BWI trail for cycling

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » BWI trail for cycling Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-07-28 9:40 AM

User image

Expert
803
500100100100
MD
Subject: BWI trail for cycling
Anybody ride the BWI trail on their bike?

I work 2 miles from the trail. I've been considering riding it mid-day on my road bike. I'm not looking to crush the pace, just a casual ride, but if I have to dodge lots of runners, walkers, strollers, etc it's probably not worth the time. The roads in this area (Dorsey rd, etc) are not good for riding during the day - too much traffic.

I just need some time in the saddle and an excuse to get out of the office for an hour.





2009-07-28 11:21 AM
in reply to: #2312341

User image

Member
130
10025
Catonsville
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling

This is my favorite bike trail!  I usually ride early Saturday or Sunday mornings or after work, 4:30 pm.  And I try to ride at least 2 loops depending on how much time I have and how the legs fee.  I don't usually encounter too many strollers, walkers, etc.  The runners stay to the right, and other bikers are very courteous.  There are a few busy cross streets, but nothing that will disrupt your ride.  The Dorsey rode intersection can be busy and sometimes I may have to wait for a green light for no more than 2 minutes.  You should be able to complete the course in 35 to 45 minutes, depending on your speed.    If you do the B and A trail you will definitely encounter lots of walkers and joggers.

Lucky you for working so close to the trail!  Enjoy your rides.

Pat

2009-07-28 1:52 PM
in reply to: #2312341

User image

Expert
1743
100050010010025
Glen Burnie, Maryland
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling
I agree with Pat.

You don't get too many casual walkers/joggers on BWI. It's usally other cyclists and runners who are training.

I have come across employee from Northrup Grumman walking on the trail near that building during lunch time. Also the Airport Overlook park can be crowded.

I usually avoid that whole area during the day by making a right onto Dorsey road and riding past the park (on my left) and then hopping back onto the trail at the top of the hill (WB&A intersection). It's actually not a bad gradual climb either.

I say "go for it"!!
2009-07-28 2:23 PM
in reply to: #2312341

User image

Expert
1170
10001002525
Southern Pines, NC
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling
I avoid the trail on my bike, but the roads paralleling the trail are awesome. Where the trail winds along, you can just fly on the road. In that sense it's a great place for a brick--park at the observation area, ride the roads, run the trail.
2009-07-29 12:11 PM
in reply to: #2312341

User image

Regular
59
2525
Hanover, PA
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling
I bike the loop one or twice a week and rarely have issues with people in the way. I was ther this past Sunday with 7 miles to go and the skies opened up. I had to pour the water out of my bike shoes but I felt like Lance in the Tour de France. Also, for two weeks straight my helmet was attacked by birds protecting their nests. Pretty strange being chased by birds and they would even scratch at my helmet. I thought 17MPH was fast enough but they kept up. I think they are gone now though.
2009-07-29 12:39 PM
in reply to: #2315170

User image

Expert
808
500100100100
Columbia, MD
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling

gczarski - 2009-07-29 1:11 PM Also, for two weeks straight my helmet was attacked by birds protecting their nests. Pretty strange being chased by birds and they would even scratch at my helmet. I thought 17MPH was fast enough but they kept up. I think they are gone now though.

I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear this.  I was biking the trail a couple months ago and got ambushed by a bird landing on my helmet.  Scared me to pieces.  Glad to hear it wasn't just because I was going so slow.

I love the BWI Trail.  The observation park on Dorsey Rd can fill up real quick, but there are tons of other places to park along the trail.  I've never really had a problem with the trail being too crowded.  I always see other bikers and runners out there, but they pretty much know the trail rules.  Now, the B&A Trail is another story .....

2009-07-29 3:50 PM
in reply to: #2312341

User image

Master
3546
2000100050025
Millersville, MD
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling
If you don't like the crowds, hop on over to to the PVSP connector trail.
2009-07-29 3:59 PM
in reply to: #2312341

User image

Expert
803
500100100100
MD
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling
Ok, just got back from riding the trail. It's about 2.5 miles from my office so it ends up being a 15.6 mile round trip. Nice ride - the trail is wide and in very good condition. No crowds at all, only saw 2-3 bikes and a couple walkers. Had to wait at a couple traffic lights, no big deal.

I'm not looking for a ride where I can get down on my aerobars and cruise along at 20+mph, so this is perfect. Sneak out of office, ride, enjoy the outdoors. Shhh.

Thanks all for your inputs.

Oh yeah, I was quite disappointed not to be attacked by killer irradiated airport birds. Maybe next time.
2009-07-29 4:04 PM
in reply to: #2315859

User image

Expert
803
500100100100
MD
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling
Do you have a route mapped that includes the PVSP trail? I've ridden all over Ellicott City and through the park roads, but I'm not sure where the connector trail is.
2009-07-29 5:43 PM
in reply to: #2315892

User image

Expert
1743
100050010010025
Glen Burnie, Maryland
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling
econway - 2009-07-29 5:04 PM Do you have a route mapped that includes the PVSP trail? I've ridden all over Ellicott City and through the park roads, but I'm not sure where the connector trail is.


I'm sure there is a map somewhere but the connector trail starts after the bridge that goes over Rt 170 near Northrup Grummon (sp?). If you are comming from Dorsey Rd down 170 and cross over the bridge you would make a right to continue on the trail. If you go straight there are signs that say "Bike Path". If you follow these you'll come out by Route 1 in Elkridge. Cross over Route 1 and head up the hill a little and I believe you'll be at Lawyers Hill Rd.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
2009-07-29 6:46 PM
in reply to: #2316069

User image

Member
130
10025
Catonsville
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling
SCamp07 - 2009-07-29 5:43 PM
econway - 2009-07-29 5:04 PM Do you have a route mapped that includes the PVSP trail? I've ridden all over Ellicott City and through the park roads, but I'm not sure where the connector trail is.


I'm sure there is a map somewhere but the connector trail starts after the bridge that goes over Rt 170 near Northrup Grummon (sp?). If you are comming from Dorsey Rd down 170 and cross over the bridge you would make a right to continue on the trail. If you go straight there are signs that say "Bike Path". If you follow these you'll come out by Route 1 in Elkridge. Cross over Route 1 and head up the hill a little and I believe you'll be at Lawyers Hill Rd.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.




I didn't know there was a connector trail.  I believe you would have to ride through Hanover to get to Washington Blvd (Route 1) to get to the park.  You are correct, ride straight over the bridge rather than make the right.  That is Stoney Run.

PVSP is a nice trail, although a little short.  To get any distance in you have to do a number of loops.  There are plenty of walkers, hikers, etc. who don't like to move to the right.  Plus, you may have to walk across the swinging bridge if there is anyone else on it.  Early morning is the best time to ride there.  I avoid late afternoon.

2009-07-30 12:29 PM
in reply to: #2312341

User image

Master
3546
2000100050025
Millersville, MD
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling
I should have clarified that the connector trail is actually bike friendly roads that are officially marked.  There are signs at each turn telling you were to go.

Once you're in the historic portion of ellicott city there are lots of bike friendly roads (usually VERY hilly).  It's my favorite local area to ride.
2009-08-07 7:42 AM
in reply to: #2312341

User image

Veteran
139
10025
Ellicott City, MD
Subject: RE: BWI trail for cycling
Not much traffic on the roads connecting BWI and Patapsco.

x2 on issues in Patapsco State Park. I've seen families take up the whole width of the path. Lots of people walk on that trail and they seem to be annoyed by cyclers. But you can take River Road for much of the trip, and don't need to use the trail the whole time.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » BWI trail for cycling Rss Feed