As most of you know, our Rails-to-Trails tours have been a huge success. We have sold out dates in in North Idaho utilizing the Centennial Trail, Hiawatha and Coeur d’Alene bike trails. In South Dakota we are on the Mickelson Trail. In Missouri, the Katy. In Western Washington, the John Wayne.
In Washington we have an opportunity for the longest continuous Rails-to-Trails in America. It will run from the lush green Puget Sound over the snowy Cascade range, through the longest tunnel in North America available by bike (bring a coat), past wind farms, over the mighty Columbia river, through the alien scab lands and finish in the rich farm lands near the Idaho border. It’s there and it’s available, but some access issues and land management hurdles are preventing us from offering amazing tours on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail.
We have a lot of momentum and the interest is huge. And when the gaps are filled in, we will be proud to show the world our most beautiful state from the seat of the bike.
Want to help? If you are interested in learning more, or writing to interested parties, here are some valuable resources.
- The John Wayne Pioneer Trail website – click here
- Connect with the Tekoa Trail and Trestle Association (has probably done more than any other group to get this rolling) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tekoatrailandtrestle/?fref=ts
- Email or call Randy Kline – WA Parks Planner (randy.kline@parks.wa.gov and 360.902.8632)
I wrote to Randy Kline and he was very quick to respond and asked that I introduce myself at the next event. I can’t be at either of the two scheduled for this week, but I’m staying in touch. If you’re in Cheney, Washington tomorrow night – or Ellensburg, Washington on Wednesday March 9 – please feel free to show up and speak up. Details are on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail website.
See you on the bike – on the road, the trail or in the mountains –
Matt Paul
Operations Director | Bicycle Adventures
