Rail Trail

heevy

If they close the Murwillumbar to Casino rail link, could we have it as a rail trail to ride our bikes on?? pretty please

heevy

I'm still here, It's now April 2006 and the Murwillumbar to Casino rail link has been closed since the last post as far as I know so now I am in the process of writing emails to government departments, BFA, and associated associations, by the look of my reply list, it may be a lonely job but what a great ride it would be through beautiful countryside and mountains with stop off points such as Byron Bay and Bangalow to name a few, this trail is a sleeping giant...

swimmeronwheels

pardon my ignorance but,

Where are you? jus' curious.

heevy

Hi swimma Oh - just on the other side of the world by the look of things, downunda in Australia !!!

Trek_Rider_05

We have qutie a few nice "rail trails" here in Northern Virginina / Washington D.C.

__________________
Dec. 16th 05 -- 2005 Trek 7500FX 17.5" Black and Red

GO CAPS!
D.C. United - 2004, and 4 time MLS CUP CHAMPIONS!

VAMOS UNITED!!!!

heevy

Hi Trek Rider 05, Where do your trails go from/to, are they ex railways, I've just ridden the Otago Central Rail Trail in New Zealand, fantastic!!! 150klms, did it both ways, very windy, 4 seasons in one day, lots of riders use this trail, check out the web site...
Heevy

stokell

I'll wade in here with a few general comments on rail trails, as I have used them for years. In many ways they are great because they get you in a direct route from one place to another. They are great in hilly areas as trains don't like hills so the grades are even and comfortable. They are also great for stealth camping because they take you away from busy areas.

BUT:
They can be boring (yawn) because they are so straight and the grades so even. Sometimes is has been a while since the trains ran and other groups have poached the land so you sometimes have to stop at a golf course or even run through peoples back yards like in Wiltshire.

I love rail trails and even canal tow paths beacuse it keeps you away from the lorries and gives you time to think.

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Allan Stokell
one less car
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/stokell

heevy

Hi Stokell, thanks for the info, sounds like you've been to lots of nice places around the world...

mikesbytes

Talk to your local bike club and local council. You will probably have to lobby the RTA. There is a rail trail in Newcastle and a unsealed one near Melbourne. Contact some of the respective bicycle clubs for their advice.

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Training Log

heevy

Thanks mikesbytes,
I've had one response to all the emails I've sent and that's from Tweed Shire Council who will be forwarding my letter to the local state member so that's something, judging by the letter, Tweed council seem quite keen on the idea, it's just a pity about all the other shire councils...but I shall just lobby em again!!

mikesbytes

Excellent starting point. If Tweed manage to find the funding and get the approvals, the other councils will hopefully take an active interest. My exposure to your part of NSW is largely thru a windscreen stuck behind a truck. Heevy, do you have any useful info about the area, such as what communities would be connected, a map perhaps?

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Training Log

heevy

Thanks mikesbytes,,
I just have the standard issue road maps, 16 towns along the 140klm trail including Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, Bangalow, Lismore and Casino to name a few.