The Road Less Traveled
So we all know that on occasion, as cyclists and fixie lovers, we often travel the road less traveled. The one that collects dust and leaves unexplored bounderies around every bend. It is getting harder and harder to find these roads nowadays, but they do exist. As a fixie lover, and a strong supporter of even using the fixie off road. (see my Dawes grass tracker!)
So when we go on the occasional long distance excursion by car, we are often searching for those hidden roads that offer limitless rides and unexplored terrain. So when we go hiking somewhere FAR away and arrive by car, we often seek the less traveled route, we explore those dirt roads and scout for possible sightseeing paths that can take us someday by bicycle for a scenic ride to remember.
This is the way I have discovered many a unused rail to trail route. Which inevetibly leads to a future fixie ride where I get to cruise along enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. So I lead into the story which follows. Pennsylvania, December, rainy and cold...not quite cold enough to snow, maybe an occasion flurry which causes those ghost-like peculiar little swirls on the roadways, the type that tornado alongside your vehicle and give you that strange chill of anticipation for the real snow that is coming soon. A time when you can don the balaclava, deck out your steed in 700x35 tires and bust through those roadways. Now back to the story at hand...
Driving on the back roads, we are checking out old coal tipples and possible mine shaft sites, great areas for metal detecting and just checking out the history. We always manage to find something old of interest and get plenty of photos along the way. So today we come along this broad and open old railroad bed, pondering over the idea...I struggle with the thought of "exploring" this bed to see how far it goes on and what potential it may hold for a healthy wholesome fixie ride...after only about 30 seconds (I make my mind up quickly), I turn onto the rail bed and begin the slow methodical approach to exploring with the battle wagon.
Now the battle wagon has been with me a long time. Since 94. It is a Ford Escort station wagon...the 2nd that I have owned in my lifetime. Great gas mileage...good ground clearance with the new springs and front bumpers in place in the springs, it allows for some off road excursions most would not dare. Over 115K on this car and ready for another. Off we go down the rail bed throwing caution to the wind. We see many a railroad sign still in place, a cool tipple no longer in use with rusty equipment sitting everywhere. We come across some old winches and other railroad paraphenalia...then we encounter, after many miles of driving...our first challenge.
Well, maybe not our first challenge, let's face it, this wasn't an easy or wide road to drive on...but not bad. The creeks in the area are high, the mud is muddier than ever, the hunters are in full swing in buck season, no doubt fueled by the ale of the fire to keep them warm on this lousy wet and cold day. So we have our share of challenges, besides the fact there isn't anywhere to turn around and we hadn't a clue how long we would have to continue down the...um...road.
So here's another roadblock lying straight ahead. We pause for a moment of meditation...just long enough for my cousin, pennhiker, to say, I don't know about this...can it support the weight. I get out...jump around on the old ties and figure, what the hell. If it once held those trains...it can hold the battle wagon.
A long way ahead and a bridge over flooded waters on either side. No railing on the one side...sturdy enough though with no problems.
Easily cleared...and a long way to go forward yet.
So we continued down the long trail. Clearly this will make one hell of a ride on a bike. Mark this spot on the map. This former rail bed will be one LONG rail to trail. There is presently a rail-trail system called Little Toby. Here's a nice ride photo from the Clarion-Little Toby rail trail from last year.
It runs from Brockway, Pa to Portland Mills, Pa...then from Portland Mills to Ridgway for a round trip total of about 38 miles. Very nice ride. Then there is a rail-trail still in developement from Brockway to Falls Creek, Pa. This one looks as though it will connect up in Brockway, and extend as far a Brookville. Together, this will be quite a hefty long distance intertwined, options open riding. I have rode all the other ones, next I will have to pack up and try this one out as well. I will have to post a report when I finally ride this one...on my fixie! The Battle Wagon will have to rest that day!