#21
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Rail Trails
Jeff,
Minnesota is a good recommendation if it is convenient. I've thought of going up there to ride some fo the trails myself. It is a state that is very dedicated to bicycle trail development. Check out these links: http://www.great-trails.com/minnesota.shtml http://www.startribune.com/462/story/950909.html On the other hand, it is a northerly state (think winter) and consequently trails cannot be enjoyed year round, but look what's going on during the off season ... ice racing: http://mnhpva.org/ice/Ice2007Info.html http://mnhpva.org/ice/Ice.html Jim McNamara Jeff Grippe wrote: "Edward Dolan" wrote in message news:OrednRz5Rt5I1yjYnZ2dnUVZ_rmdnZ2d@prairiewave. com... What's a "best friend?" Never heard of such a creature! I have moved most of your off topic stuff over to an off topic thread as the general agreement is to keep off topic stuff separate. I'm not really sure how much I'll be able to ride in the future but I'm optimistic. You want lots of shorter rail trails, not a single long rail trail. You may be right about this, however, a long trail can be several short ones. You just have to start in a different place. Here's the thing, however. I really enjoy longer rides. I don't ride for exercise (although I might if I lived by a rail trail). I ride for pleasure. I like to spend the day on the bike if I can. Back when I was commuting and the weather was good I would always look for long routes home from the train station. I think living along the GAP would be ideal for me unless I can find a long rail trail someplace I'd prefer living even more. Unless my friend moves, however, that isn't likely. Jeff |
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#22
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Rail Trails
"JimmyMac" wrote in message oups.com... Jeff, Minnesota is a good recommendation if it is convenient. I've thought of going up there to ride some fo the trails myself. It is a state that is very dedicated to bicycle trail development. Check out these links: http://www.great-trails.com/minnesota.shtml http://www.startribune.com/462/story/950909.html I do not think there is a better state anywhere in the land than Minnesota when it comes to bike trails. Wisconsin is overrated for sure. Folks from Chicagoland are always coming to Minnesota in order to ride our bike trails. On the other hand, it is a northerly state (think winter) and consequently trails cannot be enjoyed year round, but look what's going on during the off season ... ice racing: http://mnhpva.org/ice/Ice2007Info.html http://mnhpva.org/ice/Ice.html I know several who are involved in the above foolishness and they are all idiots. Stay the hell away from them! Regards, Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota aka Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota |
#23
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Rail Trails
Ken C. M. wrote: Jeff Grippe wrote: Speaking of rail trails (I was in my last message), I believe that the "Great Allegheny Passage" rail trail is either complete or very close to it. This would mean that you could ride for over 300 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington DC and never have to share the road with an automobile. I rode portions of it a few years ago and it was just a delight. Some spots weren't so pretty but most of it was and all of it was car free. I wonder what the longest "car free" rides are in the US. Does anyone know of anything longer? Jeff I know there are longer trails out there, but one of my favorites (so far) is the Withlacoochee (sp?) trail in central FL. It's only 46 miles but it's well maintained and has lots of nice shady rest stops along the way. Ken -- The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community. ~Ann Strong We do have some nice paved trails here in Illinois. I am fortunate to be located reasonably close to one that parallels the north branch of the Chicago river through forest preserves and another that follows along the Lake Michigan shorline. Jim McNamara |
#24
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Rail Trails
Do you have any detail? I'd consider buying some to build on later.
Jeff "Dan B." wrote in message ups.com... Jeff Grippe wrote: snip Here's the thing, however. I really enjoy longer rides. I don't ride for exercise (although I might if I lived by a rail trail). I ride for pleasure. I like to spend the day on the bike if I can. Back when I was commuting and the weather was good I would always look for long routes home from the train station. I think living along the GAP would be ideal for me unless I can find a long rail trail someplace I'd prefer living even more. Unless my friend moves, however, that isn't likely. Jeff As of last year, there were several parcels of land available along the Yough River Trail (roughly 1-2 acres apiece, city water and sewage, no structures yet built), sandwiched between the river and the trail near Connellsville, ~30 miles down the trail from McKeesport. I have no idea how much such property would cost, but it looked mighty tempting...hiking and cycling on one side, gentle river for canoeing, kayaking, or fishing on the other...*sigh* On a semi-unrelated note, the 6th annual Greenway Sojourn will be taking place late June of this year. 7 days of supported cycling along the C&O Canal and the GAP, capped off by a police escort for the nine miles of on-road riding from Mckeesport to Pittsburgh. Not an inexpensive ride, but looks like a nice, relaxing week. Details at http://www.railtrails.org/wherewewor...07Sojourn.html. Best, Dan |
#25
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Rail Trails
Jeff Grippe wrote: Do you have any detail? I'd consider buying some to build on later. Jeff snip Sadly, no...this is memory based on a ride last year. I noticed the lots for sale, but neglected to make a note of the telephone number. I'd imagine that a realtor in the Connellsville region might be able to help you out, however, or have a better idea where to look. If you told them that you were looking for property on or near the Yough River and the trail, I'm sure they'd be capable of finding such things. Best, Dan |
#26
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Rail Trails
"JimmyMac" wrote in message oups.com... Ken C. M. wrote: Jeff Grippe wrote: Speaking of rail trails (I was in my last message), I believe that the "Great Allegheny Passage" rail trail is either complete or very close to it. This would mean that you could ride for over 300 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington DC and never have to share the road with an automobile. I rode portions of it a few years ago and it was just a delight. Some spots weren't so pretty but most of it was and all of it was car free. I wonder what the longest "car free" rides are in the US. Does anyone know of anything longer? I know there are longer trails out there, but one of my favorites (so far) is the Withlacoochee (sp?) trail in central FL. It's only 46 miles but it's well maintained and has lots of nice shady rest stops along the way. We do have some nice paved trails here in Illinois. I am fortunate to be located reasonably close to one that parallels the north branch of the Chicago river through forest preserves and another that follows along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Those are urban trails and they cannot compare with rural trails. Sometimes I feel so sorry for those who are restricted to the metros. They know not the natural beauty that you can only get away from the infernal city. I invite Jim McNamara to Minnesota and we will go biking on some rural trals that will open up a whole new world to him. Perry Butler of Fergus Falls also knows of these trails and he might be a better traveling companion for Jim, but infinitely duller. Regards, Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota aka Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota |
#27
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Rail Trails
"JimmyMac" wrote in message oups.com... Ken C. M. wrote: Jeff Grippe wrote: Speaking of rail trails (I was in my last message), I believe that the "Great Allegheny Passage" rail trail is either complete or very close to it. This would mean that you could ride for over 300 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington DC and never have to share the road with an automobile. I rode portions of it a few years ago and it was just a delight. Some spots weren't so pretty but most of it was and all of it was car free. I wonder what the longest "car free" rides are in the US. Does anyone know of anything longer? I know there are longer trails out there, but one of my favorites (so far) is the Withlacoochee (sp?) trail in central FL. It's only 46 miles but it's well maintained and has lots of nice shady rest stops along the way. We do have some nice paved trails here in Illinois. I am fortunate to be located reasonably close to one that parallels the north branch of the Chicago river [River] through forest preserves and another that follows along the Lake Michigan shorline [shoreline]. Jeff is not interested in urban bike trails. He lives just north of New York City and there are plenty of bike trials like the ones you think are so great near him already. He wants some rural trails to ride. Maybe if you got out of your freaking Chicagoland every now and then you would know your ass from a hole in the ground, but admittedly, that is a long shot. Regards, Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota aka Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota |
#28
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Rail Trails
"Edward Dolan" wrote in message news:s_KdnfqV7Mf_virYnZ2dnUVZ_oOonZ2d@prairiewave. com... Jeff is not interested in urban bike trails. He lives just north of New York City and there are plenty of bike trials like the ones you think are so great near him already. He wants some rural trails to ride. Maybe if you got out of your freaking Chicagoland every now and then you would know your ass from a hole in the ground, but admittedly, that is a long shot. Don't speak for me Ed. You may be a saint but you aren't my saint. There are trails now that go up and down both the east side and west side of Manhattan and I believe that they will soon connect at the battery downtown. I've ridden the west side trail. It was absolutely delightful. Once I'm better I'm looking forward to riding the whole thing from the upper west side, around the batter, and up the east side. I've ridden the 5 boro bike tour many times and always enjoyed. |
#29
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Rail Trails
Jeff Grippe wrote: Speaking of rail trails (I was in my last message), I believe that the "Great Allegheny Passage" rail trail is either complete or very close to it. This would mean that you could ride for over 300 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington DC and never have to share the road with an automobile. I rode portions of it a few years ago and it was just a delight. Some spots weren't so pretty but most of it was and all of it was car free. I wonder what the longest "car free" rides are in the US. Does anyone know of anything longer? Jeff That's one long trail and probably more suitable for commuting than a daily jaunt simply because of its length. If ever you explore more of it, I'd like to hear your impression. Fortunately, I live near the far northern end of Chicago removed from the busier urban area, so I am able to take advantage of rural trails and rural roads without even having to drive to a starting point. The trail I previously mentioned that parallels the north branch of the Chicago river through the forest preserves, is only 2.3 miles from my house and extend for 15+ mile up into a beautiful botanical garden. From there, one can ride another 1 1/2 miles on the road to another trail that extends another 8 miles and runs along side a railroad track. At its end, it is a ride of less than a mil to link up with still another trail that also run along sided of another railroad track. Along the serene, rural route, the rustic scenery constantly changes as one passes by and/or along rivers, gardens, golf courses, riding stables and farms. Round trip is around 70 miles and only about 10 of those miles (read approximately 14%) are on the road, but I am comfortable riding roads. If anyone is ever down my way I'd be more that happy to ride this route with them. Jim |
#30
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Rail Trails
I have done sections of the GAP and there is a thread about it in this ng.
If you want to see pictures from that trip go to http://groups.msn.com/grippesphotos/railtrail2005.msnw That trip from 2005 include a trail in MD that was paved, Several sections of the GAP, and some trails in Morgantown, WV which are not part of the GAP but were quite fun to ride. Jeff PS there are also pictures of what is left of my trike, etc. "JimmyMac" wrote in message oups.com... Jeff Grippe wrote: Speaking of rail trails (I was in my last message), I believe that the "Great Allegheny Passage" rail trail is either complete or very close to it. This would mean that you could ride for over 300 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington DC and never have to share the road with an automobile. I rode portions of it a few years ago and it was just a delight. Some spots weren't so pretty but most of it was and all of it was car free. I wonder what the longest "car free" rides are in the US. Does anyone know of anything longer? Jeff That's one long trail and probably more suitable for commuting than a daily jaunt simply because of its length. If ever you explore more of it, I'd like to hear your impression. Fortunately, I live near the far northern end of Chicago removed from the busier urban area, so I am able to take advantage of rural trails and rural roads without even having to drive to a starting point. The trail I previously mentioned that parallels the north branch of the Chicago river through the forest preserves, is only 2.3 miles from my house and extend for 15+ mile up into a beautiful botanical garden. From there, one can ride another 1 1/2 miles on the road to another trail that extends another 8 miles and runs along side a railroad track. At its end, it is a ride of less than a mil to link up with still another trail that also run along sided of another railroad track. Along the serene, rural route, the rustic scenery constantly changes as one passes by and/or along rivers, gardens, golf courses, riding stables and farms. Round trip is around 70 miles and only about 10 of those miles (read approximately 14%) are on the road, but I am comfortable riding roads. If anyone is ever down my way I'd be more that happy to ride this route with them. Jim |
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