Rail Trails

(The above are from the KATY Trail in Missouri.)

One of those memory things popped up on my Facebook news feed.  You know the kind of thing I’m talking about.  Facebook periodically reminds you of something you posted a few years ago.  This one was from four years ago.  I tried to make a comment about it and repost it, but something happened that my comments didn’t make it.  But it got me to thinking, which is bad news for you.

The memory and pictures were from my bike ride on the Erie Canal Towpath four years ago.  It was a solo ride, though I had lots of support from friends who kept in touch with me on the ride.  I had someone looking after my health and someone else watching the weather for me.  I was met partway through the ride by friends who brought me much needed nourishment and refreshment.  And I had friends who kept in touch with me as I rode.  My biggest support came from Susan who not only dropped me off at the beginning of each day’s ride and picked up the pieces at the end of each day, but encouraged and supported me each step (pedal) of the way.

(Erie Canal Towpath)

KATY Trail

That experience inspired me to continue riding.  Since the Erie Canal Towpath, I’ve ridden on the KATY Trail in Missouri and the Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island.  Our oldest son and our youngest daughter accompanied me on the last two rail trail rides.  They said they wanted to accompany me on the rides to spend time with me, but I think they just wanted to make sure I didn’t die of a heart attack on the trail.

Between the three major rides that I’ve done, I’ve ridden the equivalent of riding from Washington, D.C. to Kansas City.  When you include the training miles for those rides, the distance would extend to Salt Lake City.  For a lot of cyclists, that distance is no big deal.  Some would cover that and more in a single summer.  I’m old and slow and I’m determined and I will eventually make it to my destination.

Confederation Trail, Prince Edward Island

I have been richly blessed as I have ridden these trails.  Not only have I seen beautiful country that a person would not normally see otherwise, but I’ve become acquainted with people from around the country and around the world.  I’ve been surrounded by the love and companionship of family and friends.

The rides are not over.  There may even be one more long ride this fall.  I’m sure there will be more next year and you will be inundated with more pictures, hopefully from Idaho, Nebraska, Indiana, and Louisiana.  And maybe my health will be as such that I can continue annual bicycle rail trail rides.  Until then, Happy Trails!

Erie Canal Towpath