Directions from Lexington:
I-64 East to the Mountain Parkway East outside Winchester.
Mountain Parkway to exit #75, then right onto KY 7.
KY 7 to the trailhead in Royalton. (About 7 miles)
Primary ride leader: Mark Davidson, 859-749-2034 Additional ride leader Beth Jenkins
Distance: 35 or 50
Pace: B (14-16 mph); B/C (12-14 mph)
Terrain: 1 - Mostly Flat or railroad grades climbs/descents
Entirely on trail - no map or cue sheet required
The ride will have regrouping
Rain cancels - check bgcycling website "Forums" one hour before if unsure
Restroom facilities are available at the starting location
There will be a store stop
Overall Difficulty:
Moderate
Details:
You have two options for this ride: the out and back to Hager Hill will be 35 miles. Need more miles? Ride to the Tip Top Tunnel and back for a total of about 50 miles.
The Dawkins Line Rail Trail is now paved from end to end, as of April 2023. Fresh asphalt means smooth riding. Starting point is the Jane Beshear trailhead parking lot in Royalton. Climbs and descents are all railroad grade, so nothing too steep. Marathon station store available at Hager Hill (halfway point of the 35 mile route). (They have corn dogs!) The Griffith Family Farm store is also available for lunch stop as desired. Food and more! (They have awesome molasses cookies) Wheels roll at 10:00 am to avoid later day heat as much as possible.
This route is entirely on the rail trail.