Summer of Cycling
Pedaling From California to Maine, Friends Discover Rail-Trails

We recently received a letter from new RTC member Helen Rose of Santa Maria, Calif., who with her husband Stan and friends Roy and Chris Killgore cycled more than 3,300 miles across the country from California to Maine this summer. Their journey took 66 days, averaging about 50 miles a day, and along the way they discovered—unexpectedly—the riding pleasure of rail-trails. Helen says she and Chris mostly drove the sag wagon (a support vehicle) as their husbands biked. But when they hit rail-trails, the wives couldn't resist joining in the cycling as well.

We found Helen's fresh excitement for rail-trails contagious, so we decided to share her letter below.
 
Dear Rails-to-Trails Conservancy,
 
My husband and his buddy recently finished a 3,300-mile bicycle ride from California to Maine. We wives were, 90 percent of the time, the sag wagon, but on occasion when we came across a rail-trail we rode, too.
 
We were so impressed with the rail-trails we discovered along the way—the Katy Trail State Park  in Missouri, Simon Kenton Trail  in Ohio, the Mississippi River Trail  outside of Alton, Ill., Kokosing Gap Trail , Stow Metro Trail and Ashtabula Trails  in Ohio, the Erie Canal or Canalway Trail  in New York and the Ashuwillticook  and Norwottuck  rail-trails in Massachusetts.
 
It was such a pleasant adventure on these trails—to view the awesome countrysides and landscapes made our days. It made me want to know more about the rails-to-trails program and know if California is involved. [Yes, we are.]
 
I am interested in working on establishing or enhancing trails in our area, which is the central coast of California. What a beautiful way to enhance the quality of life for so many people. I saw not only cyclists, but walkers, Rollerbladers and runners of all ages really enjoying and relaxing in the outdoors. It is a cause I would like to rally around.
 
I want to subscribe to your organization and magazine as soon as possible. Please send us any and all information regarding our area and state.
 
Thank you so much. I am enclosing some photos of my husband Stan and buddy Roy—it truly was the trip of a lifetime. We don't want to stop now, though. The guys are in great shape and health for 64 and 65. They did comment that they are probably the only cyclists who traveled across the United States and GAINED weight. It took them 66 riding days averaging approximately 50 miles a day.
 
Again, we thank your organization for all you are doing in establishing trails across America. I support you in any way I can.
 
Sincerely,
 
Helen Rose

Does Helen's story inspire you to get out on a rail-trail? Find an adventure near you on our new, enhanced TrailLink.com, now with interactive maps, driving directions, photos, reviews and more.