Rail Trails

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

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/).

Best,

Dan

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

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

On 01/18/2007 12:07:57 'Dan B. said:

Jeff Grippe wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message 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.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I wonder what the longest "car free" rides are in the US. Does anyone
know of anything longer?

Quoted message said:

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/).

Quoted message said:

Best,

Quoted message said:

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.

http://www.catrike.co.uk

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.

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.

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.

chuck wrote:
<snip>

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

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?

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

www.catrike.co.uk

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

www.catrike.co.uk

Jeff Grippe said:

Thank you.

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]...

Quoted message said:

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.

Jeff

"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.

Jeff

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.

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.

Jim McNamara

Jeff,

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:

http://www.great-trails.com/minnesota.shtml
http://www.startribune.com/462/story/950909.html

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:

http://mnhpva.org/ice/Ice2007Info.html
http://mnhpva.org/ice/Ice.html

Jim McNamara

Jeff Grippe said:

"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.

Jeff

Ken C. M. 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

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.

Jim McNamara

Jeff Grippe said:

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.

Best,

Dan

"Edward Dolan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

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.

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.

Jim

I have done sections of the GAP and there is a thread about it in this ng.
If you want to see pictures from that trip go to

http://groups.msn.com/grippesphotos/railtrail2005.msnw

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.

Jim