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Through the Woods

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Through the Woods This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” You’ll really be riding through the woods when you go cycling in Pennsylvania. It’s all in the state’s name; and Pennsylvania offers a great deal to fans of Rails to Trails. The Great Allegheny Passage runs through the state and neighboring Maryland. This one is a favorite! The Allegheny River Trail is a close rival, with great scenery and chances to spot wildlife. Like waterfalls and geology? Try out the Pine Creek Rail Trail. Fantastic rock outcrops for much of the way! Ghost Town Trail will appeal to history buffs. Historic markers tell stories of old towns, blast furnaces, and more. Heritage Rail Trail, too, is full of history. Have lunch at the restored New Freedom rail depot! D & H-Lehigh Gorge Trail gives 130 miles of riding; since this article dates back to 2014, I suppose the pedestrian bridge mentioned may have been completed. Want to get away from it all? Perhaps Sandy Creek Trail would suit you. This path is in remote northwestern Pennsylvania, and has some terrific scenery. The Butler-Freeport Community Trail is 20 miles of riding through the woods and over bubbling creeks. Oil Creek State Park Trail might sound like something that would upset the EPA. Apparently it’s quite the contrary. Along this trail you can find fly fishing as well as cycling; or, in winter, cross-country skiing! Finally, there’s the Redbank Valley Rail Trail, the 2014 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year Award. Choose your trail; pump up your tires and fill your water bottles (or Camel-Bak); and pack your ride food. Happy riding in the Keystone State! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Afternoon Ride? December 11, 2023 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Southern Ease

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Southern Ease This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Southern ease sounds to me like sitting in a shady porch in a nice rocking chair; and sipping at my favorite cold drink. If that’s a little too much ease for you, South Carolina has ten easy bicycling trails that the whole family can enjoy. Swamp Rabbit Trail sounds rather like cottontails running (or do I mean hopping?) all over the place. This 13.5-mile trail is fun for cycling, walking, and jogging. And who knows? You might spot one of those long-eared critters. A funny aside: not long ago my sister told me of a joke that her brother-in-law told her: Q. What do you call a line of rabbits hopping backwards? A. A receding hare line! If the thought of all those rabbits makes you hopping mad, don’t let them become a pain in the neck. You can Bike the Neck instead. This 16-mile trail runs between the Atlantic and the Waccamaw River. If you’re a nature lover, this would be a good trail for you. For those looking for a more challenging ride, it sounds like the Ravenel Bridge might fit the bill. It says you’ll “burn some calories” getting across it. It’s less than three miles long, but is steep. Or, depending on your direction of travel, can you count on having to battle a strong headwind? That doesn’t exactly sound like southern ease to me. Or ease from anywhere. When I want some southern ease, I’ll just stay in the old rocking chair and be lazy. ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Afternoon Ride? December 11, 2023 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Rhode Island

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Rhode Island This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” How is the Ocean State of Rhode Island for cycling? Rhode Island is a very small state, to be sure, but cyclists have a number of choices. For the time being, maybe plan to hit those trails just for the ride. With COVID-19 apparently making a resurgence, who knows might be shut down.  I think I’d like the Blackstone River Bike Path, as it runs along a river much of its length. Maybe I’d see some water birds other than the ones I see around here all the time. The Quonset Bike Path is 2.5 miles of entirely off-road riding; great for a family outing! I must admit, however, that 3.7 miles isn’t much more than a warm-up for me. The western two-thirds of Rhode Island are rough and hilly. That sounds like MTB territory! For riders who find flat trails much too tame, there are some mountain bike trails out there. Big River/Carr Pond has trails for all levels of riders, from beginners to experts. Burlingame State Park also has something for MTB enthusiasts of moderate ability. This Yellow Dot Trail sounds interesting. It’s open to hikers; and to snowshoeing and skiing in Winter. As always,  if you plan to be out more than an hour or so, use a Camel-Bak to be sure you have enough water. Pack along some ride food: protein bars, GU-Gels, and so on. You certainly don’t want to get That Virus; but you don’t want to bonk, either. ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Afternoon Ride? December 11, 2023 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Mittens?

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Mittens? This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” A mitten is what I think of when I view a map of the USA; and look at Michigan. If I tried cycling in Michigan right now, I’d sure want mittens, or lobster gloves; and a lot of other cold-weather gear as well. Summers look like a good time for a cycling tour in the Wolverine State. I guess you could do without the mittens then. The Michigander tour offers two- to eight-day tours, with beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Most of the routes are a mix of road and trail. SAG support; gourmet coffee; and more are included in the package. Then there’s ODRAM. How would you like to pedal roughly 150 miles in a single day? And 80 or so miles of it with “rolling hills”. I have a sneaking suspicion that I’d find said rolling hills some tough climbing! At least there’s usually a tailwind, which can provide a bit of a boost. Not feeling up to a cross-country ride? The Great Lake-to-Lake tour lets you have a taste of the wheel-dipping ceremony. Start at Lake Michigan; ride to Lake Huron on this 275-mile sightseeing jaunt of seven days. As usual, there are so many rides and cycling routes that I can’t begin to go into all of them; but the ones I’ve read about sure sound wonderful. Just don’t let me forget my mittens if I go there in Winter. ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 I Still Can’t Ride! December 6, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Coasting?

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Coasting? Coasting too much is generally frowned upon by “serious” cyclists. But if you want to “coast” all day, head for Maryland and the Seagull Century. On the 100-mile Assateague route, you’ll have a great view of the Atlantic Ocean; and you may see the Assateague wild ponies. Follow the white seagulls! Is 100 miles in one day too much for you? The 65-mile Princess Anne Metric route rolls through Somerset County; follow the yellow seagulls. Just don’t get confused and start following the yellow brick road! I’ve always heard that SGC is flat; but that it can be very windy. That’s not surprising for a coastal route. I hope that the routes are arranged according to prevailing winds, with the TAILwind on the second half of the ride. SGC does not provide bottled water; better bring the Camel-Bak! As always, wear a helmet. Bike mechanics are available at rest stops in case you need technical support. Are you looking for purely recreational cycling in Maryland? How about the GAP? This 159-mile rail trail between Cumberland and Pittsburgh is nearly flat; and beautiful as well. Or check out  “The Grand Old Ditch“. This is a good one for bird-watching. So head to The Old Line State for some cycling pleasure; but keep the coasting to a minimum. ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 I Still Can’t Ride! December 6, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Hard as Granite?

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Hard as Granite? This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” If a bicycle route were “hard as granite”, I doubt that I’d do well on it. But riding needn’t be as hard as that. New Hampshire has a number of routes that the whole family can enjoy. Several are the rails-to-trails type. For the youngster eager for that first real ride, try the Silk Farm Road Bike Path in Concord. Of course there are other riding opportunities as well. If you want something off the beaten path, try the Great North Woods. You’ll have the chance to enjoy some spectacular scenery! Head South a bit, and you’ll find the White Mountains region. Routes here range from easy to expert in difficulty.  It looks like most of the routes in this New England state are rolling to mountainous. The Seacoast area has some rides that are pretty easy; but some can have heavy traffic during tourist season. It’s a good time to invest in a rearview mirror! Maybe those mountainous New Hampshire routes aren’t for me. I’d need to train up until my legs muscles got hard as granite! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Elementor #155451 December 11, 2023 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Down on the Bayou

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Down on the Bayou This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Let’s go ride down on the bayou! Cycle Zydeco is an annual event, taking place the week after Easter. Cajun food; zydeco music; and riding on flat roads! You just might be able to do Cycle Zydeco on an adult trike!  This 4-day rolling festival is a casual ride; you won’t need a fancy racing bicycle for this one! A hybrid might well do, especially if you choose to take the shorter routes. Or, as mentioned above an adult tricycle. Each day offers two route options. The shorter one is about 38-40 miles; the longer one can be 62 miles or more. Each route includes interesting stops such as swamp tours. The riding is easy. I wonder what the Scavenger Hunt involves. Trying spot a particular element of the local wildlife?  Counting road signs? I don’t expect that the weather conditions for Cycle Zydeco would be much different from those of New Orleans. By Easter it can already be downright hot. Be prepared for rain, but of course bring the sunblock, too. In fact, sun sleeves might be even better. They protect from UV rays and keep your arms a bit cooler, but without the messiness of sunblock. Cycle Zydeco rather turns the usual “eat, sleep, ride” on its head. “CZ” is about eat; dance; drink; and ride to the next party. Sounds like fun down on the bayou. ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Tricks June 3, 2025 Normal Schedule June 2, 2025 Six Months June 1, 2025 Quiet in the Tropics May 30, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Spuds?

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Spuds? Idaho always sounds like spuds to me. I even made up a (horrible!) joke: “Idaho’d the potatoes, if it hadn’t a rained.” MTB enthusiasts might like to head to the Gem State for the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route. There are 50 hot springs along this 763.4-mile trail! After a day’s riding a good soak in a hot spring might be just the thing; although you might want to shower first to get off the day’s sweat, sunblock, and dust. Central Idaho has beautiful sub-alpine countryside; great trout-fishing streams; and lovely towns. Wildlife is abundant; you might see deer, black bears, and elk. Bird-watchers might spot eagles; ospreys; and more. The route passes close to several designated wilderness areas. If you want to take a side-route to visit any of them, remember that bicycles are not allowed into these areas. Road conditions vary greatly on this route. Some surfaces are paved; others are singletrack. It appears that there’s little or no time when you won’t  be either climbing or descending. I don’t think my legs are ready for that! Be sure to pack enough layers. Nights can be chilly in those mountainous areas. It’s hard to remember that when you’re at hot, humid sea level! Daytimes tend to be warm or even hot. Cell phone reception can be spotty; riding this route solo is much discouraged; and … … well, it might be a terrific route, but it’s not for beginners, I can see. I think I’ll fix some spuds for my supper, and kick back while I just read about it! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 I Still Can’t Ride! December 6, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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South Dakota

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South Dakota This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”   South Dakota is perhaps best known for Mount Rushmore. That was another of the places we visited on our shoestring-budget road trips when I was a kid. And two of the state’s top road biking rides takes you right to it! From Rapid City it’s a 23-mile route to the famous rock carvings. The mileage itself would be easy enough. But what is the gradient of this ride? You could also take the Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore.  This 17 mile-route includes climbing and so-called “pigtail bridges”. Coteau des Prairie (Hills of the Prairie) Tour at 93.5 miles is almost a century ride, and includes “rolling hills”.  This is a “loop ride”, which means it’s possible to do only parts of it. The scenery along the way would make the effort of climbing worth it. For a ride that lets the whole family participate, including kids, there’s the Sioux Falls Greenway Trail System. It’s many entry/exit points connects to shops, restaurants, and other small parks. If you’re really ambitious, the Burning Bluffs Tour is 130 miles long. Most of it is along paved country roads. At times the gradient is 5-8%; over what distance, it doesn’t say. Be prepared for “spotty” cell phone service. How about Spearfish? These 19 miles along the creek are spectacular during Fall-color season.  There are some beautiful waterfalls; rock-climbing and fishing, too. Badlands sounds like a place you would want to avoid, right? The Badlands Loop is actually quite a popular route. Its 39 miles include 16 scenic overlooks. Just be sure you have a full Camel-Bak, especially on a hot day. The usual precautions apply: wear a helmet. Be sure you have adequate water and food before starting. Ride safely. Most of all, enjoy riding in South Dakota! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Afternoon Ride? December 11, 2023 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Baltic

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Baltic This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Let’s return to the Baltic! We’ve done Poland, so how about something a bit more unusual? Lithuania doesn’t seem to be very well known in the USA. I certainly know very little about the country. I do remember what a cookbook I once had, said about new potatoes in Lithuania: when it came time to eat them, it was the custom for the people at the table to pull each other’s hair before beginning to eat! But vodka made from potatoes? I’d rather eat them! Not rushing through a visit to a café sounds like a welcome change. So does letting kids be kids. As to buses, be sure you buy your bus ticket, or you’ll risk being smacked with a big fine. Perhaps above all, do not whistle! That sounds analogous to the superstition that whistling at sea brings storms. Aside from “things to know”, how is Lithuania for cycling? See here for 20 possible touring routes. Most are on the intermediate skill level; and mostly on paved roads. I notice that they all say, “Good fitness required”. What exactly is “good fitness”? For most tours, it seems to mean being able to ride 10-12 mph for several hours. I can do that as long as there’s little or no climbing. And no headwind! Immer an den Dünen entlang (roughly, “always alongside the dunes”) sounds good. I like the distance; roughly 50 miles in a bit under 4.5 hours. As long as I don’t have to battle a stiff headwind, I think can do that. Bike Path along the River is another fairly short one; not much over 30 miles. But with some climbs! Some routes lead to the beach; but I don’t know whether I’d want to jump in. Even in the hot part of the year, the water temperature is only about 72 degrees. That’s probably too chilly for me. The Baltic is not the Gulf of Mexico! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Lost My Touch August 19, 2024 Results? August 18, 2024 Shut off the Furnace! August 17, 2024 Peak Season August 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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