Greenway rides

[Penny4]

Our city opened a new 6 mile (12 roundtrip)greenway recently, which will become part of a much longer trail eventually. It is fully paved, with a few little wooden bridges, clear of leaves and for the most part clear of debris (rocks/sticks, etc). There were a few rocks/pine cones, but nothing worse than your average road.
I was going to ride my new road bike, because I just want some practice on it without dealing with traffic, etc, but wasn't sure if it was a good idea to take it on the greenway, due to debris, leaves, etc? I don't want to ride it super fast on the greenway, just want to get used to the new position, new shifting, etc.
I decided to use my FX instead, which was fine, but would rather be on the road bike. Do you take your RB's on paved greenways?

[TwoBee]

Hi. Here in Nashville, there are many road bikes on our greenways.

[indysteel]

I'm not sure I understand your reservations. Road bikes can handle your average road or greenway debris. If you encounter something more significant, like a large branch, go around it. You should be fine.

[OakLeaf]

As long as you're riding plenty slow to accommodate pedestrian traffic, the main difference is the skinny tires, which are much more likely to get punctured by glass. There tends to be a LOT of broken glass on the bike trails in our area. Also, this time of year, if there are wet leaves, you probably will have less traction with the skinny tires. Just be careful, watch the road while still keeping your line of sight up to anticipate hazards, and you'll be fine.

[Owlie]

It'll be fine. I take my road bike on the local rail trails all the time--in fact, that's where I normally ride.

Just watch for glass (not normally a problem where I ride), and be courteous to pedestrians. My only concern would be a potential speed limit, but that may or may not be an issue for you at this time. (On my local trails, the limit is 20mph. Not a problem for me!)

[ny biker]

I ride often on paved trails with my road bike. In fact if my road bike was not away being repaired, I'd be doing it today. I usually choose areas with less traffic since it's more pleasant, but that's easier to do when the trail is 45 miles long rather than 6.

[nscrbug]

I ride my roadbike on paved bike paths all the time. There is a 7 mile path close to my house, so we will sometimes use it as a warm-up or cool-down to a longer on-road ride. There are times, when after being out in heavy traffic for 4+ hours on the bike, I like to get away from it...and the paved paths offer that alternative for us. The paved paths in my area, are better maintained than the roads are, and usually have much less debris (unless it's right after a storm).

[Penny4]

I actually took the road bike on the trail last weekend, but was nervous the whole time. There was a lot more debris on it than the first time I rode it with my FX. I was dodging lots of gravel (from the side of the paved trail...had made it's way on to the paved part), and those little round spikey things that fall from trees. I was afraid I was going to flat. Not sure if I will take it out there again. Will have to see how the well maintained the trail stays.

[OakLeaf]

If by "those little round spikey things" you mean sycamore gumballs, they're soft and fine to run over. If they're horse chestnuts, best avoid them. Neither will puncture your tire, but a horse chestnut is hard enough to deflect your wheel and possibly cause a crash.

[Dogmama]

Penny, can you change a flat? It might ease your mind. If you've never done it, you might practice in your living room.

Regarding bike paths - I'm always looking out for other cyclists. I'm always having to shout "HEADS UP" when oncoming cyclists are in my lane & not paying attention.

Be sure to practice courtesy to everybody. Let people know you're passing with a loud "ON YOUR LEFT." Remember that lots of people have IPods in their ears, so you have to be heard. Watch dogs that are on flexi leashes. I don't think pedestrians understand that we cannot stop and/or swerve on a dime. Ride like you're invisible & you'll be fine

[Owlie]

I actually took the road bike on the trail last weekend, but was nervous the whole time. There was a lot more debris on it than the first time I rode it with my FX. I was dodging lots of gravel (from the side of the paved trail...had made it's way on to the paved part), and those little round spikey things that fall from trees. I was afraid I was going to flat. Not sure if I will take it out there again. Will have to see how the well maintained the trail stays.

You can run over sweetgum seeds (look kind of like spiny cherries) with no problem, especially if they're wet. Nuts, on the other hand... I had a major problem with some kind of hickory nuts back in the fall. Just avoid big patches of leaves.

If you can't fix a flat, learn. It'll set your mind at ease.