Another chilly 42 degree day back in NW Ohio. Today’s 1st test “The Slippery Elm Trail”, built on top of the old Bowling Green Railroad Company’s line that runs from Bowling Green south 13.1 miles to North Baltimore. For those that attended “BG” they will be familiar with the term “Black Swamp.” The first 2-3 miles leaving BG heading south travels thru the actually Black Swap area. The Elm trees harvested from this area helped build the rail line and also helped finance the drainage of some of the area into usable farm land, a win-win at the time. The trail is flat as you might expect; wide asphalt, well maintained. There are “relief area” on the trail; one about 2 miles south of BG and another at Rudolph Station.
The intersection crossing are very well marked to watch for cross traffic as well as identifying the actual name of the cross-road.
First time out on my Cannondale road bike, “feeling fast.” Had a steady west-east cross wind on the way out. Average around 18 mph on the outward leg. The trail is nicely marked with mile-by-mile markers.
As you roll into North Baltimore there is a well maintain rest stop with facilities and even compressed air unit.
I made the turn north, still windy and 42. I may have had a slight tail wind, or maybe the cold inspired me to “drop the hammer” as I made the return 13 miles in 40 minutes. I would expect as spring turns to summer, the trail canopy will protect riders from the farmland winds. Almost a perfect marathon distance for runners.
BikeOhio1000 