The intent of my Friday Travel Blog is not just to speak of where I have been but also to tell you where I plan to go and how I plan to get there. As I must leave home in 10 hours to make a three hour drive to attend a funeral across the state, I'll write now of one of the trips I just mentioned in my "Bucket List", a cross crountry bike trip.
Unlike my previously planned "cross" country trip requiring the better part of three months, this will be a three week trip. I plan to mostly "car camp" in my van to some of the more beautiful, but short, rail-to- trail bike rides. These will be trails of minimun elevation change, maybe 3%, being the beds of discontinued railroads. Unlike that previously planned cross country ride, this ride will be on an empty trike, except for water and maybe a lunch.
Although I am still doing research, I think I have selected 3 of the 4 or so places I'd like to ride my recumbent trike. I have not yet decided upon a California ride and may, in fact, change the rides which I'll now describe. But, it is a start, the proverbial "first step".
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| WALT ON HIS RECUMBENT TRIKE A Tour Model Terra Trike |
Although I am still doing research, I think I have selected 3 of the 4 or so places I'd like to ride my recumbent trike. I have not yet decided upon a California ride and may, in fact, change the rides which I'll now describe. But, it is a start, the proverbial "first step".
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| THE KATY TRAIL ACROSS MISSOURI |
THE KATY TRAIL
Meandering for 237 miles across Missouri, the trail is through
peaceful farm land and small American towns.
Over half of the trail follows the Lewis and Clark Expedition
along the Missouri River, under towering bluffs
above which eagles soar.
The longest rail-to-trail bike trail in the country,
it is an easy trip even for a beginner, or even one 81 years-of-age.
Beauty and solitude always surround you as you meander down the path.
This appeals to me.
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| A FARM HOUSE B AND B ON THE KATY TRAIL |
Of course, I'll not ride the entire 237 miles, that would be work!
A half day's ride one way and a half day's ride the other
is more what I have in mind.
is more what I have in mind.
A night in a bed and breakfast between rides sounds great, too.
I will car camp while traveling,
I have a great van for camping and hauling my trike.
I have a great van for camping and hauling my trike.
This trail is a hard one day drive or an easy two day drive from home.
The rate for a night in this delightful trailside Farm B and B is only $70.
A motel would be cheaper, of course, but there is something to be
said for visiting the Inn Keepers and a great breakfast.
Uh, yes, a bath too, but I wasn't going to mention that!
PRAIRIE SPIRIT RAIL-TRAIL IN KANSAS
Uh, yes, a bath too, but I wasn't going to mention that!
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| THE PRAIRIE SPIRIT TRAIL HEAD, KANSAS |
This trail starting in Ottawa, Kansas will be an easy drive from the Katy Trail.
People speaking about Kansas always complain about the wind,
if it was a headwind, but all spoke in glowing terms about the people in Kansas.
"Unquestionably the friendliest people in the world".
I love people, talk to everyone I meet, and can't wait to get to Kansas.
Windy as I am, I'll probably never notice the wind!
Umm, un huh! But, I can ride either way, remember?
This 33 mile trail crosses ancient stone bridges, lush river vallies
and historical small towns across the prairie that was home to
buffaloes and indians. The pioneers first look at the "west".
THE RIO GRANDE TRAIL
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| THE RIO GRANDE BIKE TRAIL A valley ride through the Rocky Mountains near Denver |
This is 19 miles of a paved, car-free, easy riding trail of no more than a 3% grade,
through the Roaring Fork Valley, from Carbondale to Basalt, Colorado.
and then a ride from Aspen to Emma.
Very popular, some 700,000 people visit anually.
I'll join the crowd.
Accomodations abound here but the prices are prohibitive.
I'll probably just ride a day and move on a bit.
and then a ride from Aspen to Emma.
Very popular, some 700,000 people visit anually.
I'll join the crowd.
Accomodations abound here but the prices are prohibitive.
I'll probably just ride a day and move on a bit.
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| MARIE SUTTON, SUVIVOR OF THE DACHAU DEATH CAMP |
I have a standing lunch date with a new friend in Golden, Colorado. She authored the book "Night Sky: A Journey from Dachau to Denver and Back Again". (Read my blog of 10-26-11) I'd recommend the book to anyone with an interest in 20th century history.
I also have a friend of 64 years standing in Sime Valley, Calfornia with whom I look forward to reviewing high school days. I'll probably spend a night in Golden, Colorado and three in Sime Valley, California.
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| MY CHEVY MINI VAN |
On the way out, I want to stop at the George Smith Patton Musuem, the Reagan Library is in Sime Valley and I'll probably spend a night or two at the Grand Canyon coming home.
Other than that, I'll just make short day drives, car camping on the way and return home. I'll probably leave the last week in May and get home by June 24th for my wife's birthday. Hey, where'd I lay my Kindle. Lots of reading on this trip. I love to read.
WHAT NEW, DIFFERENT AND EXCITING THING HAVE YOU PLANNED?
You can, you know. Write it down and do it!
Miss Amy emailed she is going to Paris to see the Louve.
Miss Amy emailed she is going to Paris to see the Louve.
(Click on "Post a Comment" for my Email address)
God Bless You and Yours
GOD BLESS THE USA
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