Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike Schwab on May 10, 2019 at 4:19am

Yes, I have seen it.  Take Amtrak to DC and start riding back to Pittsburgh, then section by section coming back.  The big gaps are Wyoming and Montana, so traffic there should not be a problem.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 13, 2019 at 5:59am

There may not be much traffic in places like Wyoming and Montana, but drivers go super fast because they have to travel such long distances.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by curt(is) locke on May 12, 2019 at 5:56pm

Because the trail is not being built exclusively for bikes, which you would have noted had you read the article.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JeffB on May 13, 2019 at 5:33am

I get what you mean, although the Elroy-Sparta Trail is a bad example of boring, mainly because of the 3 railroad tunnels.  But the rest of the 100 miles on the "Bike 4 Trails" across mid-Wisconsin is a bit dull.

But on a multi-day ride, sometimes you just want a day on consistently flat-grade trail, or not have to figure out a road route.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by curt(is) locke on May 13, 2019 at 6:24am

So, the goal is, per the article, to eventually create a CONTINUOUS trail.

My advise to you, clp, is to not ride it. Then again, what suits your needs / preferences may not fit all users. I may never desire to ride it myself, but will I actively advocate AGAINST it?! No.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on May 16, 2019 at 5:15am

Advantages are it's exclusively for bikes, well balasted surface and it's moderately graded. Needed infrastructure like bridges and tunnels are either in place or easy to re-establish.

Terrain depends on where you are. Illinois is pretty dull on any surface.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by curt(is) locke on May 19, 2019 at 2:52pm

"The Great American Rail-Trail will be multi-use, with public trails available for activities such as cycling, walking, wheelchair use, inline skating, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding."

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by curt(is) locke on May 19, 2019 at 5:01am

But then you’ve never met a trail that you’ve approved of. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Filka Bean on May 19, 2019 at 8:50am

Sad but true...

i thought this would be a cool symbol, even if i only ever rode segments. Better than strapping on a pool noodle and hoping for the best! Plus, “this land is our land” so why should the rail companies just sit on it?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by curt(is) locke on May 19, 2019 at 2:53pm

"The Great American Rail-Trail will be multi-use, with public trails available for activities such as cycling, walking, wheelchair use, inline skating, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding."

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by curt(is) locke on May 19, 2019 at 2:54pm

"The Great American Rail-Trail will be multi-use, with public trails available for activities such as cycling, walking, wheelchair use, inline skating, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding."

• ▶ Reply