Three evening rides are now completed on the Castle Trail along the canal; and everyone found them to be an unexpected pleasure. A benefit of riding on the canal is less stress than on the roads. The curtain of darkness and scenery along the water illuminated by just bike lights provide additional a benefit of a unique and other worldly cycling experience.

During our rides, we’ve encountered deer, cats, skunks and beady-eyed things that escape into the brush before you can identify them. And then there are those rustling noises off the trail in the brush and woods… 

These rides out of Delaware City cover 8 miles of the trail before we turn around at the marina cove and return to the parking lot behind Crabby Dicks for a 16+ mile loop. Our rolling speed is between 12-15 mph with a majority of the ride around 14.5 mph on this extremely flat route (182 feet of ascending – total). The first ride was attended by 5, the next ride by 8, and third night by 9 riders. 

The group’s speed averages around 13.5 mph at ride’s end; but with a second ride leader, a group does go off the front and averages between 14-15 mph. Start time is 6:00 pm and end back in the parking lot between 7:15-7:30. 

The sunsets on the way out have been spectacular, but with the time change, the rides will be in the dark from start to finish. These rides will continue until the end of the year or until people stop participating. If you have a bike light and want to try something a little different, please do join us.  

Any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at jw.wcbc@gmail.com.