Published: July 09, 2009 12:22 pm      

Hiking & Biking

Southeastern Kentucky is home to some of America’s most picturesque landscapes, and with a temperate, four-seasons climate, it’s well suited for outdoor activity. Due to an emphasis on adventure tourism as a means of economic development, most communities in Southeast Kentucky boast scenic trails or roadways, perfect for cycling or hiking. True, this may be ‘God’s Green Earth,’ but it’s here for you to enjoy.

Cycling

Many people do not differentiate between the various forms of cycling. To most, there’s the kind of biking one did as a kid, on the kind of bike he or she used as a kid, and all else is an extension of the quintessential ride through the neighborhood.

Defining which kind of cyclist you are which depends upon what surface you plan to ride on is the first step in picking up this healthy hobby; the next step is acquiring a bike.

Bicycles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all may be classified into three general categories based on which of three surface classifications the bike is designed for: mountain, or rough terrain; road, or smooth and relatively flat/rolling terrain; and a combination of the aforementioned using hybrid bikes which are good for street and relatively light off-road riding.

Like automobiles, bikes built for off-roading are heavier. Some mountain bikes even come equipped with front shocks and rear springs. Bikes designed for road use are usually lighter and more streamlined, in hopes of improving speed and reducing the effort required to traverse long distances. Then of course, there are those bikes which, like a 4x4 that otherwise rides like a Cadillac, compromise between the best of the two extremes.

Regardless of the style, a cycling beginner can expect to pay anywhere between $100-$2,000 for a new bicycle. Stores specializing in cycling gear sometimes offer used, or rebuilt, bikes, and a yard sale is always a good place to find a set of wheels for a discounted price.

Regardless of where or how you ride, there are certain accessories every rider should consider purchasing. Foremost among the list of must-haves is a protective helmet, especially for beginners. Every seasoned cyclist eventually comes tumbling down.

Also necessary for safe cycling is adequate reflective gear. All bikes should have front and rear reflectors, but also available are small strobe lights. Clothing and shoes with added reflective bands also help protect riders during times of low visibility.

Lastly, a hydration pack, which wears like a grade school backpack with a straw-like device wrapping over the shoulder, allows for convenient drinking access. Some models store up to 100 ounces of water (or mixed sports drinks), providing substantially more refreshment than the standard water bottle.

Planning a ride in southeastern Kentucky may be more difficult for road riders than mountain bikers since most roadways do not offer a bike lane; many do not even offer an adequate shoulder to allow cyclists or pedestrians safe distance from passing automobiles. Therefore it’s important to plan accordingly: seek roads with low traffic and good visibility (few blind curves and hills), or piece together long routes along neighborhood roads which often include sidewalks. A popular and local road biking event is the Tour of the Red River Gorge (http://www.tour-rrg.com).

For those going off-road, trails are plentiful. TourSEKY, a tourism initiative of Congressman Hal Rogers, provides a county-by-county listing of trails. Go to http://www.TourSEKY.com, click “Adventure Tourism” on the right-hand navigation bar, then click “Sports and Adventures” on the left-hand navigation bar, and finally click “Biking Trails.”

Hiking

In its least difficult form, hiking is essentially walking, and that makes hiking a great activity for the entire family and persons of all ages. Whereas walking is defined as merely ‘traveling by foot,’ hiking typically takes place in the countryside and is ‘generally for pleasure,’ according to one dictionary.

And with little to no extra gear needed, hiking is also a very easy and affordable hobby. A good pair of shoes, however, is necessary for safe, healthy, and enjoyable hiking.

Proper footwear should be closed-toe; supportive to help maintain balance along slopes; and cushioned to help absorb impact, especially while going downhill. It’s also important to pick shoes with enough grip to improve traction on slippery trails or smooth rock surfaces.

Although not necessary, anybody entering wooded or overgrown areas would benefit from insect repellent and especially tick repellent.

A list of hiking trails in southeastern Kentucky can also be found on TourSEKY’s Web site. Go to http://www.TourSEKY.com, click “Adventure Tourism” on the right-hand navigation bar, then click “Sports and Adventures” on the left-hand navigation bar, and finally click “Hiking Trails.”

Also, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park lists its selection of trails online (http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/cf/).

Health Effects

Between work and other responsibilities, many fail to allot enough time into their weekly schedules for exercise, but hobbies such cycling and hiking are more than mere recreation or entertainment. Cycling and hiking can improve your health.

Cycling and other aerobic exercises, such as jogging or a challenging hike, can help reduce the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, the most common form of diabetes, and, of course, obesity.

Less quantifiable benefits of exercise include their ability to ease depression by stimulating the release of natural endorphins and its ability to improve one’s self-esteem.

Meet Greg Whitis

Greg Whitis, nature enthusiast and Cooperative Extension agent in McCreary County, helps organize hiking excursions for the Tri-County and across southeastern Kentucky.  For anyone not familiar with local trails or for anyone seeking company while out on the trail, this social group and their “Hiking for Health” series is a great resource.

The average trail length is typically “six miles or less.”  

In regard to difficulty, Whitis says, “I don’t think any of them are over moderately difficult.”  In fact, Whitis notes that 60- and 70-year-olds have outperformed some 40-year-olds during previous hikes.

People of all ages are welcome, including children, but if a planned hike may be too difficult for children, Whitis cautions parents in the email newsletter.  Ultimately, he believes most parents know their child’s capabilities well enough to determine what hikes their children can and cannot complete.  “I’m not going to tell anyone their kid can’t come.  Kids are welcome; we have kids all the time.”

On average, about 20 people attend each hike, but Whitis notes that some hikes have drawn up to 50 participants.  

“We have people from all over,” he proudly notes, listing such locales as Bowling Green, Lexington, and even some Ohio towns among the homes of many participants.

Described as an “informal” club,  participation is free.  This year, however, there is a $5 transportation fee. Because not all trail sections are looped, Whitis has arranged for a bus to transport hikers from the trail’s end back to their vehicles at the beginning of the trail.  For 2009, all hikes will take place in McCreary County.

“This year, we’re concentrating on hiking the Sheltowee Trace in McCreary,” Whitis says. 

Every month, one hiking excursion is planned, but this year the group is not planning hikes in July or August.  Before each scheduled event, information is sent out via email to those on Whitis’ mailing list.  Emails provide a descriptions of upcoming trail routes, along with other pertinent information.  If you would like to receive email notifications regarding future hikes, Whitis asks you email him at gwhitis@uky.edu.  

Next year, the group hopes to extend into Whitley County and even into Tennessee’s Big South Fork recreation area.  Those interested in participating are encouraged to checkout http://www.kyvacations.com, and a complete, 12- month hiking schedule can be found by clicking the “Hiking” link in the left navigation box.