A Collection of Bicycle Bags Suits my Style

 

Because I have five bicycles and I'm a regular rider, I have a broad collection of bags to suit every equation. Ready for a huge grocery shop, ladies night out, or coffee outside? I've got it all covered. A few special items stand out though, for their versatility and ease of use.

The above photos show the value and versatility of small panniers. I initially created these simple, light, and effective mini-panniers for my Dahon to avoid heal strike, but they've easily become my favorite Dutch style - connected - little gems. They're easy to strap on any rear rack, using adjustable buckles and hook and loop fasteners.

I've created a few of my own. 

Stem bags, snack bags, feed bags, stem caddy - whatever you want to call those highly functional tube-shaped bags that secure to handlebar and stem - are hands down my favorite storage device for their functionality. I have one on all my bikes and have used them for storing hankies, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, phone, beer can, thermos, lip balm, tiny purse - you name it. One of the most versatile bike accessories out there - everyone's selling their version.

Again, I repurposed a tech wallet into a fanny pack/bar bag to suit my Rivendell, but it's another highly usable bag, especially for travel. I sling it around my body for safety while handling bike gear, or strap it onto the handlebars while cycling, and/or as a waist pack. I have consistently enjoyed the padded pocket for phone, stow change or valuables inside the zip pocket, divvy credit cards, mask, and cash into the 3 mesh pockets or hand sanitizer and lip balm into the external zip pocket. I especially love the unique rose-patterned fabric.

I picked up a discontinued/discounted Po Campo children's bar bag, and with a sewing adjustment, it's become a tiny purse that easily detaches at my destination. With a pullout strap, I loop it around my body when I only require 3-4 small items.

I don't think you can go wrong with certain multifunctional bags, whether it's for shopping, traveling, attending outdoor events - we all need ways to carry things - that make our time outside more organized and safe.

What special bags are your favorites?

A Pennsylvania and New York Rail Trail Vacation

A section of the Walkill Valley Rail Trail.

With a week's vacation, our goal was to explore some of Pennsylvania's rail trails. Armed with Rails to Trail's Pennsylvania guidebook, we were flush with choices.  After last year's vacation reroute, I marveled at the perfect mid-September forecast ahead of us.

My husband did most of the driving, though I will take over if he's tired. Both of us suffer back and sciatica-type leg discomfort - oh the joys of an older body - so 5 hours in the car was plenty. We set up camp and rode a portion of the Walkill Valley Rail Trail into New Palz, NY to stretch our legs. I wanted to go farther, show him an old neighborhood I'd seen on a previous trip, but it was unappealing to cook dinner in the dark.

We have done many separate bike trips. He's retired and leaves for weeks each year, while I take advantage of weekend overnights using Amtrak. We intersect on day rides and my yearly vacation, so sometimes we get excited to show each other our special finds.

Riding a lovely section of the Switchback Rail Trail in Jim Thorpe.

The next morning we detoured just a few miles to check out New Jersey's high point, an amazing stone tower on a ridge, then headed through the Delaware Water Gap. As the copilot, I'm phone researching, giving driving directions, sometimes quoting regional historical facts, thumbing through the PA guidebook etc. generally exploring. I discovered a bike trail while traveling through the gap - an idea in case we returned the same way.

The day's focus was getting to Jim Thorpe in Pennsylvania, arranging a bike shuttle to ride the Lehigh Gorge, a ride my husband claimed I would like, walked around the touristy, but interesting old mining community with houses wedged into steep hillsides, then locating a campground. With a little daylight left, we pedaled a few miles of the Switchback Trail through rhododendron forest, topping out on a grassy dam.

Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail. 

With continued marvelous weather on the next day, we boarded the shuttle bus and rode 25 miles back to Jim Thorpe. I especially enjoyed the upper, shaded portion. The river was a constant companion though distant and mostly inaccessible, except for two lovely, trailside waterfalls. I noticed rail ties are hidden beneath earth and undergrowth, creating a berm beside the trail. This seems to be a common practice among rail to trail conversions. What do you do with thousands of potentially hazardous ties?

Pine Creek Trail, day 1.

By far, the Pine Creek Rail Trail two-day journey was our favorite vacation spot. It's a popular trip, aided by shuttles, so there are numerous ways to make this 62 mile adventure your own. Only two plus hours from Jim Thorpe, we stayed in Jersey Shore, the downstream end, and arranged shuttle pick up for the next morning.

It was a interesting shuttle upstream while our guide pointed out resupply stops as we let out and picked up other bike travelers. At the trail entrance, we took our time packing, used provided facilities, and set out. The trail surface was sublimely smooth stone dust, edged by wooden rails, mostly treelined, and an almost imperceptible downhill gradient. We took our time, stopped in little communities for a snack, but in general just admired the river, water birds, and had long conversations. We were in second growth forest as the railroad formerly transported harvested timber to a larger market.

Pettecote Junction campground.

There were a few primitive campsites that we considered, but we stayed mid-way at Pettecote Junction, a private, full service place, complete with RVs, cabins, and even a caboose for overnight accommodation. There were numerous available riverside tent spots, so we bike overnighters spread out to allow ample space. We have camped in our younger years at free or forest service sites with minimal facilities, but as we age, and expense is not a big concern, we prefer a hot shower at the end of the day.

Pine Creek Trail, day 2.

The second day was uniquely different as young American Sycamore lined the trail, providing riverside views beneath their canopy. 

And lovely yellow flowers edged the trail. Trees were just beginning their colorful autumnal plumage.

Ample park benches provided respite. I found the whole journey very contemplative and it was easy to slow down and prolong the 30 miles back to the car. In recent years, I've found 30-40 daily miles more enjoyable, especially as I'm employed, and fitness rides are limited. Flat rail trail journeys are also helpful.

Trail users also appreciate regular bathrooms. Some came with signage! 

Where many rail trails fail, is providing adequate places to refill water bottles. The small towns on this route have tiny grocery stores, yet refuse to let travelers use their tap. Instead they insist on selling plastic water bottles. We made sure to top off our bottles at the campground before setting off.

My Hard Rock was the perfect gravel trail machine. Plus size tires were helpful.

As the day warmed, the lower river widened, and we enjoyed grand vistas, and longer bridges.

At journeys end, the parking lot was downright HOT. We dried the wet tent while packing everything up, then moved the car to a shady corner for a picnic lunch.

Ironton Rail Trail.

Without any specific must-do trails, the next day we headed back to Eastern Pennsylvania, riding the Ironton Rail Trail, exploring the old cement sites. The trail passes through several parks with historical signs and traverses between neighborhoods. Clearly, the locals regularly use the path. Of special note was  the spur section, unfortunately bordering a gun club, with disturbing repeated loud firearms so close that we couldn't carry on a conversation.

Plainfield Township Recreational Trail.

Later the same day we stopped to traverse out and back on the 6+ mile Plainfield Township Recreational Trail. This corner of Pennsylvania is slate country. We saw numerous rocky outcroppings. In general, the trail was a little rough, but we made it work. 

As mentioned previously, the copoilot - yours truly - sorted out which trails to ride while enroute.

An example of slate along the Plainfield Township Trail.

McDade Trail.

The McDade Trail in the Delaware Water Gap had appealed to us because of it's varied terrain so we retraced our steps, camped nearby, and set out the next morning. To avoid one end with extreme elevation gain (not a rail trail!) we started at about mile 6 of its 31 mile length.

McDade Trail.

It was rough terrain for the first couple miles, but thankfully smoothed out over time. Single track edged soybean fields, or through open woodland. Sometimes we traversed gravel paths, or up and down ravines and over bridges. What a diverse trail! 

At about 13-14 miles, we turned back for an easier cruise back to the car.

The final day we drove partway home and for a break, rode a section of the Empire Trail near Fort Edward, but construction meant some of it was rough going. However, it was exercise before the next portion home.

Can't beat a week's worth of dry weather!

Adirondack Rail Trail

A lovely causeway section of the recently opened Adirondack Rail Trail.

In early September, my husband and I rode a section of the Adirondack Rail Trail, starting midway at Saranac Lake.

Saranac depot building at left; Lake Placid depot at right.

We pedaled 9 miles one direction to Lake Placid, eating lunch in the shade at their renovated train depot before returning returning back to the car. The trail was surprisingly busy, not only because of the holiday weekend, but the active local population use it for exercise, whether running, riding, or big-wheel roller blading.

First impressions? Wow, what a gem! Some communities will remove tracks and slap down minimum surface material. The organization dealt with drainage ditches and elevated the surface, layering with adequate stone dust. The ride was impressively smooth. Miles of wooden rail protected most of the trail.

Once back at Saranac Lake we sampled 3-4 miles in the other direction. A highlight was crossing a beautiful causeway! The route continues for another 10 miles - have to ride that portion another time. 

The 34 mile trail will be completed in 2025, from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake in the Adirondack Park. It's a remote trail in sections - primarily because of it's status as a park - passing through forests and by wildly scenic lakes. It would be a fabulous ride during fall foliage.

Riding the D & H Rail Trail - A Gem on the Specialized Hard Rock

 

2024 is the year of the bike overnight. My definition is loosely defined as going away for the weekend and riding two days. I previously was a stickler about lugging all camping gear by bicycle, has morphed into getting away for the weekend, while transport, whether driving, taking Amtrak, even staying indoors, hardly matters.

Heading north to Middle Granville, out and back on a two mile section. Note the Fairy mini-park on the left.

The D&H Rail Trail is divided into two segments: Castleton to Poultney (VT) at 9.5 miles, and Middle Granville (NY) to West Rupert (VT) at 14.5 miles. The Vermont rail trail information is not up to date both in signage and on the website, as the southern section has been extended 4 miles further north from West Pawlet, starting in Middle Granville.

Our first day's journey began in Granville, parking adjacent to the train station (now a B&B!) with ample parking.

A fairy parklet, complete with interesting signs.

Granville, NY lays claim as the Colored Slate Capital of the World. We turned around in Middle Granville and pedaled south back by our vehicle, then through a neighborhood...

Can you picture a former rail line passing through here?

...following signs through the industrial part of town. Oddly, lawns without a worn trail ran between buildings, but clearly this was the location of the former rail line transporting slate to larger communities. We spied stacks of reddish slate on pallets, so it's still a viable industry. 

Soon after, the trail was evident. Smooth, verdant-lined double-track was the predominant surface as we slowly climbed. Every time I ride my Hard Rock, I'm pleased with how it handles, especially with plush tires. And, for what it's worth, later I noticed I had 30lbs. pressure! Lower than I normally use, but I think that added to my overall experience. Ride slowly, and enjoy the scenery.

The D&H Rail Trail is multi-use, so in the winter snowmobiles cruise its track.

Crossing into West Pawlet, the landscape changed to farmland bordering the track.

We closely followed a river to it's terminus in marshland, before the gradual descent to the NY state line and end of the trail.

Southern end in West Rupert.

At this point we were hungry and found sustenance at Shermans, the local general store.

We enjoyed the gradual descent back to the car.

We camped at Lake St. Catherine State Park and headed out on Sunday to ride the northern section: Poultney to Castleton and back, in addition to pedaling around central Poultney on the Slate Valley grassy track. The D&H route was gravel lined, the section I did solo a couple years back on the way back from visiting the Poughkeepsie, NY area, but happy to share it this time with my partner.

A wonderful weekend away, with bicycles, that keeps us exploring! Learning history is the cream. I discovered the D&H Railroad was a broader system, more like a system of spokes, that transported goods from rural communities. A section of the D&H in Pennsylvania has also been converted to rail trail.

We're also interested in returning to the Poultney region to explore the Slate Valley mountain bike trails. I marvel at new trails that are within a two hour drive from home.

Bike Overnight - Amtrak One Way, Castleton to Home

Double panniers and a Soma Lucas front rack proved the best setup on Rachel.

I'm always thinking of the next weekend overnight. What new destination motivates me? Should it be one-way or two? Use Amtrak or leave from home? Foremost, the decision hedges on a dry weekend forecast and secondly, where there's an open campsite. When these factors align, usually on Thursday, then I have two days to pack, leaving on Saturday. 

Roll to the station, and remove the front wheel on board.

In July, I decided to take Amtrak 2 hours south to Castleton, then ride north on rolling hills to Crown Point State Park, one of my favorite camping spots, then homeward the next day. And bonus: my husband wanted to drive and set up the tent, so I was excited to have company for the evening.

Smiling, hydrated, and riding over the safe, wonderful, and historical Champlain Bridge crossing.

I hadn't ridden this segment of the Lake Champlain Bikeways route for about 15 years, back when I looped the southern portion - from Burlington south. I have, however, stayed at the campsite periodically, twice on my own, and once with Adele. 

I disembarked Amtrak, easily put my bike back together and set off. Since I originally planned to camp on my own, I carried 4 panniers, everything but the tent, which in hindsight added some difficulty, yet I was determined to see it though. With nearly 50 miles ahead of me in mid 80's heat, I grabbed some food, and set off. The route was more hilly, of course, than I remembered, and needing to cut off elevation and snaking turns, Google helped straighten the route, through orchards, over a beautiful mountain, adding more dirt roads to the mix. I was tired and ran out of water (note to self, don't ever do that again), but my husband rode from the campground, lifting my spirits, giving me liquid.

I learned how well Rachel handles with 4 panniers, so they're keepers! No jostling, rattling, or unwieldly handling. I've used front low rider racks in the past on other bikes, but the bargain Soma Lucas worked perfectly. And I was reminded again of Rachel's sweet low gearing - she climbs mountains! 

We had a milk shake, and I rehydrated from the restroom, taking a much needed break, before crossing the amazing bridge to the campground.

The evening was very warm. We roamed the campground, discovered the Samuel Champlain monument was open to visitors - who knew? We climbed the claustrophobic, circular stone staircase to a spectacular pre-sunset view of the lake and bridge. What a treat.

I did myself a favor leaving the second set of panniers in the car on Sunday morning. After early showers, a cold front moved in, and the next 50 miles homeward, was lovely! Fortified with scones, plenty of water and gentle terrain (only a few hills), the return was pleasant on paved roads. Lots of farmland, orchards, old cemeteries, and mostly quiet roads. 

Feeling like myself on the second day, I took a long break to eat a big lunch before riding the last 20 miles. The thistle-like monsters towered over me on Greenbush Road in Charlotte.

I cruised the last flat miles on the Burlington Greenway, by the Amtrak station, until reaching home.