Commentary:
The North Coast Inland Trail from Clyde to Fremont is a relatively short asphalt trail in Sandusky County. I parked in Clyde on Maple Street where there is plenty of parking, nice roofed benches and a gazebo across the street adjacent to the trail. From this point I bicycled west to Fremont.
Trail conditions and Traffic
Trail conditions range from fairly new asphalt in very good condition, to cracked and checked asphalt in poor condition. On the day of my ride signs were posted indicating the trail would be closed for one day for repaving of the poorer sections. Yet even on the poorer sections there were no holes, or severe cracks. So very soon the entire trail will have new or newer asphalt.
Traffic was moderate crossing Maple Street which is near downtown business district. The trail crosses several streets in town, and proceeds through and industrial section and behind the Whirlpool manufacturing facility. Depending on the day and time you ride (I rode on a Sunday Morning) I suspect these urban road crossings would be quite busy. As I cycled West towards Fremont the area became much more rural and traffic on the crossroads was lighter. Closer to Fremont the traffic on the crossroads increased somewhat as would be expected.
Restrooms, Water, and Parking
On Maple Street in Clyde there is parking for about a dozen cars, but no restroom facilities or water fountains.
In Fremont at Walsh Park and at Biggs-Kettner Park there is more parking with restrooms at both locations. Water is available at both parks.
There are no water fountains anywhere else on the trail, there is however a porta-potty between Clapp road and Spayd road on the trail.
Store and Food
Both Fremont and Clyde are large enough cities to have several fast food restaurants and a variety of stores.
Enjoyment, Highlights, Concerns, and Positives
There was a lot of tree litter, mainly leaves on the trail, yet it was clear of any twigs or branches. There was minimal human litter, and the berms were well maintained.
Cycling through the industrial sections of trails is rarely enjoyable, but as most rail-trail riders know, the trains ran between towns for transfer of food, produce, and manufactured goods. So rail access to the industrial sections was necessary and logical. That being said, the conversion of rails to trails is a tremendous use of what would otherwise be a rusting eyesore and waste of space. Rails-trails open up access to cycling many different towns and rural areas.
My main concern of asphalt conditions is currently being address, and other than watching crossroad traffic nearer the urban areas, I have no other concerns.
The rural sections are quite nice, with many trees borders the trail in the rural sections which helps shade the trail.
There are more than a dozen benches to rest on if so inclined, with two roofed benches should more inclement conditions sneak up on you while out enjoying the trail. Benches really improve the comfort quality, especially for walkers, families with children, and our more elderly trail users.
The trail is 8 miles long, a bit short for the more serious rider, but it is a nice trail, and seems well maintained.
Good cycling
-Mark
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