Rails to Trails Conservancy is on to something, I think. If a railroad isn\’t using a particular route any longer, why not let the public have access to it for recreation and non-motorized transportation?

Rails to Trails routes are multi-use, so both cyclists and hikers could use the same routes. Apparently there are quite a few such trails in the USA. If only I were close to some of them! Yes, I have the MRT a stone\’s throw away, but riding a bicycle atop that levee can get tiresome in a strong wind! Much of the day it\’s also completely unshaded. That\’s not so good in hot weather when I\’m out riding for several hours.

One of the most attractive features of a rail trail is, to me, its flatness. If such a trail passes through a mountainous area, I guess it would be very long and winding to allow for the low grade. What a great way that would be to catch some marvelous scenery!

Rail trails also exist in other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Germany. How about a world tour using rail trails? Where did I put my bucket list?