For Immediate Release: RideTHISbike.com/Amtrak Partnership
Supports New Orleans, Hattiesburg & the Longleaf Trace

NEWS RELEASE

October 10, 2007, New Orleans, Louisiana - RideTHISbike.com is pleased to announce a partnership with Amtrak that supports the communities of New Orleans and Hattiesburg as well as the Longleaf Trace bike trail.

Amtrak has contributed a limited number of seats on board the Crescent between New Orleans and Hattiesburg for participants of the Jerry Ryan Memorial Ride. Proceeds from the group bike ride benefit the Longleaf Trace bike trail. To register for the bike ride, log onto www.longleaftrace.org.

Scenic, well shaded and offering fewer road crossings than similar trails, the Longleaf Trace is one of the nation's best, long distance bike trails. Following the route of a rail line abandoned decades ago, the trail is virtually flat. With work underway to extend the Trace from the USM campus to the doorstep of Hattiesburg's newly restored train station in the center of town, cyclists will soon be able to hop off the train and ride a paved, car free trail over 40 miles to Prentiss, Ms.

With special fares available for groups large and small, Amtrak is the best way to visit the Longleaf Trace bike trail as well as all the other sites in the Crescent City. New Orleans is served daily by three Amtrak routes, the City of New Orleans (New Orleans - Memphis - Chicago), the Crescent (New Orleans - Atlanta - Washington - New York) and the Sunset Limited (New Orleans - Houston - El Paso - Los Angeles).

Amtrak's Train # 20 (The Crescent) rolls out of New Orleans' Union Passenger Terminal at 7:20 am. Equipped with a lounge car, large windows, food service and restrooms on board, passengers arrive rested in Hattiesburg at 9:43 am and have over 6 hours to enjoy local attractions including the Longleaf Trace. With the return journey on Train #19 leaving Hattiesburg later that day at 4:19 pm, rail passengers can even have dinner aboard the train while enjoying the passing scenery. Train 19 arrives in New Orleans at 7:10 pm.

To qualify for this special offer, register to participate in the Jerry Ryan Memorial Ride using the registration form found at the Longleaf Trace web site (http://www.longleaftrace.org/). Cost to participate in the ride (including a ride t-shirt, food, rental bike for the day and staffed aid stations along the ride route) is $40. Memorial ride participants from New Orleans should submit the registration form and bike ride payment locally to Larry Lagarde at RideTHISbike.com by no later than October 19, 2007.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com
PO Box 9025, Bridge City, LA. 70094
Ph: 504-324-2492
Email: larry@ridethisbike.com
Web: RideTHISbike.com

Labels: Amtrak_Crescent, Jerry-Ryan-Memorial, Long-Leaf-Trace

On Tuesday, the Hattiesburg American published a story by Reuben Mees titled "Longleaf park gets donations". The story is about the upcoming Jerry Ryan Memorial bike ride that will be taking place later this month on the Longleaf Trace. Although the story is primarily about several donations that are being made to enhance the Longleaf Trace, four paragraphs in the story are from a telephone interview that Mr. Mees conducted with me. To read the full story, follow this link...
http://tinyurl.com/2xv94j

Larry

Labels: Jerry-Ryan-Memorial, Long-Leaf-Trace

Today, Ken V. of Birmingham, Alabama reminded me that the Longleaf Trace should be listed as one of the great bike trails in the USA. Per Ken...

I know it's probably hard to keep a web site up to date but I did want to make you aware of some information that I think will be useful for your readers. First, your list of trails does not list one of the best in the nation, The Longleaf Trace, that is in the neighboring state of Mississippi. Talk about a super trail! Rest stops, cold water, peaceful, well maintained and some 40 miles long, The Longleaf Trace has to be one of the nation's better trails.

Actually, Ken's right. The Longleaf is one of the nation's best bike trails and it should have been on my list - which is why it is now.

By the way, a group ride to raise funds for improvements on the Trace will take place on October 20th. Known as the Jerry Ryan Memorial, this bike ride honors the memory of a Hattiesburg cyclist that helped to create the Longleaf Trace. Cost to participate is $20; the fee includes a t-shirt and food.

Labels: Long-Leaf-Trace

By Herlon Pierce

From an Abandoned Railroad Line to a National Recreation Trail

Editor's Note: This is the third segment in a 3 part series on the history and development of the trail.

Since the trail's beginning, in addition to the extension to the University of Southern Mississippi, the district has added sixteen rest/rain nature stops along the length of the trail. A group primitive camping area, that includes a family/group picnic pavilion is now available adjacent to the trail in the community of Carson. An old beaver pond and the properties adjacent thereto, have been purchased for the eventual conversion to a recreational/educational center.

The old beaver pond was recently named the Denbury Beaver Pond in recognition of the financial support provided by Denbury Resources Inc, and their challenge to other corporate/business interests that has raised more than $30,000 for its impoundment and development. The center will include family picnic areas, camping, a horse corral, and most importantly, and outdoor classroom amphitheater type facility to be used for outdoor and nature educational programs in connection with the local schools and youth clubs.

The Leaders of a New Century, Class of 2004, through their efforts, created funding support for the lighting of the Longleaf Trace from the Gateway at Southern Miss, west to the 7th Street/38th Ave, tunnel, a distance of 3/4 of a mile. This lighted portion of the trail will provide for an extended time for local trail users who might otherwise not have the opportunity to use the trail.

Recent and continuing improvements to the 22.5 mile equestrian trail will allow the addition of horse-drawn wagons. The first improved section is four miles in length and runs between Epley and Sumrall.

It is the intent of the district to improve the entire existing 22/12 mile equestrian mile to accommodate horse-drawn wagons and eventually extend the equestrian trail from Epley, east to the Denbury Beaver Pond. The Jerry Ryan Outdoor Complex, which will be an addition to the Gateway facility, located adjacent to the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi, will provide a much needed group activity pavilion, an exercise warm-up area, and a small children's playground.

It is expected, after several delays, that the facility, which will be a memorial to Mr. Jerry Ryan, a local business owner, biking advocate, and untiring and original supporter of the Longleaf Trace, will be under construction during the next few months. This facility is made possible through memorial donations made by friends of Jerry, and a grant through the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

A group activity pavilion is planned for the Gateway at Prentiss and construction will be completed this year. This critically needed facility was made possible by a $10,000 donation from the Prentiss Lions Club, as a result of the untiring efforts of a few volunteers who promote two major annual events in the Town of Prentiss, the "Run for the Roses" and the "Birthday Challenge".

Loops of interest along the Longleaf Trace continue to be a discussion. These loops will be extensions into historic areas and other points of interest along the Longleaf Trace. The first loop of interest could be a loop interconnecting the Longleaf Trace and the Jeff Davis County Lake, near Prentiss, a loop of approximately 4 miles in length that will provide an additional destination point for out of area users as well as an additional recreational opportunity for the users of the Jeff Davis Lake.

The extension of the Longleaf Trace from its gateway at the University of Southern Mississippi to Bouie Street in downtown Hattiesburg is in the early design stages, as the right of way has now been purchased and environmental concerns are being addressed. It is expected this addition will include not only a biking/hiking/blading trail, but will provide an area for trolley buses for access to and from the University of Southern Mississippi and downtown Hattiesburg.

The Longleaf Trace is a work in progress and with the continued support of our many local individual/business/corporate sponsors, the trace will maintain its status as one of the best in the United States, and will continue to provide an improved quality of life for our local users and provide growing economic benefits to our communities.

Herlon Pierce is the Executive Director/Trail Manager of the Pearl & Leaf Rivers Rails-to-Trails Recreational District. Mr Pierce can be reached at (601) 450-BIKE (2453). For more information on the Longleaf Trace, visit LongLeafTrace.org.

Labels: Long-Leaf-Trace

By Herlon Pierce

From an Abandoned Railroad Line to a National Recreation Trail

Editor's Note: This is the second segment in a 3 part series on the history and development of the trail.

Through the efforts of Mr. James Moore, and a team of dedicated local supporters, the much needed support of the corporate/business community was solicited, and was met with great success. More than $150,000 was quickly raised from sponsorships, donations, and etc. for the early needed funding support for the purchase of the right of way and the eventual construction of the multi-purpose recreational trail, to be known as the Longleaf Trace.

By 1994, the rights of way of the old line had been purchased from west Hattiesburg to Prentiss, a distance of some 39 miles, the Mississippi State Legislature had passed a bill authorizing the creation of local recreational districts and the Pearl & Leaf Rivers Rails-to-Trails Recreational District was created. The legislation creating the district provided for a one-quarter (.25) mill tax levy on all taxable property in the counties and municipalities who could, by joint resolution, become members of the district.

The one-quarter (.25) mill was provided for the development, support, and maintenance of the district and its facilities. The counties of Forrest, Jefferson Davis, and Lamar, along with the city of Hattiesburg and the towns of Bassfield, Prentiss, and Sumrall became a part of the district through a joint resolution.

A master plan for the development of the Longleaf Trace and the design of the first phase was completed in 1999. A grant from the Federal Highway Administration administered through the Mississippi Department of Transportation, totaling approximately 2.8 million dollars was secured and construction was begun in February 1999 on the first 39 mile stretch. To the satisfaction of the founders, community leaders, and local advocates and supporters who so willingly gave their time, effort, and money, the Longleaf Trace was finally completed, dedicated and opened for use in September 2000.

The Longleaf Trace was an instant success as it joined approximately 1000 other rails to trails conversions throughout the United States. In 2003, a two + mile extension of the trail was made extending the trail east to near US Highway 49 and adjacent to the University of Southern Miss campus. The extension included the development of the Gateway facility adjacent to the University that houses the district's administrative offices, board of director's meeting room, bicycle rental/souvenir shop, and a group/business meeting room.

Since its opening, approximately 400,000 users have enjoyed a trip along the Longleaf Trace and through its natural pristine setting, while enjoying the splendor of South Mississippi's outdoors. Users have come from every state in the United States as well as from a number of foreign countries. In only its third year, in June of 2004, the Longleaf Trace was awarded the prestigious National Recreational Trail designation. In fact, the Longleaf Trace was awarded this designation more quickly than any other known national recreational trail that is not federally owned and operated, and is listed along with the numerous and prestigious national recreational parks in the United States.

Longleaf Trace Bike Trail - A History (Part 3)

Herlon Pierce is the Executive Director/Trail Manager of the Pearl & Leaf Rivers Rails-to-Trails Recreational District. Mr Pierce can be reached at (601) 450-BIKE (2453). For more information on the Longleaf Trace, visit LongLeafTrace.org.

Labels: Long-Leaf-Trace

By Herlon Pierce

From an Abandoned Railroad Line to a National Recreation Trail

Editor's Note: This is the first segment in a 3 part series on the history and development of the trail.

In 1991, the Canadian National Railroad, who had gained ownership of the old Illinois Central Gulf Railroad from Hattiesburg (Mississippi), west to Prentiss and beyond, issued an abandonment notice for that portion of the line from west Hattiesburg to the town of Bassfield. This announcement came after a decade of non-use, and during that period, the old line had rapidly deteriorated to a state of disrepair, and the line was no longer usable.

The old trestles and railroad cross ties had begun to rot away and the right of way was becoming more and more overgrown with vegetative growth to include trees. Along with the deterioration came abuse, that included the theft of portions of the slag base, removal and theft of cross-ties, and in some cases, the old railroad tracks themselves. In many cases, the former railroad became a favorite dumping site for unwanted trash and garbage that included old building materials, abandoned vehicles, old tires, and household garbage.

In spite of these conditions, local community leaders and elected officials immediately mobilized an aggressive effort to fight the abandonment, as it was their continuing belief that at some point in the future, the old line would again play an important part in the economy of their communities. They quickly learned that their effort would be futile, and turned their attention to developing an economically feasible alternative use of the old line, and the eventual procurement of the old railroad line between Hattiesburg and Prentiss.

To their joy, it was discovered that funding was available to the United States Department of Transportation through the Interstate Transportation Enhancement Act (ITEA) that could be used for the conversion of old and abandoned railroad lines to greenways and multipurpose recreational trails. Thus, the beginning of the Longleaf Trace was conceived.
(Image right: Longleaf Trail Map - click to enlarge)

Through the quick and determined efforts of those who since have been recognized as founders, namely Mr. Lynn Cartlidge, then President of Forrest County Board of Supervisors; Attorney Stone Barefield, former state legislator and retired attorney for Forrest County; Mr. Bobby J. Garraway, a railroad enthusiast, local attorney and attorney for the Town of Bassfield; Mr. Ronnie Shows, former state legislator and then Mississippi Highway Commissioner of the Southern District; and Mr. James Moore, local bicycle shop owner and advocate, the conversion was begun.

Longleaf Trace Bike Trail - A History (Part 2)

Herlon Pierce is the Executive Director/Trail Manager of the Pearl & Leaf Rivers Rails-to-Trails Recreational District. Mr Pierce can be reached at (601) 450-BIKE (2453). For more information on the Longleaf Trace, visit LongLeafTrace.org.

Labels: Long-Leaf-Trace

by Larry Lagarde

Several months ago, I interviewed Herlon Pierce, the executive director and trail manager of the Long Leaf Trace (LLT). Along with several other outstanding rail trails & bikeways (such as the Chief Ladiga, Silver Comet and more), a trailhead for the LLT begins near a stop on the Crescent, (the Amtrak train that runs from New Orleans to New York City), making it possible to pedal a series of rail trails in one vacation - all via the Crescent.

With word that new construction would finally make the Chief Ladiga & Silver Comet into 1 seemless, paved, interstate bike trail, I was ready to book my travel on the Crescent and do some trail riding. Unfortunately, delays and detours (such as a new Georgia DOT bridge project over the Silver Comet) have pushed back to early in 2008 the ceremony and group ride marking the connection of the Chief Ladiga and Silver Comet trails. Rather than wait until then to do all the rides, I've decided to bike the Long Leaf Trace as soon as temperatures here in the Deep South become a little cooler.

Considering my upcoming ride on the Long Leaf Trace and participation this week at the TrailLink 2007 bike trail conference, I could think of no better time to share an account of the development of the LLT from the man that has shepherded the trail from early on - Herlon Pierce. The story will appear as a multi-part series with publication of the first segment tomorrow. I hope you enjoy it.

Longleaf Trace Bike Trail - A History by Herlon Pierce

Labels: Long-Leaf-Trace