A letter of thanks and encouragement to trail communities

4 things I am thankful for that create lasting memories making me return.

Photo courtesy of Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Dear town on the trail,

Winter is approaching fast. I am a fair-weather northern cyclist, and snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures are not my body’s friend. I spent many of my warm weather days on my bike this year. It brought me joy and a sense of discovery. I would not trade my two-wheeled adventures for anything else.

Sitting here scrolling through trail photos on my phone, I find myself reflecting on the towns, businesses, and people I encountered. I cannot overemphasize how much I enjoy being welcomed by strangers who may eventually become friends, even those I met for a few minutes or hours.

That brings me to the point of this letter. Each of us is responsible for making a chance encounter pleasant and memorable. I try to do that, hoping I leave you feeling good about me and others on the trail. Thank you for returning the hospitality.

One thing I know from my years of traveling by bike is that not everyone understands the hospitality and welcome that cyclists seek. I'm sure we agree on the basics of welcoming visitors. I just wanted to share four things that made you memorable, not just a selfie on my phone or a Facebook post.

A safe bike parking place

A parking space at the front door is one of the most valued things customers in cars look for on a visit. I get it. I too am guilty of being that person. We live in a car-centric world that emphasizes it.

I'm also a cyclist who found myself at your front door thanks to your Google reviews. I often face a dilemma: I don't want to leave my bike feeling unsafe. The only option I see is a tree or a signpost. That doesn't seem like the right thing a friend would do.

If I'm lucky, a bike rack is nearby. Here's the problem with many downtowns, plazas, and businesses: They install a bike rack in the alley next to the trash bin in the back. Not good. I want my bike to be locked in a visible location. I just ask that you give my bike the courtesy you extend to cars. A single space can park 10 bikes, meaning more people visit and spend money.

A safe passage

I love that you keep your trail clean, welcoming, and safe. That's what drew me to your downtown trailhead. My only request is you extend those same characteristics to the streets beyond the trail. A blaring horn behind me or a narrow escape with an impatient motorist doesn't exactly say ‘welcome’.

Good memories are made when I turn off the trail and am greeted by marked bike lanes or bike sharrows, bike routes to downtown, and signs encouraging others to share the road. I know this is another challenge in this car-centric world.

I just ask that you make this a reality by continuing to speak up and advocating for cyclists like me. I am patient, knowing that cultural change happens gradually, as more people like me come your way. Many minor changes attract more trail visitors. Friends like you know this.

A smiling face

There's something that doesn't cost a cent that brings me back: a smile. A single person has the power to leave a lasting impression, and the power of many smiling people amplifies that effect. Know that I return smiles and champion those who smiled.

It is not only a smiling face. It's the friendly waves from motorists. Its’ the walker who recognizes I am lost and offers directions. It's the person walking their dog that recommends where to find the best burger in town. It's the server who offers to fill my water bottle. It's the shopkeeper with a ‘Cycists welcomed here’ sign in their front window.

This started with your smile. Know that you are the model for the ‘Come in and sit a spell’ campaign for your town.

Keeping up the good work

I am only writing this letter because I love my visits. I have seen the progress you have made to extend your welcome to me and others. I hope that these words encourage you to continue your good work welcoming both locals and visitors.

I want you to understand that I return because I feel a sense of belonging to your community. I want our relationship to grow and extend to those around both of us. You can count on me to be your friend and advocate. You will be on my social media, in the dollars I spend, and the people I bring on my future visits.

Thanks for making my cycling year one of my best. I'll see you in the spring.

Tom on the Trails

The Mount Vernon dog fountain brings me joy when I ride into downtown