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?
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
The GAP is complete (to my knowledge) except for the first 9-mile stretch from Pittsburgh to McKeesport. There are some issues with private property owners that need to be resolved before the last few miles are continuous. However, as far as I know, the intention is to have the trail complete in 2008. More info is available at the ATA website (http://www.atatrail.org/).
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
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.
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Quoted message said:
I wonder what the longest "car free" rides are in the US. Does anyone know of anything longer?
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Quoted message said:
Jeff
Quoted message said:
The GAP is complete (to my knowledge) except for the first 9-mile stretch from Pittsburgh to McKeesport. There are some issues with private property owners that need to be resolved before the last few miles are continuous. However, as far as I know, the intention is to have the trail complete in 2008. More info is available at the ATA website (http://www.atatrail.org/).
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Best,
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Dan
I think there are quite a lot of potential routes like this in the U.K., but most are yet to be utilised, expense to metal them is obviously a consideration.
--
Buck
Give a little person a little power and create a big problem.
I think there are quite a lot of potential routes like this in the U.K., but most are yet to be utilised, expense to metal them is obviously a consideration.
<snip>
Assuming that "to metal them" refers to paving with asphalt, macadam, chipseal, or some related substance, most of the GAP has not been metaled. (If my assumption is incorrect, chalk it up to a Colonial upbringing...)
The majority of the GAP, and most rail-trails in the southwestern Pennsylvania region, are made hiker/biker-friendly by removing rails, ties, and ballast, then spreading a thick bed of crushed limestone. Not nearly as nice to ride as smooth asphalt, but substantially more pleasant than gravel and dirt, and less expensive in terms of both material cost and labor to put in place.
I think there are quite a lot of potential routes like this in the U.K., but most are yet to be utilised, expense to metal them is obviously a consideration.
<snip>
Assuming that "to metal them" refers to paving with asphalt, macadam, chipseal, or some related substance, most of the GAP has not been metaled. (If my assumption is incorrect, chalk it up to a Colonial upbringing...)
The majority of the GAP, and most rail-trails in the southwestern Pennsylvania region, are made hiker/biker-friendly by removing rails, ties, and ballast, then spreading a thick bed of crushed limestone. Not nearly as nice to ride as smooth asphalt, but substantially more pleasant than gravel and dirt, and less expensive in terms of both material cost and labor to put in place.
What size tire do you use this time of year on the linestone? I just upsized to 1.75. While it helps the handling in the muck, I sure notice the extra weight. Judging by the depth of my tracks, I'm sure there's a little extra drag from the mud too. This freeze/thaw stuff really sucks in the limestone.
What size tire do you use this time of year on the linestone? I just upsized to 1.75. While it helps the handling in the muck, I sure notice the extra weight. Judging by the depth of my tracks, I'm sure there's a little extra drag from the mud too. This freeze/thaw stuff really sucks in the limestone.
I generally go 1.5" in the winter, and drop my pressure to 75-80 psi. Good weather, I'll go 1.125" and 100-110 psi
Ken C. M. wrote: :: :: 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.
If that can become a 92-mile out and back, then I'm interested in this trail. Which is it?
I think there are quite a lot of potential routes like this in the U.K., but most are yet to be utilised, expense to metal them is obviously a consideration.
<snip>
Assuming that "to metal them" refers to paving with asphalt, macadam, chipseal, or some related substance, most of the GAP has not been metaled. (If my assumption is incorrect, chalk it up to a Colonial upbringing...)
The majority of the GAP, and most rail-trails in the southwestern Pennsylvania region, are made hiker/biker-friendly by removing rails, ties, and ballast, then spreading a thick bed of crushed limestone. Not nearly as nice to ride as smooth asphalt, but substantially more pleasant than gravel and dirt, and less expensive in terms of both material cost and labor to put in place.
Yes to metal them I mean to surface them, is that term not used in the U.S.? -- Three wheels good, two wheels ok
Pave would probably be the preferred term here assuming that you are talking about some hard surface.
Jeff "Buck" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:2007011918205075249-SPAMTRAPian@trikesandstuffDOTcoDOTuk...
Quoted message said:
Dan B. said:
Buck wrote: <snip>
Quoted message said:
I think there are quite a lot of potential routes like this in the U.K., but most are yet to be utilised, expense to metal them is obviously a consideration.
<snip>
Assuming that "to metal them" refers to paving with asphalt, macadam, chipseal, or some related substance, most of the GAP has not been metaled. (If my assumption is incorrect, chalk it up to a Colonial upbringing...)
The majority of the GAP, and most rail-trails in the southwestern Pennsylvania region, are made hiker/biker-friendly by removing rails, ties, and ballast, then spreading a thick bed of crushed limestone. Not nearly as nice to ride as smooth asphalt, but substantially more pleasant than gravel and dirt, and less expensive in terms of both material cost and labor to put in place.
Yes to metal them I mean to surface them, is that term not used in the U.S.? -- Three wheels good, two wheels ok
The Katy Trail looks great and their web site is first rate.
The railtrails.org web site is not useful for answering the question about which rail trail is the longest, however, they are a great group doing important work.
Yeah I agree with you on that point. Which is why I have sent them money for the last two years. Those rail beds make idea recreation trails. They may get crowded once and a while, but they are still nice.
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
"Edward Dolan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
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You do not necessarily want a long rail trail. Shorter ones with lots of variety are what is called for. I recommend Minnesota, at least for 3 seasons of the year. There are several rail trails in the SE area and also in the center of the state near Park Rapids. Settle there or in Lanesboro and you will have plenty of rail trails to ride for the rest of your life. Unlike Wisconsin, almost all of the Minnesota rail trails are paved.
You need not worry about ever running into me as I will be resting peacefully in my grave at the local cemetery in 10 years. However, if you are so bold as to visit my gravesite, I will haunt you. Yea, ever fearsome to the bitter end!
What you say may be so but as I said earlier, my best friend lives in Towson, MD and that is another consideration regarding where I live. If I lived in MN, It would not be convenient to go visit.
I'm not really sure how much I'll be able to ride in the future but I'm optimistic.
As far as running into you goes, I think you'd probably be a fine person to ride with. I also have no worries about being haunted as like your good self, I don't believe that the dead are among us. I will always remember you, however.
"Edward Dolan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
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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.
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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.
I think there are quite a lot of potential routes like this in the U.K., but most are yet to be utilised, expense to metal them is obviously a consideration.
<snip>
Assuming that "to metal them" refers to paving with asphalt, macadam, chipseal, or some related substance, most of the GAP has not been metaled. (If my assumption is incorrect, chalk it up to a Colonial upbringing...)
The majority of the GAP, and most rail-trails in the southwestern Pennsylvania region, are made hiker/biker-friendly by removing rails, ties, and ballast, then spreading a thick bed of crushed limestone. Not nearly as nice to ride as smooth asphalt, but substantially more pleasant than gravel and dirt, and less expensive in terms of both material cost and labor to put in place.
I once read what the cost for paving was per squae foot or yard, but I just dont' recall the figure. I do remember though being surprised at just how costly it was. Recycled tires and roofing shingles broght the cost down considerably, but it was still steep. I prefer asphalt pavement because crushed limestone (limestone screenings) can wreak havoc with the bicycle drive train (think wear and tear) and getting caught on such a trail in the rain leaves the bike and clothes looking like they just came out of a cement mixer.
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:
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:
"Edward Dolan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
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.
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
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.
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.
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.
"Edward Dolan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
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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.
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.
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" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Jeff Grippe said:
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.
