Local cyclists to participate in River to Rail Ride
Sep. 11—Vermilion County is full of rich opportunities for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors. But for those who enjoy bicycling, it's not always so easy to find good options that are both accessible and safe.
"People want to have outdoor recreational opportunities and a safe alternative to go run and walk or ride a bike that you're not going to be on roads that are shared with cars," says Lara Danzl, education supervisor for the Vermilion County Conservation District. "It's amazing how many people use the Kickapoo Rail Trail to get in some daily exercise or to take in some nature and wildlife and get outdoors, and it's completely safe because they don't have that vehicle traffic."
This weekend, cyclists from all over the county will participate in the River to Rail Ride, an annual fundraiser hosted by Vermilion County Conservation District.
The River to Rail Ride includes several different routes set up and ready to go for cyclists of all skill levels, the longest of which spans 63 miles, all the way up to Potomac. 63 miles is considered a metric century for cyclists, Danzl says.
If 63 miles sounds like too much, there's also a 50-mile route, a 37-mile route, a 30-mile route, and a seven-and-a-half-mile route that stays within Kennekuk County Park, Danzl says — one which is ideal for beginners and those with smaller children.
The Kickapoo Rail Trail — which follows the path of a retired railroad corridor that was purchased jointly by both the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and the Vermilion County Conservation District in late 2013 and early 2014 — will span 24.5 miles from Urbana to Danville once completed.
As of now, there is a completed three-mile section that's open, running from Vermilion County Fairgrounds to Oakwood, Danzl says. The VCCD still needs to finish the last remaining portion of the Rail Trail, which runs from Oakwood to the Vermilion-Champaign County Line.
Danzl estimates that work on the full rail trail should be completed by both counties by late 2025 or early 2026, depending on weather.
"I think having the connectivity between the two counties really bridges all of these little communities that we have between Danville and Champaign that have great little restaurants and little shops and things that people can visit," Danzl said. "By getting it all connected with the Kickapoo Rail Trail, it just provides more access and opportunities for those businesses."
Participants who register for the River to Rail Ride pay between $30 and $45 for an adult ticket, depending on which route they choose, the proceeds of which Danzl says will go toward installing trail amenities once the work is completed on the trail.
"We'd like to add more benches, rest stops, bike fix-it stations, way-finding signs with maps and directions, and educational signs along the Kickapoo Rail Trail, that way when when cyclists come or even people that are just walking on the trail can look at a sign so they can learn more about the Kickapoo Rail Trail," she says.
All along the River to Rail Ride will be rest stops for bicyclists to take a break, grab some water and a snack, and fix any issues with their bicycle.
"I'll have all kinds of snacks and goodies in the White Oak Barn for the seven and a half milers. And then a Lee's Famous Recipe three-piece chicken meal will be available for people starting at noon," Danzl says.
Those interested in participating in the River to Rail Ride may check out the group's Facebook event page or register on their Eventbrite page. There will also be an opportunity to sign up on the morning of the event, says Danzl.