The muted constant crunch of rubber on gravel is serenely meditative, a white noise massaging the senses like the sun on a silent backyard deck.
On a bike every pedal stroke, every spin of the tire allows the stresses of the mind to melt away, leaving time to tune in to the immediacy of each bump, each rut, each bend and bow of the subtle grade carrying you through an intimate experience with nature.
By bike or foot, or even horse, the wending trails on historical rail corridors of commerce give an experience unparalleled — one well worth attempting, no matter your fitness level.
It wasn’t long ago that a bike ride from the Glenora trailhead to Marie Canyon along the old CN railbed would be an exercise in solitude, where you’d be more likely to trade sideways stares with bears than you would another person.
The majority of paths in Cowichan were like this — over-grown, over-looked and under-used.
Now more than 120 kilometres of pathway stretch throughout Cowichan, and users of all makes and molds are discovering the benefits of walking, running or riding in the fresh air of their own backyard.
From the southern tip of Shawnigan Lake across the Kinsol Trestle to Lake Cowichan and back to Duncan, and from Chemainus to the Nanaimo Regional District, maintained trails are increasing the health and well-being of the community at large.
Perched atop our bike saddles, we’ve witnessed a diversity of people parading along the paths.
With a thick concentration of houses mere steps away, the meandering trail from Sherman Road to Tansor has become a destination for new moms armed with their offroading strollers. North Cowichan’s pipeline trail running parallel to Somenos Road is a haven for families and walkers, too.
Both routes have become thouroughfares for downtown workers looking to stretch their legs with an afternoon run.
Further along, heading out along the old E&N line toward Lake Cowichan we’ve seen every type of cyclist imaginable.
The new hardpacked trail has opened the door for Sahtlam commuters to enjoy the fast downhill into work in the mornings, and get a workout clearing their minds from the day on the way home.
There’s been the weary but smiling first-time-in-a-long-time cyclists pushing their bikes along the path waving hello to the lycra-clad race packs blurring by on their left.
Sunday cruisers in sandals share the trails with tots kicking up rocks with their training wheels. Youth with their backsides hanging out of low-slung jeans rip by on BMX’s while yellow-jacketed touring cyclists trudge along, laden down with camping gear, headed to Stoltz Pools and beyond.
And then there are the horses.
From the skittish riders who ask us to walk our bikes and speak loudly, to the renegade cowboys barreling past on galloping steeds at heart-stopping speeds, the horses are numerous and seem to relish the space.
For downtown Duncan dwellers and Cowichan Common commuters, the newly appointed Friendship Trail has proven popular. The early morning dog walkers proudly packing their sacks of pooch poop and the health conscientious step counters getting in their daily quota of fitness are all awed by the stunning views of Somenos Marsh.
From the multitudes of users we’ve seen on the trails, it’s apparent you don’t need to be a fitness nut to enjoy these paths.
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