This is the surface of the Danvers Rail Trail..it is one of the possible surfaces the Methuen Rail Trail will have when it reaches first phase this summer.

Underpass along Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

The Rails To Trails Conservancy has provided nearly every thing one needs to get a Rail Trail off the ground, so to speak.

The Rails to Trails Technical Assistance Toolbox covers everything from research and acquisition to construction and liability. Please feel free to poke about when you have time, perhaps you will light on something that inspires you to volunteer for that aspect of the project.

Plan, Design, Build >>
Accessibility
Construction
Crossings
Design for User Type
Surface
Rail-with-Trail

. . . and Methuen’s got plenty of it. I got some of it now, just a smidgen on my eyelid no doubt transferred from a finger which discovered it on the back of my wrist. I tend to get it in little patches about the size of a half dollar and transfer it. Some people are MUCH more susceptible than others., but they tend to know who they are. In New England you run across it early in life just rolling around on your lawn. (remember it’s the thing that looks like a mitten)

Regarding trails under normal usage, poison ivy stays in its place on the ground, so once a trail is improved and the brush is pushed back to normal distance, hikers and cyclists need not fear it. Wandering into the woods will bring you in contact with it, as well as handling a dog that has come into contact with it. We were exposed to it yesterday while picking up all the nonsense that was hiding under the shrubbery.

My favorite anti-Poison Ivy aids are Tecnu and Ivarest. Usually I wash my hands and face with a cleanser designed to remove Poison Ivy oils, when I come in from the woods, either Tecnu or a bar soap. If I miss a spot, the Ivarest helps negate the itch, but it’s that lovely pink paste that tells the world what you have been up to in your off hours. IF the you can’t ignore the itch, cover the spot with a non-adhesive bandage.

from Wikipedia:

“The reaction caused by poison ivy, urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, is an allergic reaction. Around 15%[5] to 30%[6] of people have no allergic response, but most people will become sensitized with repeated or more concentrated exposure to urushiol. Reactions can progress to anaphylaxis.

Urushiol binds to the skin on contact, where it causes severe itching that develops into reddish colored inflammation or non-colored bumps, and then blistering. These lesions may be treated with calamine lotion, Burow solution compresses, or Aveeno baths to relieve discomfort.[7] In severe cases, clear fluids ooze from open blistered sores and corticosteroids are the necessary treatment.

The oozing fluids released by itching blisters do not spread the poison. The appearance of a spreading rash indicates that some areas received more of the poison and reacted sooner than other areas or that contamination is still occurring from contact with objects to which the original poison was spread. The blisters and oozing result from blood vessels that develop gaps and leak fluid through the skin; if the skin is cooled, the vessels constrict and leak less. If poison ivy is burned and the smoke then inhaled, this rash will appear on the lining of the lungs, causing extreme pain and possibly fatal respiratory difficulty. If poison ivy is eaten, the digestive tract, airway, kidneys or other organs can be damaged. An untreated rash can last up to four weeks.

Urushiol oil can remain active for several years, so handling dead leaves or vines can cause a reaction. In addition, oil transferred from the plant to other objects (such as pet fur) can cause the rash if it comes into contact with the skin

People who are sensitive to poison ivy can also experience a similar rash from mangoes. Mangoes are in the same family (Anacardiaceae) as poison ivy; the sap of the mango tree and skin of mangoes has a chemical compound similar to urushiol. “

If you have kids have them cleaning their own bike, especially if you are cleaning yours at the same time. Get them into the habit of taking care of their bikes and they will make your investment in their bike last longer.

Cleaning - I am always amazed how many people just park their bike and spend little time cleaning it. Any conscientious biker will wipe down their bike before and after each use. Dirt, grime and road salt are so easy to avoid. and cleaning it off will easily extend the life of your bike and its moving parts. Clean everything tires, rims, seat, chain, chain rings, cassette, derailleurs, pedals, brakes, even your basket and panniers. Many people have recommended Simple Green, but any good biodegradable cleaner will do, I try to stay away from harsh chemicals because i don’t want to lose the ancient decals on my bikes.

Tires – Check tires for splits, cracks,and tread for uneven excessive wear. Replace the tires if needed. Tires and tubes are relatively cheap, and much cheaper than having blow out on the road just because it needed to be replaced.

Wheels - Clean the rims with a cloth and rubbing alcohol, some of the road tars are tough to remove. If your bike is ancient like mine, rust and spots on the chrome can be tackled with a good chrome polish. There is even biodegradable non toxic chrome polish that even kids can use. Check the balance of the wheel does it spin straight or is it untrue? If you can make the minor adjustments to the wheel with a spoke wrench go for it, if not take the wheel to the shop and get it up on a truing stand. Uneven wheels cause brake wear, difficulty steering and a bumpy ride.

Brakes - Check the brake pads, make sure they are wearing evenly. If they have any uneven wear, get new ones, they are another inexpensive item that can save you lots of trouble being replaced before they become a problem. Check the brake cables, do the pads strike the rim at the same time when applied? Adjust the brake arm tension screws so the brakes are even.

Chain – Elevate the rear wheel and spin the pedals, you may need help doing this unless you have a stand, you can always use the bike rack on your car. You should be able to shift through all the rear gears smooth; if it skips any gears try adjusting your rear derailleur. If the problem persists take it to the shop, if you use your bike a lot you may just need a new chain. They are relatively inexpensive and are another thing to keep in perfect working order to prevent problems on the road. If you can change the chain yourself you probably don’t need my advice, I only have 3 gears and they are all internal.

Lubrication - get out the bike lube, apply even coat to the chain, on the inside and outside of each link and between the pins and rollers. Let is set and then wipe off the excess with a rag. Apply lube to all the pivot points on the front and rear derailleur, as well as any hinges and levers on the brakes.

Check your gear – If you have a seat bag with essentials, check to make sure everything is in order. For just kicking around town I carry a first aid kit, a spare tube, tire levers, puncture patches, multi-tool, c-wrench, pen note pad, small bungee cords, zip ties, a bandanna, disposable camera.

Springs coming get ready to ride.

Walking Solutions:

• Implement Solutions
• Develop Plans and Policies
• Engineer Pedestrian Facilities
• Educate Drivers and Pedestrians
• Enforce Laws
• Improve Access to Transit
• Promote Walking and Health
• Seek Funding and Build Support

Visit the site and poke around at all the free downloadable documents, once the damn snow goes away, perhaps a few of us can get out and do a casual audit of the walkability of our community with Walkinginfo.org’s Walkability checklist (download pdf)