"Wouldn't it be great if there were long-distance trails specifically for bicycles? Basically -- roads without cars?
Well, there are! A quickly emerging network of abandoned railway lines are being converted by regional governments into superb bike paths. In addition to offering very gentle grades that are ideal for bikes, many of these new trails are satisfying long. The longest rail trail is over 300 miles long, and the longest off-pavement bike trail in the country stretches 2,500 miles. On these bike roads you can cruise along for weeks without ever encountering a car, or worrying about being bumped off the white line by an oblivious motorist. These are not paved roads, but packed gravel or dirt. Many sport spectacular tunnels and bridges courtesy of the former railways. At the same time these trails pass through small towns affording local eateries and rural lodging, as well as the usual camping spots along the way."
- kk.org
more on the railroads converted to bike trails here:
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000905.php
Ralph Becker has made a campaign promise to create more general bicycle trails throughout SLC. We will see, if elected, if this comes true. Sure would be nice to ride Jordan Parkway without having to climb under muddy bridges.. time to take to the Railroads?
what a cool idea! it'd be great to take a long bike trip that way. my only concern is the quality of the trail--if it's packed dirt and gravel, could a roadbike make the trip? because i wouldn't want to ride that far on anything heavier.
ReplyDeleteThere's tons of unused tracks in Utah though. So it'd still be great if that idea was implemented here.