There is an incredible
variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that
even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the
Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other
outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women.
And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football,
baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There are incredible sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some of these even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among men and women. And I’m not including sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.
Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.
Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.
Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There are incredible sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some of these even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among men and women. And I’m not including sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.
The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor
Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves
surveys of almost 11,000 individuals.
Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that America’s favorite
adult outdoor activities are 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2)
bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of
cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting is the fifth popular activity
with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and
second-rated activities. As far as the
percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that
year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest
with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing
this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those
under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting were much less
highly ranked, relative to other outdoor activities, than adult respondents had
ranked hunting and fishing.
These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor
priorities and cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing
have long been so popular, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media commentary
about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described
several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this
month I'm turning to a discussion of bicycling as an outdoor activity.
I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner and
hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid
bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting
location. I'd do a whole lot more
bicycling if I didn't have a little fear of riding on public roads and
encountering auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails. There my only concern is hitting a unforeseen
rock or root and having a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable
than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking
destinations.
Many parks and recreational areas in Louisiana have good
paved or unpaved trails to challenge cycling skill and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that
many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding
bike trails. It's even been promoted as
one of the top 20 mountain or trail bicycling challenges in the country and the
best found in the Deep South. The
Lincoln Parish Park, just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville, is highly
recommended for its tranquil beauty, as well as a bicycling test and adventure. I was glad to spend a day there
recently. I'm hardly capable of making
it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding
parts of this, the almost four-mile beginners trail, and some of the paved
pathways was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike, though, for
some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike
and tires were a bit flimsy to navigate over larger roots, branches, and other
trail bumps.
Much of the credit for creating this biking bonanza in
Lincoln Parish goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and
developed the park and biking trails in the nineties. On a typical day at the park, you’ll
encounter a diverse assortment of outdoor enthusiasts, including retirees, Tech
students, children, and folks just taking a break to eat lunch in a beautiful
setting. Swimming, boating and fishing
opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, which has a nice sandy beach
area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and
cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. RV and camping sites are available near the
lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
For those specifically interested in trail or
mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a
web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about this and other biking trails
and cycling events over the year in the state.
You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in
downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride
on the advanced and other trails at this park.
You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish
Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle
trails. Several YouTube videos currently
available on the internet show experienced bike riders negotiating parts of the
advanced trail, and these can put you behind the handlebars for their rides. These videos can never substitute, though,
for exploring the many park trails on your own leisure and at your own level of
cycling skill.
No comments:
Post a Comment