We’ve found that good rails-trail routes can be very forgiving to those new to bike touring. We’ve learned so much since then.

During the early days of the COVID-induced Great Bike Shortage, I stood in line with a neighbor to buy a used bike. Her first bike.

As I’ve watched outdoor recreation interest explode, it’s made me reflect on how a simple bike ride on a rail-trail saved my life.

We became a daily fixture on the sidewalks of our neighborhood. Soon, we became known as “the riding couple” on the weekends.

After a long day of being in the house, sitting in front of a computer for seven hours, the only thing I wanted to do was close down my Zoom and go outside and ride my bike.

RTC talked to several long-distance bicyclists who have taken on the Great American Rail trail alread.

Rail-trails are an especially great option for training for that first race for a variety of reasons. For one thing, many of these trails are paved, flat or with a very light grade.

New Mexico’s Canyon Rim Trail is a 2.5 miles trail in Los Alamos county for biking, inline skating, walking and running.

The beauty of autumn also means cooler temperatures, earlier sunsets and sometimes less-than-ideal weather. For the many of you who picked up biking for the first time this summer or returned after a long hiatus, the thought of braving colder weather while riding might feel intimidating.

Running on trails was one of the best and most enjoyable ways to see the country safely.