What: A 28 mile bike ride on the Lake Mineral Wells Trailway, a Rail to Trails corridor originating from the historic Weatherford, Mineral Wells & Northwestern Railroad
Leader: Diane Nunez
When: Saturday, 9/24 8:30AM
RSVP: Meetup
Details: the trail surface is asphalt and finely crushed limestone and with the exception of a handful of short spots that are soft gravel or sandy, it is an easy ride. From Mineral Wells State Park the trail head is in the amphitheater parking lot. The park trail that gets you to the Trailway is about a half mile and steep. There may be spots on it that are washed out or sandy, so ride it cautiously.
When we get to the Trailway, we will be turning left heading to the town of Garner. It is 3.1 miles to Garner and 10.9 miles from Garner to Weatherford. In Weatherford , we will arrive at Cartwright Park and Sunshine Lake. We will check out the park and the lake to determine if we want to take a swim. You can bring a snack and we will stop for a rest in Cartwright Park. If the group wants breakfast or coffee, we can stop at the Garner Cafe since it is very close to the trail. Round trip is 28 miles.
If some riders want to add more mileage, when we pass by the trail to the State Park, we can continue on the trailway to Mineral Wells which is 5.8 miles one way which would make the total mileage close to 40 miles. The website states that the trailway is closed from FM 1195 to the Vietnam Memorial, but there is conflicting information about whether the trail is passable. In Mineral Wells, we will turn around and come back to the park.
Rules: A bike helmet is required, if you show up with no helmet, you cannot ride with us. Bring more water than you think you will need and drink plenty of water the day before the ride. High temperature on 9/24 is projected to be 87 degrees.
Children must be accompanied by an adult family member and able to ride the entire mileage. We may not have cell service on the trail
Know your limits – this is a no drop ride but only if you have matched your skill level with the planned mileage.