Place: Ironton Rail Trail (IRT), Coplay, PA
Ridden: February 2014
Finally, a ride outside!
A friend suggested we take advantage of some decent weather last weekend and get together for a ride on the IRT. Sure, it means just riding in circles for a few hours but it is worth it just to be outside. I don't know how much more we can handle riding the home trainer.
The Ironton Rail Trail is a 5 mile paved loop in Coplay and Whitehall, PA. It follows an old railroad bed, passing many historic buildings and railway items along the way. The nice thing about this trail is that it is maintained in the winter, meaning it is plowed. It still has icy and messy patches, but at least it is somewhere to ride. In the Whitehall section, a "spur" of the trail heads off towards the Whitehall Parkway. This section of the trail goes on for a few miles; it is somewhat maintained but can be quite the adventure to ride.
It certainly was wonderful to get outside. We rode along chit-chatting and catching up. We stopped and talked with other cycling friends who were also out that we haven't seen since before winter. Of course just a few days after this ride another major snow storm and cold temps hit again so back to the home trainer. But...as the video shows we have taken up another winter training activity- sledding. I guess the snow and ice do have something fun to offer.
Click on the video link below to view