AAAAll thAt MeMbership offersA publication of AAA Northwest ohio

may/june 2015

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Summer Cycle: Discover U.S. Biking TrailsPage 16

Protecting Yourself OnlinePage 21

Visit South Dakota’s National Parks & Monuments

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PreParing Your Car for Summer Driving

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Minuteman Bikeway (Massachusetts)Named for the private-citizen militias that aided Revolutionary War efforts, the 10-mile Minutemen Bikeway leads cyclists through the historic site where the war began in 1775. Passing four communities in Massachusetts, the trail travels through Bedford, Lexington, Arlington and Cambridge. Built upon a former railroad track, the Minuteman Bikeway now provides access to commuter subway and bus lines.

Historical significance is found not only in the trail’s name and location. Built in 1877, the Historic Bedford Freight House stands at the finish of the

Minutemen Bikeway. Started as an engine house for Billerica & Bedford Railroad, the site is now used as a general store, welcoming cyclists to the end of the bikeway. Inside, visitors will find beverages, snacks, and historical merchandise commemorating the town of Bedford and The Minutemen Bikeway.

Capital Crescent Trail (Washington, D.C.)An 11-mile trail that leads along what was once the Georgetown branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O Railroad to Monopoly enthusiasts), the Capital Crescent Trail is one of 500 rail-to-

By Dorothy Crouch

trail projects in the United States. Winding from Washington D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood to Silver Spring, Maryland, the trail also runs along the Potomac River.

Comprising asphalt and crushed stone in some areas, the trail is open to walkers, hikers, joggers and bikers. Visitors to the trail will notice some of the same railroad characteristics from B&O’s operational days remain today. Cyclists will travel over train trestles, through rail tunnels, over bridges and bypass historic sites. If taking the return journey from the Capital Crescent Trail along the Rock Creek Park Loop, cyclists will enjoy approximately 22 miles of biking, much of which is downhill along the loop, through the historic town and past the National Zoo. During the week, the trail is popular for commuters to and from Georgetown. The portion of the trail closest to Georgetown is also popular with parents who enjoy daytime strolls pushing their young children in carriages—therefore exercise caution when exploring this part of the route.

Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee)Winding 444 miles through three states, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee — from Natchez to Nashville – the Natchez Trace Parkway provides a scenic cycling adventure. Designated a bicycle route by the National Park Service, the parkway offers

SummerCycleLong summer days have arrived, providing many more hours of daylight to embark upon biking adventures and warmer weather for cyclists to enjoy multiday journeys. Throughout the United States, a variety of trails for cyclists of all skill levels exist, some taking adventurous bicycle riders on journeys across states. An excellent workout, cycling not only promotes physical wellness, it allows cyclists to enjoy the natural treasures that can only be found outdoors. The following trails are some of the country’s most popular. Wabash Trace Nature Trail

Natchez Trace Parkway trail

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Natchez Trace Parkway trail

naturally beautiful landscapes for all seasons. In the springtime, dogwood trees blossom along the trail. The Natchez Trace Parkway boasts more than 100 species of trees that grow along the route.

Bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds, such as Colbert Ferry – located in Alabama at mile marker 327 – are available for cyclists to enjoy much needed rest following a long day’s ride. Throughout the year, different organized cycling events are planned. Every April, cyclists can join the weeklong Full Center Spring Ride, which covers 400 miles through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. The Natchez Trace Century Ride, held each year in early May, allows riders to choose to participate in different lengths of the ride: 25, 50, 62 or 100 miles. During the Heatwave Classic Triathlon, which is celebrating 30 years on June 6, participants will swim half a mile, bike 24.5 miles and run 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). For additional information regarding Natchez Trace Parkway, visit scenictrace.com.

Wabash Trace Nature Trail (Iowa)Within the country’s Midwest region, another converted railroad corridor now serves as a cycling trail. The Wabash Trace Nature Trail provides 63 miles through Iowa’s Loess Hills. Traveling easy terrain, visitors will cycle the area’s hills and through

the prairieland while seeing the different towns of Council Bluffs, Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Imogene, Shenandoah, Coin and Blanchard, which is located on the border separating Iowa and Missouri.

Another rail-to-trail project, Wabash Trace Nature charges a user fee of $1 per day, or $12 per year, and annual passes are available online at WabashTrace.org. There is always time to have fun along the trail, as special events are held here throughout the year. The Taco Tuesday Ride, from Shenandoah to Imogene, ends with taco and drink specials at the Emerald Isle, a local restaurant. Each Thursday, the weekly Taco Ride takes place from Council Bluffs to Mineola, attracting thousands, and ending at Tobey Jack’s

Mineola Steakhouse where cyclists can enjoy taco and drink specials. An Independence Day Taco Ride will be held Thursday, July 2, featuring live music and a professional fireworks display. This year’s calendar also includes the Tent Party in Imogene, May 22 and 23; Friday’s Malvern Market Ride, every week June 5 – Aug 21, with live music, handmade and homegrown goods; Wabash Warm-Up, a 22-mile ride from Malvern to Shenandoah featuring live music and refreshments on June 6; Wabash Century Ride & Meteor Campout, a 100-mile round-trip journey from Council Bluffs to Izaak Walton on August 8 and 9 during the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower and, on September 26, the WARTS (Wabash Annual Ride To Shenandoah) Ride will take place from Council Bluffs

to Shenandoah, ending with the Shenfest Parade, and evening entertainment at the Depot Deli.

Sierra Cascades (Washington, Oregon and California)Covering 2,396 miles between the U.S. borders shared with Canada and Mexico – Sumas, Washington in the north and Tecate, California to the south – the Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route is best suited for ambitious cyclists. This trail runs parallel to the Pacific Crest Scenic Trail, which was made famous by the Reese Witherspoon movie “Wild,” based upon the story of Cheryl Strayed. These paths are favorites of outdoor enthusiasts.

Due to severe winter weather conditions, this trail should be explored between May and October. During this journey, travelers will pass North Cascades National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, Lake Tahoe, Travertine Hot Springs, Yosemite National Park, Giant Sequoia National Monument and the Mojave Desert. This incredibly rare cycling opportunity allows cyclists to travel through varying landscapes from orchard properties and mountainous regions to coastal beach areas. For additional information regarding the Sierra Cascades Bicycle route, visit adventurecycling.com.

Before heading off on any adventure, map out the route, denoting bicycle repair shops, emergency care and lodging, if necessary. Always pack according to the length and difficulty of the journey – and don’t forget that helmet!

Wabash Trace Nature Trail