New Ride

I drove to Mt; Airy, NC and road the Ararat River Greenway. It was part of an initiative to restore the waterway with the twin goals of improving water quality and increasing recreational opportunities for residents. The river is wide, not too deep, with crystal clear water gently flowing over lots of rocks. The greenway meanders alongside the river from Riverside Park to Tharrington Park. At its southern end, you can access to the Emily B. Taylor Greenway via a connector so both greenways flow together and seem like one. The Emily B. Taylor Greenway stretches north along Lovills Creek to Veteran's Park. Using the greenways, it's 6.5 miles from Riverside Park to Veteran's Park; a 13-mile round trip. If you choose to, you can ride from Veterans' Park back to Riverside Park on sidewalks and streets; it's only 1.5 miles.

Both trails are smooth asphalt with no holes or standing water. There is a gentle grade with no hills. Both trails are in immaculate condition. No graffiti anywhere. No trees downs anywhere that you can see. The concrete that surrounds each of the above ground sewer accesses is painted with artwork. There are numerous areas to access the river for fishing or swimming and numerous connectors to other parks, restaurants, and shopping.  There are polished granite markers every quarter mile.

These are really beautiful greenways and a nice place to ride.

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