Silver Comet Trail: I feel like a kid again...

Riding my bike makes me feel like a kid again. Or maybe I never grew up!

Last year I decided to purchase a bicycle. I thought it would give me some motivation to get out and enjoy the outdoors and give me a fun way to exercise.

I set a limit of $125 and went to the local Walmart to find that special bike. I was overwhelmed by the selection. Three months before Christmas the store was well stocked. Looking at the wall of bikes I had to decide what type bike do I want and need; A Cruiser? Mountain Bike? Road Touring Bike? A Hybrid?  I chose a bright blue Schwinn Crusier. You know, the basic one speed road bike with the big padded seat, fat white wall tires and a luggage rack on the rear big enough to carry a beer cooler. My friends referred to it as the “Pee Wee Herman” Special. I also found a helmet on sale for $7. It was all within my budget. Remember, always wear a helmet!

After a few weeks of riding the streets of my neighborhood, I was eager to ride the Silver Comet Trail. The Silver Comet Trail is over 61 miles long, built on abandoned rail road lines and starts near Mavell Road in Smyrna, Georgia. It ends at the Georgia/Alabama state line, near Cedartown and Esom. At the state line it connects with the 33 mile long Chief Ladiga Trail to Anniston Alabama.

The 2 percent grade of the quiet, non-motorized trail is for walkers, hikers, dog walkers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, and is wheelchair accessible.

On a cool autumn day I started out at the trail head near Powder Springs at C.H. James Parkway. I headed west bound for 10 miles and made the return trip. The 20 miles took about 2 hours with a couple of rest stops along the way. The users of the trail were diverse. Some young, some old, some walked, some ran and some appeared to be attempting a land speed record. You’ve seen them–the skinny, 20 something in the too tight spandex peddling like their racing in the Tour de Rockmart.

My one speed Schwinn was a nice work out. I moved a few muscles I forgot I had! My heart rate increased for  long periods of time and my respiration was deep. The trail is enough to stimulate the body, mind and spirit. I have returned several times and plan to continue to explore the trail. I’ve even considered a ride to Anniston.

On a sad note; around the 15 mile marker I saw a small wooden cross on the south side of the trail. It was a memorial to Jennifer Ewing. Jennifer was killed on the Silver Comet Trail in Paulding County in July 2006. She was an avid cyclist who regularly rode a 50-mile route on the trail. The murder, arrest, subsequent trial and conviction of Michael William Ledford were headline news.

Jennifer Ewing’s memorial certainly gave me a lot to ponder as I continued west on the trail. Her story is enough to concern any rational, sane person. The truth is we live among a few evil people which we must always be vigilante of.

Today, the trail is as safe as any place on Earth. On every visit I have always seen law enforcement patrolling the trail. Life goes on and we continue to peddle down this trail, as I believe Jennifer would have wanted.