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

"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

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

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

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

"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

"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

"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.

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

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