Amish Country Bike Tour Rescheduled for Saturday, October 25 in Delaware
September 16, 2008
DOVER, DE – The 22nd Annual Amish Country Bike Tour has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2008. The bike tour was previously set for September 6, but was cancelled due to unsafe road conditions caused by Tropical Storm Hannah’s high winds and rain. The bike tour will begin at Legislative Mall in Dover.
All pre-registrations will be honored, and those not registered can sign up online at www.visitdover.com
, or anytime between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on October 25 at the registration tent on Legislative Mall. Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children under 16 years of age. The official bike tour start is set for 8 a.m., though cyclists may begin anytime between 7 and 10 a.m.
“We are truly sorry for the inconvenience that rescheduling the bike tour has caused to our faithful and loyal followers,” said Cindy Small, Executive Director of Kent County Tourism, the non-profit organization that sponsors the bike tour. “It is the first time in the event’s 22-year history that it has been cancelled. We thank our cyclists, the 100+ volunteers, community organizations, the news media and sponsors who are doing their best to assist us in rescheduling this event.”
Most of the scheduled activities will take place on October 25, including the team challenge awards and the picnic lunch. Return to Nature Kayaking will offer a sunset kayaking adventure from 5-7 p.m., launching from the beach on Silver Lake in Dover. Return to Nature will be available at Legislative 
Mall on Saturday morning, October 25, for those who want to sign up to kayak. Paddlers are encouraged to bring a non-cotton jacket in case of cooler weather. The cost is $25 per person, which includes the guided tour, equipment and kayak usage.
Last year’s event drew nearly 1,500 cyclists of all ages and abilities, as well as cycling clubs, to partake in the 15, 25, 50 and 62-mile loops that wind through Delaware’s Amish country. A perennial favorite is the first food stop, hosted by the Amish community at the Amish Country Schoolhouse. Home-baked pies and cookies, along with healthy snacks are a cherished commodity, served by members of the Amish community.
The Team Challenge competition will feature trophies for groups of 25 or more in the following categories: Finish Line Award – team completing the most miles; Community Pride Award – team with the largest
number of participating cyclists; and Best Dressed Award – send your team dressed in coordinated shirts to market your organization (t-shirts, golf shirts, cycling shirts, etc.).
Proceeds will benefit the Central Delaware YMCA and the Amish Schoolhouse. Those interested in learning more about the Bike Tour may call 302-734-4888, 800-233-5368 or register online at www.visitdover.com.
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Connecticut DEP Co-Sponsors “Bike to Work Day” On August 29
August 21, 2008
![Connecticut DEP Co-Sponsors "Bike to Work Day" On August 29](http://www.outdoorcentral.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/20080821013.jpg "Connecticut DEP Co-Sponsors \\"Bike to Work Day\\" On August 29")
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance and the Taking Care Center are sponsoring a “Bike to Work Day”, Friday, August 29. Bicyclists meet between 7:00 – 9:00 a.m at Hartford’s Old State House where the Taking Care Center will provide a continental breakfast.
This event is one of the Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance sponsored “Bike Everywhere” promotions held year-round throughout the Capitol region.
Commuters are encouraged to leave their cars at home and bicycle to work to provide benefits of air quality improvements from reduced automobile exhaust and reduced traffic for their community and the state of Connecticut. Individuals also benefit from bicycling to work with improving health along with reduced fuel expenditures.
Join other bicycling enthusiasts on September 13 in Bushnell Park for the second annual ‘Discover Hartford Bicycling and Walking Tour’. This is a great opportunity to see the wonderful Hartford landmarks while enhancing health and air quality.
There are three events in the “Discover Hartford Bicycling and Walking Tour” to choose from:
Throughout this event participants will be able to visit historical and modern landmarks within the city of Hartford. For more information on the tour and to register, please visit: www.hartfordbiketour.org.
For information on the upcoming “Bike to Work Day” please contact David Westcott at 424-3666 or david [dot] westcott [at] ct [dot] gov John Jacobs at theTaking Care Center at 246-2201 or visit the Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance website at www.wecyclect.org
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Entire Length of Tunnel Hill State Trail Open Again In Southern Illinois
August 12, 2008
Sections of Southern Illinois Trail Damaged in Storms Last Winter
VIENNA, ILL. – The first phase of repairs have been completed on sections of the Tunnel Hill State Trail in southern Illinois that had sustained significant damage in a series of storms last winter, allowing access to the entire length of the trail from Harrisburg to the Cache River Wetlands Center.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) crews have been working on repairs to sections of the trail since a series of storms last February and March resulted in flash flooding, ice and tree damage all along the 45-mile trail.
Last February 2, heavy rains and flash flooding caused significant damage to the trail between Harrisburg and the trail headquarters in Vienna. On February 11, an ice storm resulted in further trail damage and downed trees on and along the trail. Heavy rainfall on March 18 again caused widespread damage along the trail.
From the time that the storm damages occurred, IDNR crews have been making repairs to the trail surface and removing trees and debris from the trail. Surface repairs have made areas of the trail useable, though sections of the trail surface remain rough. Bicyclists are encouraged to use extra caution and to be prepared for possible tire problems due to the rough surface. As always, trail visitors should use caution at all times when visiting IDNR sites.
For information regarding trail conditions, call the Tunnel Hill State Trail headquarters at 618/658-2168 or visit the Tunnel Hill State Trail webpage on the IDNR website at http://dnr.state.il.us.
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Oakwood Lakes State Park Invites Visitors to Pedal to the Park
August 7, 2008
BROOKINGS, S.D. – Oakwood Lakes State Park and Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness are encouraging families to enjoy a fun outdoor activity on Aug. 10.
The Pedal to the Park reunion tour takes off from Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness, 501 Main Avenue in Brookings at 1:30 p.m. and ends 20 miles down the road at Oakwood Lakes State Park.
“The original ‘Pedal to the Park’ events held in the 80’s were a race format,“ said Lee Kratochvil, Regional Park Supervisor. “They began at Sioux River Cyclery at its original location near the SDSU Campus and ended at Oakwood. This year’s event is truly a reunion tour in that it recreates an event and also is meant to be a tour and not a race event.”
A five dollar donation to South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation is asked from anyone 16 and older. The ride is free for kids; however, they must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. Refreshments will be served at the new picnic shelter at Oakwood upon arrival.
Bike helmets are required for everyone participating in the ride. To reserve a helmet for the day, cyclists can call Sioux River Bicycles at (605) 692-5022 prior to the race.
For more information call Oakwood Lakes State Park at (605) 627-5441. Oakwood Lakes State Park is located 10 miles northwest of Volga off US 14.
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Prairie Spirit Trail In Kansas Completes Final Leg
August 4, 2008
Final leg of trail complete; online video provides preview
PRATT — In May of 1992, title of the 50-mile stretch of railroad right-of-way from Ottawa to Iola was transferred to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), and the agency developed a three-phase plan to develop the trail and open it to the public. Phase One — from Richmond to Welda — opened on March 30, 1996. Phase Two — from Richmond to Ottawa — opened Sept. 1, 1998. After several years of construction, KDWP has announced that Phase Three — from Welda to Iola — is now open.
The trail’s hard-packed limestone surface is suitable for foot traffic, bicycles, and wheelchairs. Portions of the trail inside city limits are paved asphalt adorned with ornamental lighting and landscaping. For the safety of trail users, it is routinely patrolled by KDWP officers and local law enforcement.
The trail is open during daylight hours, and special permits may be obtained for group night rides or other events. Restrooms are spaced conveniently along the trail, and picnic areas are located at each trailhead. Camping is prohibited along the trail corridor, but North Lake Park in Garnett, which borders the trail, does allow camping. Fishing is allowed only in lakes at Garnett. Hunting and all firearm possession is prohibited along the trail corridor.
For several years, bicyclers, hikers, runners, bird watchers, and other nature lovers have enjoyed 33 miles of the Prairie Spirit Trail. With the addition of the Welda-to-Iola segment, visitors now have a full 50 miles of nature to explore. For more information, phone 785-448-6767. To view an online video of the trail, visit the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Click on “KDWP TV” at the top of the page.
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Bicycle parade at Raccoon Lake, Indiana, Aug. 2
July 30, 2008
A bicycle parade for all ages will take place at Raccoon State Recreation Area, Aug. 2, 6 to 7 p.m.
The schedule of events is: 6 – 6:10 p.m., bicycle safety demonstration; 6:10 – 6:30 p.m., bicycle decorating; and 6:30 – 7 p.m., “Pedal Parade.”
Participants should meet at the Chapel Shelter, located near the campground, within the property. A limited amount of decorating supplies will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring special items to make their bike look unique.
This program is free of charge and open to all park visitors. Standard park admission fees of $5 for Indiana vehicles and $7 for out-of-state vehicles apply.
Raccoon SRA is located on U.S. Hwy. 36 in Parke and Putnam counties in west central Indiana, 50 miles west of Indianapolis, and 35 miles northeast of Terre Haute.
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Lewistown To Receive Fwp Trail Of The Year Award
May 30, 2008
The Lewistown Rails to Trails system will receive Montana’s Trail of the Year award from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Governor Brian Schweitzer during a celebration of National Trails Day on June 7 in Lewistown.
The Lewistown rails to trails conversion began December 2005 when the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad filed to discontinue use of the rail lines and abandon the right of way. The community of Lewistown immediately filed for a Notice of Interim Trail Use with the National Surface Transportation Board.
“This is a great example of seizing an opportunity that comes along once in a lifetime,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “The community of Lewistown took the initiative to say ‘no’ to a full abandonment by the railroad, and committed to transforming this resource into a community asset.”
Projects related to the trail building included rebuilding bridges, resurfacing the trail, and putting a hardened surface on some rail line in Lewistown with volunteer labor.
The City of Lewistown applied to FWP for a $375,000 federal trails grant for the project and it is about 65 percent complete in town. FWP administers Montana’s federal trails grant funds.
The Lewistown Rails to Trails system will encompass 14.25 miles of hiking and biking trail from Lewistown to near Moore when completed.
“The Rails to Trails project brings some great outdoor recreational opportunities to Lewistown on a trail that literally runs through most of our community,” said Duane Ferdinand, the City Planner for Lewistown. “As time and money allow, additional neighborhoods will be linked to the system.”
“This is another instance of a community working with a railroad to keep the rail line intact for community trail development,” said Clint Blackwood, the Trail Coordinator for Fish, Wildlife and Parks. “The BNSF has been great to work with in creating a new resource for Lewistown that will benefit its citizens and help improve it’s economy. It will soon be known as a place with a great rails to trails program.”
For more on Montana’s State Trails Plan and trails grants, contact Clint Blackwood at 406-444-4585, or go to the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov and click on Parks and Recreation and then Recreation.
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Root River Trail Repaired and Ready for Riding
May 9, 2008
One of Minnesota’s most popular and scenic bike trails is again open. Spring is a great time to enjoy it, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
While parts of the 42-mile Root River State Trail were closed in the aftermath of torrential rains and flooding last August, damages have been repaired and the trail is ready for cyclists. The Root River State Trail meanders through scenic southeastern Minnesota amid 300-foot bluffs and along the peaceful Root River, passing through Fountain, Lanesboro, Whalen, Peterson, Rushford and Houston.
“This is a great time to get out and see southeast Minnesota by bike,” said Craig Blommer, DNR area Trails and Waterways Division supervisor. “As the trees bud and leaf out, the landscape becomes a palette of changing colors, and every day is a little different.”
In several places where washouts occurred, the trail surface remains unpaved. However, none of these gravel segments is longer than a few hundred feet and they will be re-paved soon.
“Last year’s floods took a huge toll on people’s lives, livelihoods and homes, but the Root River Trail held up fairly well,” Blommer said. “By mid June, the only evidence of the flood will be a few segments of fresh blacktop.”
More information on the Root River State Trail is available on the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov and the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.lanesboro.com.
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Bike the Park Day at Twin Falls State Park May 3
May 6, 2008
A series of West Virginia State Parks biking events gets underway this Saturday, May 3, at Twin Falls Resort State Park in Wyoming County. Individuals interested in participating in this biking event should meet at Shelter #2 at 10 a.m.
Lunch will be available for $5 per person or you can bring your own. All skill levels are welcome. Group rides for beginners, intermediate and advanced bikers are planned, according to Patricia Clay event coordinator.
“We’ll have individual and group instruction, so if someone wants to get into mountain biking, this is great time to start,” says Clay. Clay is with the “Tire on the Mountain” bike group that organizes bike outings. Mark Poore will serve as clinician at the Twin Falls event. Poore is from Snowshoe Mountain and is one of the state’s well-known mountain bike enthusiasts. “His clinics serve as a training ground for novice as well as advance and competition riders.”
Members from the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association (WVMBA) plan to join the event. “With our reputation for scheduling fun rides where we teach beginner skills and do technical skill development for more seasoned riders, and with WVMBA’s reputation for sponsoring sanctioned races, we will share ideas and resources together this summer to promote mountain biking in West Virginia. This event isn’t a race, but it’s a great opportunity to have fun and improve your technical skills,” according to Clay.
Other bike events scheduled at West Virginia state parks in 2008 include: June 21 - Beech Fork State Park ; June 28, 2008 - Cass Scenic RR - Bike Off the Mountain; July 27, 2008 - 4th Annual Chainring Challenge, Little Beaver State Park; August 9, Watoga State Park, August 10; Black Bear 40K Mountain Bike Race, Kanawha State Forest; and September 20, Little Beaver State Park.
Twin Falls Resort State Park is located in Wyoming County on Rt. 97 near Saulsville, W.Va. It is well-known for its quiet setting with lodge, cabins, campground, golf course, restaurant, and hiking/biking trails. For more information regarding bike events and other outdoor recreation opportunities go online, www.wvstateparks.com, Recreation and click Bike the Parks.
For specific information regarding the May 3 event, contact Trish Clay at trishc1 [at] suddenlink [dot] net.
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Plan Now To Join the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, September 14-20
May 1, 2008
19th ANNUAL EVENT TO LOOP THROUGH BEAUTIFUL SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Nashville, Tenn. — The arrival of spring marks a great time to begin planning to participate in the 19th Annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, which will begin its seven-day ride on Sept. 14 and will feature a loop through some of Tennessee’s most beautiful landscapes.
Originating this year at Warrior’s Path State Park in Kingsport and continuing on a loop through the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, riders will stay overnight at three Tennessee State Parks.
“This ride is a major event for State Parks and for cyclists in Tennessee,” said BRAT Director Gary Patterson. “The terrain on this year’s ride will be more mountainous than the previous two BRAT rides, offering participants some incredible views of the Smoky Mountains.”
The event will begin with check-in and a kick-off dinner at Warrior’s Path State Park on Sept. 13. Sunday will introduce riders to the route with a 55-mile ride to Roan Mountain State Park. From there, the group will ride 52 miles to Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park near Greenville. On Tuesday, riders will travel 84 miles to end the day in Gatlinburg, where they will stay for two nights. Thursday’s route is the longest, with a 99-mile ride from Gatlinburg to Jonesborough. Riders will enjoy another two-night stay in Jonesborough, where they may explore a number of optional loop rides on Friday. This spectacular journey will conclude on Saturday, with a short ride back to Warrior’s Path.
“The BRAT is not a race, but it’s a significant ride that requires preparation,” Patterson advised. “Even experienced riders appreciate the support staff we offer along the route that can provide assistance and transportation for those who encounter problems or simply can’t complete that day’s mileage. Our goal is to provide an outstanding experience for participants of all ages.”
The 19th Annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee is sponsored by Tennessee State Parks and the Cumberland Trail Conference. Part of the proceeds from this year’s event will go directly to the Cumberland Trail Conference, a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation and preservation of Cumberland Trail State Park.
For registration information or more details about the BRAT, please e-mail Gary Patterson at garyw [dot] patterson [at] state [dot] tn [dot] us or visit www.tnstateparks.com/BRAT.
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