Via-Biking the East Coast Greenway: A Neighborhood-Centered Journey

Biking roughly 3,000 miles from the northern tip of Maine to the southern tip of Florida can be a formidable feat for anybody to perform. However what should you tried the path with just some hundred miles of biking expertise beneath your belt? And what should you had lower than a month to finish the route? 

Regina Yan, a newbie bikepacker primarily based in Washington, D.C., got down to just do that.

Yan’s endurance biking expertise main as much as her departure was minimal. She’d solely been biking for one yr earlier than deciding to tackle the problem. Her curiosity in biking blossomed throughout COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns when she started renting bikes from her native bikeshare program as a technique to get outdoor and keep away from crowded trains. She fell in love immediately. 

“I shortly found [because of biking] that I like feeling empowered,” says Yan. “I preferred with the ability to take myself locations that my two toes wouldn’t let me go with no automobile. Finally, I simply felt like I wanted to push myself to do one thing that I wasn’t positive I may do.”

So she settled on a objective: Full a “thru-biking” journey alongside the East Coast Greenway.

The 3,000-mile route, which hyperlinks collectively paved trails, grime and gravel paths, and sections of roadway, is the nation’s longest greenway. The ECG, as locals all alongside the Greenway name it, was established in 1991 and is at the moment almost 40% full. The continued greenway path undertaking travels alongside a mixture of nation roads, metropolis streets, multi-use trails and paved bike paths, connecting 15 states and 450 communities from Calais, Maine, to Key West, Florida. 

Most individuals entry brief segments of the path in and round their communities. Round 50 million bike rides, runs and walks happen yearly on the 1,000-plus miles of accomplished greenway path segments. Solely about 100 individuals have accomplished your complete route by bike, in addition to three walkers and a runner. Some end the route over many months or years—or in a single fell swoop, like Yan.

A difficult journey for even seasoned long-distance bikers, this trek is just not for the faint of coronary heart. One-third of the ECG route is car-free, whereas the opposite two-thirds share the roadway. Understanding the best way to bike alongside busy streets and gaining the boldness to take up area on the street is a should.

“My expertise on the Greenway was a mixture of, ‘Wow, that is so stunning and I can’t imagine I get to expertise this excellent glimpse of various cultures and totally different communities of the U.S.,’” says Yan. “However then there have been additionally sections between cities like Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, the place you’re using 150-ish miles alongside fairly quick freeway on U.S. 17. Whereas it’s not a fundamental interstate freeway, vehicles are going 60 to 70 miles an hour when you’re using on a teeny-tiny shoulder. Some of us even skip that portion if they’re doing the entire experience as a result of it’s fairly harmful.”

One Month, Two Wheels, 3,000 Miles

Yan began biking critically in 2020. She realized to alter a flat tire and was bike-commuting 20 miles round-trip to work. In that yr previous to her ECG try, the longest experience Yan had accomplished was a solo weekend 200-mile experience to Shenandoah Nationwide Park on the Washington & Outdated Dominion Path, amongst others—an accomplishment by itself, to make certain, however nothing close to the bodily and psychological problem of a several-thousand-mile journey.

Now her objective was to bike your complete Greenway—and she or he solely had 30 days to finish the route earlier than needing to return to work. She was terrified, however optimistic. Biking on native trails and close by greenways had already led her to attach with herself on a deeper degree. It additionally led to her craving a extra intimate reference to nature and the neighborhood round her.

For Yan, the Greenway felt like a comparatively protected alternative for a solo long-distance problem. The route would take her by main metro areas like Boston, New York Metropolis and Philadelphia, the place she had pals with whom she deliberate to remain, together with Raleigh-Durham and Miami, and smaller communities alongside the way in which. She knew she wouldn’t be too removed from assist, meals, shelter or provides if wanted. The ECG winds by lots of of native communities full of motorbike retailers, grocery shops and neighborhood assets—one other advantage of using alongside a greenway. As epic a journey forward because it was, Yan felt peace realizing she wouldn’t be too disconnected from civilization or fairly as weak alongside her route as, say, a solo backpacking journey or backcountry bikepack. 

“I describe myself as considerably of an introvert, however I actually wished to tackle this problem to push myself to fulfill new individuals,” says Yan. “I additionally went to highschool in New Hampshire and I’ve a variety of pals who reside alongside the East Coast, so I knew it could be a technique to reconnect with pals.”

On September 19, 2021, Yan rigged up her tenting gear, garments, meals, instruments and spare tubes on her bike, and rolled out on her ECG biking journey. Her objective was to experience a median of 110 miles per day, however on day one, she took on 140 miles to achieve Acadia, Maine—her longest experience of the journey. 

“​​I advised myself that I knew I may bike 20 miles, and since 140 miles is like 20 miles however simply seven occasions, I assumed I’d be completely okay,” says Yan. “No, it was a extremely unhealthy concept.”

Along with going through extreme chafing after logging her first day (she shortly found why individuals use chamois cream), many different challenges got here barreling her method too: She hit a sob-inducing storm on the 100-mile stretch from Boston to Windfall, her first time biking within the rain—however she advised herself to maintain going. One other setback in that very same part was when her brakes reduce out amid car site visitors; after a irritating hour of making an attempt to repair the brakes, she couldn’t do it, leaving her stranded 20 miles from the closest bike store. She even obtained beaned by a beer can as soon as whereas pedaling. 

However wonderful moments occurred too: She noticed a complete area’s price of beautiful panorama and surroundings; reconnected with previous pals and met new ones; supported and realized from native bike retailers the best way to mend her bike; and gleaned a wide range of views from neighborhood to neighborhood.

“One in every of my favourite experiences was staying with a Heat Showers host named Tony in Hartford, Connecticut,” says Yan. (The nonprofit Heat Showers is a world hospitality neighborhood that connects bike vacationers with free lodging from verified hosts.) “On the time, he was answerable for town’s solely bike store known as BiCi Co., a cooperative bike the place individuals are available in and really learn to use instruments and repair their bikes by neighborhood programming.”

BiCi Co. Neighborhood Bike Store, a accomplice nonprofit to the Middle for Latino Progress in Hartford, Connecticut, focuses on bettering youth and grownup security, sustainable transportation, youth bike education schemes, mechanics courses, job coaching and extra. Yan was in a position to find out about Tony and BiCi Co.’s involvement with the native biking neighborhood and the group’s efforts to make biking extra seen within the metropolis, particularly for various communities who lack entry to protected and accessible strolling and biking trails.

Finally, Yan started to search out her groove on and off the saddle. She began nourishing her physique with the proper meals, taking time to relaxation and studying the best way to fine-tune repairs as she went. She additionally met useful individuals in every neighborhood she visited alongside the way in which, which made the expertise even that rather more impactful. 

“Greenways are nice for thru-riders but additionally for neighborhood members,” says Yan. “Having these paths to get from one place to a different, or to simply be capable of stroll round on the finish of the day, is so nice for the neighborhood.”

As she neared the ultimate stretch in south Florida, a thought ran by her head—one she was too scared to have at first of the journey: “I believe I can really make it to the top.”

She rolled as much as the end line 29 days after her departure, setting the then fastest-known file for finishing the East Coast Greenway route by bike. Now a board member of the East Coast Greenway Alliance, Yan says the journey helped her understand that we could also be stronger than we expect we’re.

“No method did I believe I may soar right into a bikepacking journey and end it, and forward of schedule too—however after we push ourselves, we develop.”

A Neighborhood Connector

Greenways are important for linking parks, inexperienced area and communities massive and small. They join the individuals who recreate there with the character round them.

Dennis Markatos-Soriano, govt director of the East Coast Greenway Alliance, says greenway initiatives intention to rework the way in which individuals transfer round and work together with their communities. He argues the largest impediment for people to reside lively, wholesome and sustainable lives is a scarcity of protected infrastructure. That form of funding makes actions like biking, working, strolling, skating and wheelchair mountain climbing extra accessible. Even those that sit at park benches alongside the greenway can connect with the communities and the character round them. 

“Communities all over the place on this nation want protected entry to benefit from the outdoor,” he continues. “In order that’s what we’re doing: We’re constructing entry to inexperienced area and nature proper out individuals’s doorsteps within the greatest cities within the nation.”

Since its founding in 1991, the ECG has turn into probably the most visited park within the nation. This yr, the East Coast Greenway Alliance launched Greenways for All, an initiative that helps native authorities and neighborhood efforts in accessing regional and federal funding for continued greenway and path buildout. ECG employees work alongside mayors, metropolis council members and county commissioners alongside the East Coast to assist native leaders navigate the applying course of to achieve funding streams that may assist full path segments all through their communities.

“We see the subsequent three years as the most effective potential we’ve ever needed to full the East Coast Greenway,” says Markatos-Soriano, referring to the $550 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. This regulation earmarks federal investments into roads and bridges, railways, water infrastructure, web entry and extra. The East Coast Greenway Alliance argues that this regulation can have an enduring affect on biking and greenway infrastructure by funding issued for Transportation Alternate options and federal RAISE grants. 

“We’re working intently with leaders from the native to the federal degree to reap the benefits of this historic infrastructure second we’re in,” says Markatos-Soriano. “We’d want lower than 1% of that funding to finish your complete East Coast Greenway.”

In Simsbury, Connecticut, a city with just below 25,000 residents northwest of Hartford, mayor Wendy Mackstutis says her staff has their sights set on finishing pivotal connection factors between their neighborhood and the neighboring cities of New Haven, Tarrifville, Bloomfield and Hartford. 

“Any enhancements to the path system and connecting different cities to Simsbury is nice for financial growth, nice for tourism and an important alternative for close by communities and guests to see what we’re all about,” Mackstutis says.

The connecting path segments will hyperlink the present 54-mile Farmington Canal Heritage Path, which runs by Simsbury to Bloomfield and past, lastly linking up with Hartford’s 16-mile Constitution Oak Greenway path. Mackstutis’s administration is collaborating intently with the East Coast Greenway Alliance on the completion of the undertaking. 

“I believe the individuals within the communities are what makes the Greenway particular,” says Yan. “It’s nice to have a motorbike path, but it surely’s the individuals and the neighborhood you meet alongside the way in which who affect you that makes an enormous distinction.”

Gear Up Like Regina

Chamois Butt’r Her’ Anti-Chafe Cream – 8 oz. – Girls’s

I’m embarrassed to say I assumed the padded shorts I wore for each day bike commutes would operate simply as effectively on a 3,000-mile journey. 4 days and a few rain showers in, I started experiencing pores and skin irritation nearly all over the place on my backside half. That’s after I found Chamois Butt’r Her’ at a motorbike store in Boston, which not solely prevented chafing however smelled scrumptious—really a trip-saver and the distinction between a snug experience and dreaded saddle sores.

Amphipod Xinglet

It’s so essential to put on reflective gear, particularly whenever you’re a solo rider who doesn’t take up a lot area, touring on roads that won’t see a lot bike site visitors or using at midnight. I made myself as seen as potential by sporting the Xinglet, which is a light-weight, stretchy and adjustable vest with spectacular reflective protection. I’d additionally suggest making use of reflective tape to your bike and helmet, and you will get inventive with the shapes!

Ortlieb Sport-Curler Free Panniers – Pair

Ortlieb panniers are the gold commonplace for waterproof storage. As a light-weight packer, I opted for the smaller Sport Rollers on my again rack, which match all the things however my tent (which I stored in a dry bag). They’re straightforward to clip on and off, and a breeze to scrub. After I’m not bike touring, I exploit these panniers for groceries, commuting and all the things in between.

Pedro’s Tire Levers

There’s a variety of hype within the biking world about Pedro’s tire levers. Of us swear by them, and after seven flat tires on this journey alone, I’ve to as effectively. They’re mild and durable and help you easily snap your tire again in your bike whenever you’re confused and crying on the shoulder of a freeway … although I hope nobody else ever finds themself on this predicament.

Bontrager Mini Charger Body Pump

I had numerous crying periods throughout my journey, however the greatest occurred after I obtained a flat tire in rural Maryland and my low-cost bike pump broke. After I lastly made it to a motorbike store 20 miles away, the mechanic really helpful the Bontrager Mini Charger as a dependable and user-friendly pump. Although it’s bigger than your typical transportable pump, its folding foot and excessive quantity present the advantages of a full-size ground pump. Inflation is really easy it makes having flat tires nearly nice.

Terry Butterfly Ti Gel + Saddle – Girls’s

If I needed to pinpoint my finest bike journey funding, it could be my comfy bike seat. My bike’s inventory seat carried out effectively sufficient for commuting, however I knew I’d want a girls’s particular seat if I didn’t need to, effectively, saddle myself with a bunch of soft-tissue issues. The Terry Butterfly Ti Gel + Saddle matches my anatomy completely, and I like to recommend making an attempt a number of choices to see which one is the most effective in your sit bones.

Therm-a-Relaxation Questar 20 Sleeping Bag

I keep in mind spending hours on sleeping bag analysis previous to this bike journey. I wished a bag with sufficient fluff to maintain me from freezing whereas being compact sufficient to suit inside my panniers. I selected the Questar 20 for its superior warmth-to-size ratio and located it carried out extraordinarily effectively when temperatures dropped to 40°F.   

Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

Everybody ought to swap to sleeping baggage with pump sack. It takes seconds to inflate your pad and also you’ll by no means be lightheaded once more! Those that discover themselves turning like a rotisserie rooster might discover the pad a bit loud, however should you’re like me and sleep like a mummy, this ultralight Sea to Summit pad is a good 3-season choice.

Massive Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent

I wish to experience compactly however sleep spaciously. I owned this Massive Agnes two-person tent previous to bike touring and determined to deliver it quite than buying a one-person tent. I’m so glad I did. Having additional area allowed me to stash my gear inside, really feel comfy and condensation-free on wet days, and luxuriate in my morning cat-cow stretches absolutely protected against mosquitoes. Should you’re touring with somebody, I like to recommend the Massive Agnes three-person tent since you lose all of the aforementioned advantages and achieve a variety of grumbles when sharing a two-person tent (I, sadly, communicate from expertise). This tent is available in a bikepacking model with shorter tent poles, however I discovered the regular-size tent poles match completely on the highest tube of my bike.

—Regina Yan, REI Co-op Member