Midterm season is over, and there is now time to relax. For some, this means watching TV, reading the latest comics, cleaning the layer of clothes from the bedroom floor, or taking a very long nap. Once relaxing is complete, getting outside may becomes the next priority. If a bike is available, it can greatly increase the locations one can enjoy outdoors. The best place to get out to on a bike is the Walter Bean Trail. This is the longest, most enjoyable trail in the region. It is also a bit of a hidden gem due to its distance from the university. This article will attempt to guide a cyclist to their next adventure.
The Walter Bean Trail is located alongside the Grand River to the northeast of Kitchener-Waterloo. The entire trail is very scenic, with most of it having a view of the river. There are many parks and treed areas that the trail passes through. Many of these areas provide a nice, quiet place to stop and have a snack or just enjoy the scenery. The Walter Bean Trail is still under construction in some areas, so some lengths have to be made on roads. It takes about fifteen to twenty minutes to reach the trail from campus, so it is suggested to plan at least a two-hour time slot. To go the full length of the trail takes three to four hours. Most of the trail is gravel and dirt, so a thin-tire street bike will not be suitable for these conditions.
There are several reasons to go out on this adventure. Whether it is to get away, go out with friends, or have a cycling date, there are several important things to keep in mind. The first is remote areas. The trail is often far away from bus routes, so an adventurer should be prepared for standard bike repairs. The second is low stamina. This is a long journey; it is recommended to bring food, water, and lots of energy. The third is sun and wind burns. Wind burns are a result of a sunburn accelerated by the wind. The wind removes the thin protective layer of lipids from the skin’s surface, thereby accelerating sunburn damage. Windburns will primarily affect the front of hands while biking. To protect against this, use extra sunscreen or gloves.
The most direct way to the trail from campus is to head east on Columbia Street. Follow Columbia as it turns into Lexington Road and continue on until Lexington ends. Lexington ends at a lighted three-way intersection onto University Avenue. Cross this intersection and follow the path on the far side of the road and head right along University. This path will move away from University and terminate at Woodwich Street. Head straight down Woodwich until a four-way stop. Turn left onto Kiwanis Park Drive at the four-way stop and keep going until it stops. Enter Kiwanis Park and head down the trail straight ahead. Turn right at the trail’s first four-way intersection. Once past the baseball diamond, take another right. There should be another intersection shortly after; go right and enter the trail. The trail now continues through the park for a while.
There are several confusing lengths of the trail ahead. However, describing them in detail will reduce the adventure and be boring for most readers. There are several resources to help guide a rider onwards. The first is a sequence of signs along the trail. There are signs located at most intersections. However, these are not always clear and present. The next is Google Maps. It is possible to follow the trail from Kiwanis Park on Google Maps. The Region of Waterloo Transit and Cycle map provides a less detailed, but more portable overview of the trail. These resources will help guide you through the few obstacles until you reach the end of the trail. At that point, it is a good idea to eat a snack and enjoy the thought of making it all the way back!