America One Spoke At a Time: Rails to Trails

Jay has been a long time supporter of the Rails to Trails, an advocacy group dedicated to the conversion of unused railroad lines into bike paths. When Jay reads in the organization’s magazine of states with hundreds of miles of converted rail beds, he experiences a bit of biker envy. “Someday I’ll get a chance to ride one of those long distance converted rail lines.”

Central Lake State Trail, Fergus Falls, MN

Well someday arrived. Leaving Fargo, ND, Jay took an optional Adventure Cycling route that would give him an opportunity to ride 110 miles on the Central Lake Trail, the Lake Wobegon Trail and an associated spur line to Bowlus, MN.

Before getting on these bike trails, he still had to do some heavy riding on plain old Minnesota roads. A short 45-mile ride from Fargo, ND put us in Comorant, MN where we camped at the Pelican Hill RV Park adjacent to Lake Tamarac. Many of the “seasonal” RV renters were there to stay. In Atlanta, people have their mountain, lake or seashore cabins. Here in Minnesota, people have their "permanent" lakeside RV encampment. Who knew?

Port-o-John Flush Toilet

Jay rode 35 miles from the RV park to Fergus Falls where he finally connected with the Central Lake Trail at mile 184. It was nice to be off the road, free from trucks and cars. But disappointment soon appeared. Maintenance on parts of the trail was poor. Some parts of the old rail line had open seams filled with grasses, flowers and tree saplings. The seam gaps were also pretty big, causing Jay’s bike to experience a big thump-thump as he crossed. Since a county road ran parallel to the trail, Jay alternated between the trail and the county road.

After 30 miles of alternating between trail and road, the bike trail surface finally settled down to allow smooth cycling. After cycling 80 miles, Jay arrived in Alexandria, MN where we camped at Don’s Lakeside RV Park. This RV park was a hoot! We had our own private gazebo, a Port-o-John with a flush toilet and shower that was a repurposed old 1960’s era trailer.

Lake Wobegon Covered Bridge

The next day, Jay resumed his ride on the Central Lake Trail that was later renamed the Lake Wobegon Trail. Signage announced, “The Lake Wobegon Trail, where all visitors are above average.” Garrison Keillor would be proud of his legacy. Jay completed his 65 mile in Bowlus, MN where we camped in a city park.

Since leaving Bismarck, ND, Jay rode seven straight days. We decided to take a one or two days' rest and used the opportunity to drive 90 miles to visit Jim and Diane Mills, friends in Minneapolis who are Eric's Godparents.

We will return to Bowlus where Jay will cycle the last 120 miles in Minnesota. We are considering various options for crossing Wisconsin. Originally we considered heading up to the Michigan upper peninsula, but are now considering an Adventure Cycling route option to Manitowoc, WI and taking the ferry to Ludington, MI.

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