In the spring of 99, I had never even heard
of  rail-trails.  Then,  after  riding on a  local
trail one day, I struck up a conversation with
another cyclist in the parking lot. He happened
to mention that he would really like to go out
to the Black Hills and ride on the Mickelson
Trail. After he explained that  an old rail-line
had been converted into a recreational trail
which ran  through  some of  the most  rugged
and scenic parts of the Black Hills, I had to
learn more about the rail-trail program.

  On the internet, I found many good personal,
state, and organizational websites on trails, but
nothing that  was both extensive and relevant
to what I wanted to see; trails that were quite
flat, reasonably long, and  had a riding surface
suitable  for  more  than  just  mountain bikes.
After  finding  out  just  how  many great trails
were out there - and my favorite interest being
riding or talking bike - I took the leap into
cyberspace. I  began putting together  what I
consider some of  the best family-type riding
trails in the US.

  The following spring, I decided it was time
to try out some of  the trails I had gathered
information on. So, in May  I  rode parts of
the Nebraska Cowboy Trail and the Iowa
Wabash Trace Trail. I was hooked. No
cars to look out  for,  no  major hills - just
a  great  feeling  of  adventure. Three  weeks
later, I was  found riding the Minnesota Root
River Trail  and the Wisconsin  Elroy-Sparta
Trail . Both were  great, each  in  their own way. Of special interest was the town of
Lanesboro on the  Root  River,  and  it  was
a unique experience going through the long
tunnel next to Norwalk on  the Elroy-Sparta Trail. Now more  than  ever, I  think the rail-
trails are one of  the best ways  for people of
all  ages  to enjoy  the outdoors.

Expectations for 2002: To ride on the Paul Bunyan
& Munger Trails.

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