June on the Trails

An ominous, yet gorgeous June sunrise on the RRVT near Waukee. 

WAUKEE, IOWA - As the final days of June come to a close, reflecting back on the month it has probably been one of the most enjoyable periods of time I've had exploring various trail systems in the state.  From the regular visits to the nearby Raccoon River Valley Trail, to the trails in Hardin and Grundy Counties, to the Quad Cities to visit the trail systems over there, it's been quite enjoyable.
     You really can take Iowa's trail network for granted until you visit some other states where such systems are not as well developed.  I recently returned from a trip to West Lafayette, Indiana for a week long agribusiness conference.  I brought along a bicycle, hoping there would be some opportunities for some cycling early in the morning or late in the evenings.  While I was able to get a little riding in, the trail system over there was much to be desired.
     After researching local trails, I came across the Wabash Heritage Trail which ran quite close to the area I was staying in.  It looked like it was a pretty extensive trail running from West Lafayette up to nearby Prophetstown State Park, so I was looking forward to checking it out.  Although segments of the trail were intact, it was quite disappointing to discover that the asphalt surface abruptly stopped in several spots giving way to just a dirt path, and then changing back to asphalt again further down the trail.  Eventually the trail crossed under some bridges in Lafayette and again ended at a gully with a sign that cycles were not permitted beyond that point.  Signage (other than the "no cycles permitted" sign above) was much to be desired along the trail, and many of the segments that veered off the trail to neighborhoods seemed to end up on heavily traveled roads that didn't appear to be too bicycle friendly.
     When visiting with a local about how popular bicycling was in the Lafayette and Purdue University area, I was told that "it's really not a big activity out here".  Obviously, that seemed to be the case.  It really made me appreciate the recreational assets we enjoy right here in Iowa.