Trail: Fred Meijer White Pine Trail in Michigan
Start: Comstock Riverside Park Trailhead in Grand Rapids.
Route: Ride south to downtown Grand Rapids, then north to Sand Lake and back. (Note: White Pine trail (unpaved) continues on north from Sand Lake for another 50 or so miles.)
Distance 64 miles round trip.
Weather: Partly Sunny. Temp: 50-70 degrees.
Low Elev 600, Hi Elev 950. Feet Ascended: 975
Trail Material: Smooth Asphalt to Sand Lake, then unpaved gravel north of that.
Rating: TWO Thumbs Up.
I liked White Pine trail because of the smooth asphalt, Grand Rapids, river scenery and uphill ride to Sand Lake meaning a nice downhill ride all the way back.
It was very interesting to see how a big city on a big river managed to provide pedestrian and bicycle trails along their well developed riverfront. There were two pedestrians only bridges to get safely across the river. (Mobile has no pedestrian trail along its river nor is there a single pedestrian bridge to get safely across Mobile River.) It was also interesting to see how one small town (Rockford) took advantage of the bicycle tourism on their trail.
Highlights of this trip: The cities of Grand Rapids and Rockford. Started in Comstock Park at the same time that a group of over a hundred Trike riders were beginning a ride. I hooked up with them and enjoyed a tour of downtown Grand Rapids which has bike lanes. Many people ride a three wheel trike for medical reasons like balance trouble, obesity, neck problems, and prosthetic legs. No need to worry about falling over on a prosthetic leg when seated comfortably on a three wheeler. Thoroughly enjoyed riding with this great group of trike riders. Will share some of the trike photos in the next post.