bike riders and walkers; and in some instances those who roller blade. They provide a great, healt...
Rail Trail: Let us know you stopped by!
California_Dreamin wrote...
Very interesting. I'd never heard of rail trails before reading this lens. I'm lensrolling this to my Brooks bicycle saddle lens.
Posted June 06, 2009
MadcapDave wrote...
I enjoyed your lens. I found it through the group lens section of the all things bike group and I enjoy rails to trails biking. Keep up the good work.
Posted May 26, 2009
MudRider500 wrote...
Mulberrey, I would like to add a link to this page from my bike page. I'm working on a section for travel and I think this lens is great.
Here is my lens [url=http://www.squidoo.com/cannondale-500-fitnessbike/]My Cannondale 500 pit stop[/url]
Just leave a note in my guestbook letting me know if it's ok. Thanks
Posted May 14, 2009
MudRider500 wrote...
I used to love riding on rail trails growing up. Fabulous lens. great family stuff.
Posted May 08, 2009
MobyD wrote...
Great lens - 5 stars and favorited. I added a plexo link for the Springwater Corridor, a 21.5-mile trail from SE Portland to Boring, Oregon. It's a great trail for riding and walking.
Posted January 15, 2009
seedplanter wrote...
Another well-designed lens. I love the video, too. I'm surprised that more of the smaller towns don't look around and find wasted space for trails like this.
Great idea for a lens. Makes me want to grab my bike and go!
Posted January 06, 2009
TheGreenerMe wrote...
Great idea for a lens! Looks like there's some cool rail trails in some interesting places. I'd love to see them in person.
Posted December 29, 2008
BookMama wrote...
Great lens. Thanks for the link on where to find rail trails in your area. I've looked for this information unsuccessfully before!
Posted December 22, 2008
Thomsonator wrote...
Hey mulberry, love the lens. I have a great rail trail near me that I bike, hike and run on. It's so peaceful and tranquil to exercise there. When I do, all my stress and worries just evaporate. I see critters everywhere such as wild turkey, deer and a variety of birds. In these trying times we live in, it's nice to know we can quickly escape to somewhere peaceful to get back to the basics. I have some great pictures I'll post to my lens and submit to your list of rail trails.
Posted November 26, 2008
Introduction: Bucklava.
What is a Rail Trail: Ken Ratcliff.
Why is Rail Trail Biking so Great" Robanhk.
Where Can I Find a Rail Trail: Goldfish Stew.
What Should I Take Along: qnr.
Rail Trail Precautions: iwona_kellie.
You can also see this lens at LensMasterWorld.com.
