By Greg Vassmer

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE PECATONICA TRAIL COMMISSION The Gazette
The route of the Pecatonica Prairie Trail, showing trailheads and distances.

    There was not much snow this winter; in fact, our largest single day snowfall was just four inches this past March 16. But that didn’t stop some people from enjoying it.

    My first ride on the Pecatonica Prairie Trail this year was March 10, and there were already bike tracks when I got there. After the snow, some friends cross-country skied the trail. But it is really only now that the trail is bikeable, so long as you can dodge the spring showers, avoid the winds, and weave around the ruts from the ComEd work last fall and winter.

    With plants starting to sprout, birds migrating into the area, and the hibernating chipmunks waking up, we are coming into main trail season. So, let’s begin with a look at what shape the trail is in.

    Last fall and through the winter, ComEd staked, marked, chopped, and cored along the trail in preparation for replacing the wooden power poles with steel poles. While they have not given a schedule for the work, we expect them to work in fits and starts as each phase gets done. If you know someone at ComEd that can give better details, let me know – it has been difficult getting a firm timeline. The trail suffers when its wet and their trucks rut the surface. Already the Village of Winnebago has had to level and drag the Winnebago section of the trail several times.

    Coming from the east at Meridian Road up to the Sherman underpass at Route 20, the trail has been graded and railings repaired. It is in great shape, though I’d wait till we have a stretch of dry days, especially if you ride on skinny bike tires. From the underpass west to Lundgren Road, the trail is currently bumpy and wet thanks to the rain and ComEd work and will need some fat tires or some hike-a-bike (walking) effort at certain points, but once you get to Lundgren it’s smooth riding into Pecatonica. From Farwell Bridge Road west of the Pecatonica Fairgrounds all the way to Ridott, the trail is still mainly a nature trail – or a bike ride by a very determined cyclist. And west of Ridott remember that the rail bridge over the Pecatonica River is closed. The ComEd traffic has flattened some sections in this stretch, so now might be a good time to give it a try. Coming from Freeport towards Route 20 bypass near Freeport, the trail is in good shape, but be careful of a few watery spots!

    Along with the trail becoming more passable, the bike-friendly businesses along it are opening or increasing hours. In Winnebago, there is the bicyclist-favorite The Scoop ice cream parlor, set to open in mid-April, a block from the trail on Benton Street. In Pecatonica, you can get both ice cream and hot food at The 3rd Street Station only a half block away from your ride. Also in Pecatonica, The Bicycle Hub bike shop has opened in a new location immediately adjacent to the trail at 223 Main Street. This building is the original passenger depot of the Rockford and Interurban Railway (1902-1930) that once ran parallel to the main C&NW (Chicago and North Western) line that makes up the bike trail. The old brick façade inside the shop has the carved initials of passengers dating back to 1910. Get bikes, parts, and repairs from Richard Backeberg and family.

    The Freeport end of the trail has both ice cream (a staple food when biking, lets all be honest) and hot food at The Union Dairy, with hours expanded to six days a week. And if you need bikes, parts or repairs in Freeport, stop at PHK Bicycle immediately along the trail at 205 Adams Street. Sara Kanzler would be happy to help.

    Finally, watch for more improvements and activities on the trail this summer. Bike tool stands will be added at the Winnebago trailhead at Benton Street and in Pecatonica at The Bicycle Hub. Future plans will also place a tool set at Tutty’s Crossing in Freeport.

    There is also a new group taking off to support the Trail. The Friends of the Pecatonica Prairie Trail nonprofit group is forming to help clean, maintain, and sponsor events for the trail. More will come about on that later.

    So, watch out for the ComEd work trucks and wet spots, but get out on the trail and ride – or walk… or run!

 
 
 
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