Originally Posted by
Trueblood
Is it any better on roads in terms of monotony? I don't know, I have never done the TA.
Different strokes for different folks.
Also, it depends on your experience and comfort level riding on roads.
In rural areas with low traffic, I find roads far more interesting.
Yes, roads tend to be hillier than railroad grades,
but roadside shops, quirky signs, all the stuff that is Americana tend to be absent from rail trails.
Makes sense, since folks on the train back then couldn't just pull off into Mabel's Diner.
I like rail trails when they let you avoid urban or other congested traffic.
There's also a huge difference between paved and limestone screenings.
You can make good time on paved trails, but unpaved trails slow you, esp. if they are wet.
Then there are the busy trails with clumps of kids on tricycles and people walking 3 abreast.
I'm glad trails are there.
But I know how to find empty roads - which is what I usually prefer.
Old Trail Road in Northern Indiana