Capital Area Greenbelt
By Larry Wasser
Harrisburg Bicycle Club
Bicycling is fun–more people should do it.
I have been an avid bicycle rider for over 35 years. No racing, just riding. I do more miles on the road than anything else, but I also do mountain biking and a lot of trail and gravel riding. I am a ride leader for the Harrisburg Bicycle Club, and have been leading rides for over 25 years.
The Capital Area Greenbelt in Harrisburg has been our favorite fall and winter riding area. We ride mostly at night, with good illumination from the great lights that are available. The group rides range from five to 15 people. What a joy it is to see 10 or more riders doing these rides.
I remember 20 years ago when no one would ever ride the trails that make up the Greenbelt. They were in bad condition, not marked, and–most importantly–not safe. This has all changed! The Capital Area Greenbelt Association, with help from Keystone Fund grants, has done an outstanding job of developing the trail system. We appreciate all their efforts to maintain and expand the Greenbelt. The City of Harrisburg has also been very supportive.
We enjoy the Greenbelt because of the varied, challenging terrain if offers. Most of all, we appreciate the opportunity it provides to get outside during the short winter days. It sure beats riding an indoor bike.
