Kickapoo Rail Trail 2019

Kickapoo Rail Trail 2019

Rich, Dave, and Dwight ride the Kickapoo Rail Trail from St Joseph to Urbana Illinois

 
This is the Rescue Raleigh -- rescued from a front porch for 20 dollars -- it looked far worse than it actually was
Loaded up and heading to Dave's place -- small panniers are perfect for a short day trip


Dodge had a few issues last time out, been to the Dodge Doctor and seems fine now
Raleigh is loaded and awaits Dave's Raleigh and then off to pick up Dwight

At Dwight's place, Novara Rondonee loaded and we are set to go
At the park in St Joseph, Illinois -- not far from the start of the KRT
Dwight readies his bicycle

The trail had been extended eastward since the last time we rode it, so to ride the entire trail, we headed east to its end and then proceeded back west toward Urbana
The trail is paved with asphalt at this point, most of the trail is compacted crushed stone

The trail is an abandoned line of CSX railroad that once served communities from Urbana to Danville.

Formerly, the line was part of the Conrail System, Conrail had agreed to donate the line for the rail trail, but then, with Conrail's bankruptcy and merger with CSX and Norfolk Southern, this became CSX property.

CSX then determined to SELL the property to Champaign and Vermilion counties conservation districts for 3 million dollars!  😡


Grain facilities St Joseph, Illinois once served by the railroad


The main part of the KRT begins in downtown St Joseph -- this photo is toward the western part of town -- headed west to Urbana

Cool, cloudy, and somewhat windy day -- and of course, the day became beautiful in the afternoon


Bridge over the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River -- salt deposits in the area led to the early settlement

(Photo from KRT web site)


The development of the eastern part of the trail near Danville is stymied by the railroad trestle over the Middle Fork River which needs considerable renovation before it can be safely part of the trail.


Salt Fork of the Vermilion River


Looking west along the trail -- not the most scenic of trails


Pioneer seed corn facility along the trail and US Route 150  -- lots of traffic noise along the entire length of the trail


Grain facility at Fulls Siding -- not really leaning -- shot on the fly


Flags for the Cycle 365 October Challenge at Mayview, IL

 
Warning sign for drivers turning off US 150 of the Bicycle trail


Lots of these red berries along the trail


Parts of the trail have trees along the old right of way


John Deere Equipment Dealer


There goes Dwight, at 88 years young he is quite the rider!


 Approaching the Urbana end of the trail


Homes along Rt 150


Watch out for fallen walnuts!


Nearing end of the trail -- WalMart parking lot in the background


Info about what might be seen along the trail


The Urbana trailhead is the more "official" beginning of the KRT


 WalMart parking lot + shopping cart  :)


Abandoned ? bicycle at WalMart


Heading back east to St Joseph


Intersection with a township road

The KRT is very close to Rt 150


Fulls Siding elevators appear more upright


Dave and Dwight approach St Joseph


Almost back to the trail head


Good lunch at Subway -- where -- upon starting back, the Check Engine light reappeared

Home with no problems, Dodge back to Doctor!

The KRT is as you have seen a fairly non-descript bicycle trail along a busy highway and through mostly agricultural lands

Whether it is worth a nearly 100 mile round trip to ride it is questionable

The friendship and camaraderie of cycling it more than made up for any short comings




Comments

  1. SuzanneOctober 12, 2019 at 8:30 PM

    Hi Rich, I see you have set up your own blog! Nice ride, I'm particularly impressed by your 88-year-old friend's accomplishment. Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rich-IllinoisOctober 13, 2019 at 5:44 AM

      Yes, Dwight is quite the guy! Cant help but think all the cycling he has done isnt a huge factor in his health and well being today.

      Delete
  2. Laura RobertsMarch 1, 2020 at 11:17 PM

    Will have to look this ride up. No idea when I'd get a chance to do it, but I have a friend who lives in Urbana.

    ReplyDelete

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