RTC TrailBlog : sojourn

Ready to Roll on the Greenway Sojourn

Jake Lynch — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:50:00 GMT

After work yesterday I pulled the sleeping bag and tent out of the storage closet, picked up a few spare inner tubes, and spread the well-worn Maryland and Pennsylvania maps across the kitchen table - it's time to get ready for the annual Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) Greenway Sojourn!

Leaving Georgetown this Sunday, June 17, about 250 Sojourn riders will traverse two of the region's most famous rail-trails - the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park (C&O Canal towpath), and the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), covering 335 miles between Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh, Pa. The GAP has been a work in progress since the first miles opened 25 years ago, with new sections being completed and improved every year. Both trails offer unparalleled access to the spectacular peaks, river and valleys of the Allegheny Mountain corridor. It should be a wonderful trip.

In addition to accompanying the riders, I'll be stopping in the communities along the way to talk with local business owners. RTC is always interested in exploring the economic impact of trail networks to the hotels, bike stores, cafes and grocery stores close by, and our plan is to produce a short film containing interviews with business owners and managers, testimony from trail users, as well as the wonderful sights and sounds along the trail itself.

Got a good story about your holiday along the GAP and C&O? How about a recommendation of your favorite place to stay, eat or stock up along the way? Let me know - jake@railstotrails.org.

2011 Sojourn Blazes New Trails in Southwest Pennsylvania

Sun Kim (RTC) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:42:00 GMT

The 2011 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) Greenway Bike Sojourn, which is this week visiting towns and trails in the northern Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, is casting a spotlight on the enormous potential of trails tourism in the region stretching from Ebensburg to Apollo.

250 riders from 24 states across America spent the past three days in Ebensburg, and are today riding the famous Ghost Town, Hoodlebug and West Penn trails on their way to Saltsburg. The ride will end on Sunday, with a ride from Indiana back to Ebensburg.

But more than just wheels and tents, the Sojourn has brought with it an unprecedented focus on developing the northern Laurel Highlands as a trails destination, sparking the completion of several trail systems—closing gaps and increasing the trail connectivity needed to bring visitors from out of town and out of state, putting heads in beds in dozens of towns across the region.

On Wednesday night, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Deputy Secretary Cindy Dunn used the Sojourn to announce the formation of the Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway Alliance. The goal of this groundbreaking collaboration is to complete a continuous land- and water-based recreation system between the two centers, a trail that would bring many thousands of visitors through towns in Blair, Westmoreland, Indiana and Cambria counties each year.

Dunn compared the vision of a Main Line Canal Greenway to the achievement of the canal and rail pioneers who built the Pennsylvania Main Line of Public Works in the 1830s, overcoming enormous geographical and political challenges.

"The obstacles to overcome in realizing this vision of a recreational greenway are immense," she said. "And central to the successful effort of this alliance will be a group of volunteers committed to the community."

Dunn was referring to the many active volunteer trails and park organizations which, through labor, fundraising and promotion, have done much to connect hundreds of miles of trails in the region. At the fore of this effort is RTC, which in laying the groundwork for this year's Sojourn was able to push forward work on the Cambria and Indiana Trail (CandI) around Nanty Glo and Vintondale, and several other trails in the region. The Sojourn took riders along the CandI, which although passable is not yet open to the public. It is an example of the connections that will need to be made if the Main Line Canal Greenway is to come to fruition.

"We have advanced this Greenway because of your coming here, by bringing attention to what still needs to be done," Dunn told Sojourners at the Young Peoples Community Center in Ebensburg Wednesday. "The formation of this alliance is a new day, and means new hope for the Main Line Canal Greenway."

"The Sojourn has bought a lot of attention to the area," says RTC's Tom Sexton, who in the past few months has overseen investments of more than $30,000 in five trails along the Sojourn route; with local matches, that figure reaches $60,000. "We have been able to complete a number of crucial missing sections and developed new trail networks to connect with the famous routes. In order to spread the benefit of trail tourism to towns throughout this area, places like Vintondale and Nanty-Glo and Blairsville, we need more than just out-and-back trails. We need trail networks, and loops, and places for people to stop along the way."

Trail-user surveys conducted by RTC in 2009 found that more than 70,000 recreational users visited the Ghost Town Trail each year, representing annual expenditures of close to $1.7 million. Sexton says that with some coordination and promotion, trail tourism could transform Blair, Westmoreland, Indiana and Cambria counties into outdoors recreation destinations with a regular source of commercial activity that is both sustainable and lucrative.

On Tuesday night, Mayor of Ebensburg Randy Datsko told participants and organizers that the Sojourn, and trails tourism, was critical to the commercial viability of small towns.

"I was looking in the carpark outside, and saw number plates from at least 18 states," he said. "It is just phenomenal that you would find us here, in this little town in Pennsylvania. We are so glad to have you, and hope you come back again soon, to enjoy our trails, and enjoy our town."

Datsko said he was eager to explore more opportunities for Ebensburg to capitalize on the boom in cycling and outdoor recreation that is spreading across America.

"We are well-positioned, being at the eastern terminus of the fantastic Ghost Town Trail," he said. "I would love to see Ebensburg become a trail town. There is great potential for us to attract visitors as they enter and leave the Ghost Town, not to mention the tremendous asset the trail provides to all the locals who use it."

For the photo slideshow from Tuesday, visit our flickr pages:
Tuesday: Optional Day 1

Photo by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

RTC's 8th Annual Greenway Sojourn Under Way

Todd Christopher (RTC) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:58:00 GMT

Take 350 riders, ranging in age from 4 to 90 and hailing from 30 different states. Spend seven days riding 250 scenic miles through Pennsylvania and New Jersey on some of the most historic rail-trails and towpaths in the nation. And, for good measure, add in amazing points of interest -- not the least of which is the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, where the participants bunked down for the first night of their journey.

That's the recipe for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's 8^th Annual Greenway Sojourn, which runs from July 17-24.

And while it's an amazing adventure, there's more to this year's Sojourn than an unforgettable bike ride. It began in Camden on Sunday with a rally to celebrate one trail victory -- the start of a long-awaited, federal TIGER grant-funded improvement project to the road leading to the Ben Franklin Bridge -- and to call attention to the importance of safe, convenient walking and biking options as an integral part of sound transportation policy.

For more, read RTC's press release on the 8^th Annual Greenway Sojourn, or follow the action virtually with daily photos and Sojourn updates on RTC's Facebook page.

Sojourners at the Battleship New Jersey. Photo by Becky Chanis

Registration Open for RTC's 8th Greenway Sojourn

Jennifer Kaleba (RTC) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:49:00 GMT

Registration is OPEN for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's 8th Annual Greenway Sojourn -- the most exciting Sojourn to date! July 17-24, ride with 350 other cyclists on a grand heritage loop through southeastern Pennsylvania and the Delaware River Valley of New Jersey.

Pedal more than 250 miles in seven days on at least seven different Pennsylvania and New Jersey rail-trails, including:

Enjoy overnights in unique locales including the Battleship New Jersey on the Camden/Philadelphia waterfront, Bull's Island on the Delaware River, the John James Audubon Homestead, the America on Wheels Museum, Jim Thorpe (the "Little Switzerland" of Pennsylvania) and more.

This ride cannot be duplicated on your own and will sell out fast! Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has been given special permission to camp on many of the sites, and our rail-trail experts will give the tour of a lifetime on these magnificent trails. Register today!

Trail Voices: Mike Haering

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:53:00 GMT

“Trail Voices” highlights the work of rail-trail supporters around the country. Our interview subjects are anyone from high-level urban planners to local volunteers, and no contribution to the trails, walking and bicycling movement is too big or too small–dedication comes in all sizes. We could never tell all the personal stories that make rail-trails a success, but we can share a few of the voices behind the movement.

Left: (Left to right) Kyle Morgan, Mike Haering and John Tichenor, part of Fetzer's crew on the Sojourn.

Mike Haering lives in Louisville, Ky., and has always been an active outdoorsman and hiker. “I’m not going to say I’m a recluse,” he says, “but I could have a very happy day if I’m alone on the top of a mountain and watch the sun come up on the east, the sun go down in the west, and I don’t see anyone else the whole day.”

In the office, Haering works as the brand director for Fetzer Vineyards, makers of the “Earth Friendly Wine” in Hopland, Calif. After 18 years in the wine industry, Haering still marvels at the process and lifestyle of winemaking. “First thing I really noticed, being in wine and wine country, is the sense of community,” he says. “It’s a farming environment, and you feel like you belong to something close to Mother Earth. I’m fascinated by the winemakers and the magic they can do with the fruit, and give us a great glass of wine at the end of the day.”

Starting in 2009, Fetzer began a partnership with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) to help support the Trail of the Month program and the 2009 Greenway Sojourn, which wrapped up this past July on the Pine Creek Rail Trail in Pennsylvania. Haering and the Fetzer crew were active and popular participants. Several members of the official Fetzer Bike Team came along for the four-day ride, and Fetzer poured wine at several overnight stops and meals for the 250 riders. “The wine pouring was a huge success,” he says. “Not only were we able to share a taste with those so inclined, but we got to share Fetzer’s sustainability story with them.”

We caught up with Haering after the ride to learn more about the Sojourn, the partnership with RTC, and about Fetzer’s long-recognized commitment to sustainable winemaking.

What makes Fetzer’s sustainable wine production unique and so important?
Everything we do, we look to make sure we minimize the impact to our community. The first place you do that is with the environment. We have a concentrated effort not to throw anything away. Since 1990, we have reduced our waste to landfills by 96 percent, while doubling production. We don’t even go to recycling right away; we reuse first, so we’re doing more with less. We were also the first winery that went to 100 percent green energy for its winery operation. We put solar arrays on the roofs of various buildings, and sometimes we generate so much energy that we can sell it back to the electric company. Also, by lowering the weight of our wine bottles by an average by 16 percent, we have saved the equivalent of 70,000 trees a year.

There’s always this perception that when you’re doing something sustainably, you’re not doing it well. But we don’t compromise quality. Simply stated, we make great wine the right way.

Right: The Fetzer team joins Sojourn riders on the first morning of the four-day ride.

How did the partnership with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy begin?
Fetzer seeks to partner with likeminded organizations in order to connect with people who act with long-term, sustainable practices. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy was a perfect fit. Their commitment to establishing trails for years to come is fantastic, and their vision of having 90 percent of the population within three miles of a trail by 2020 is truly inspiring.

What about the Sojourn in particular made the event such a great opportunity for Fetzer?
The Sojourn fits well with Fetzer because we know Fetzer consumers enjoy the outdoors and are active in a variety of pursuits, including cycling. This ride provided Fetzer a chance to connect with riders in their environment, and hopefully connect in a fun way.

What did you think of the Pine Creek Rail Trail?
Absolutely gorgeous. You know, I’ve traveled many places around the world, and before you get there you always have this perception of what it is or could be. Well I went into [Pine Creek Gorge], and the canyon walls, the river running through it, watching the peace of the fly fishermen, just enjoying nature—it was pristine, just beautiful. The trail fits the personality of the place; it felt like a natural trail next to that river.”

What did you find most memorable about the Sojourn?
The ride and experience exceeded our wildest dreams. Everyone was so friendly and they accepted us warmly. I’d say the biggest memory we will leave with is the sense of community everyone on the ride shared. Although it rained several times, people came together and we believe they bonded closer. We were blessed to be part of it.

To learn more about Fetzer, visit www.fetzer.com.