The Chainlink

Anyone else heard of this effort to connect trails coast-to-coast.  If this were to happen in my lifetime, I'd happy burn some vacation to ride it every summer!

https://www.bicycling.com/news/a27395751/great-american-rail-trail-...

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Yes, I have seen it.  Take Amtrak to DC and start riding back to Pittsburgh, then section by section coming back.  The big gaps are Wyoming and Montana, so traffic there should not be a problem.

There may not be much traffic in places like Wyoming and Montana, but drivers go super fast because they have to travel such long distances.

Because the trail is not being built exclusively for bikes, which you would have noted had you read the article.

I get what you mean, although the Elroy-Sparta Trail is a bad example of boring, mainly because of the 3 railroad tunnels.  But the rest of the 100 miles on the "Bike 4 Trails" across mid-Wisconsin is a bit dull.

But on a multi-day ride, sometimes you just want a day on consistently flat-grade trail, or not have to figure out a road route.

So, the goal is, per the article, to eventually create a CONTINUOUS trail.

My advise to you, clp, is to not ride it. Then again, what suits your needs / preferences may not fit all users. I may never desire to ride it myself, but will I actively advocate AGAINST it?! No.

Advantages are it's exclusively for bikes, well balasted surface and it's moderately graded. Needed infrastructure like bridges and tunnels are either in place or easy to re-establish.

Terrain depends on where you are. Illinois is pretty dull on any surface.

"The Great American Rail-Trail will be multi-use, with public trails available for activities such as cycling, walking, wheelchair use, inline skating, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding."

But then you’ve never met a trail that you’ve approved of. 

Sad but true...

i thought this would be a cool symbol, even if i only ever rode segments. Better than strapping on a pool noodle and hoping for the best! Plus, “this land is our land” so why should the rail companies just sit on it?

"The Great American Rail-Trail will be multi-use, with public trails available for activities such as cycling, walking, wheelchair use, inline skating, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding."

"The Great American Rail-Trail will be multi-use, with public trails available for activities such as cycling, walking, wheelchair use, inline skating, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding."

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