Hi, I’m Michael
Welcome to Rail Trail Life. I live in Orange Park, Florida, and riding rail trails is my favorite way to spend a free morning. I’ve been riding for a couple of years, and this site is where I share the trails I ride and the gear I use along the way.
Why rail trails?
Rail trails are old railroad lines turned into paths for biking and walking. They’re mostly flat, mostly away from traffic, and often run through quiet countryside and small towns. That makes them great for a relaxed ride, a long day in the saddle, or anything in between.
Where it started
My first featured ride here is the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, close to home in Northeast Florida. On October 18, I rode it out and back for 29.19 miles.
What I’m doing here
There’s a lot of cycling content online, and plenty of it is written by people who never rode the trail or never used the gear. I want Rail Trail Life to be different. Here’s my promise:
- Real rides. Trail guides on this site come from trails I’ve actually ridden, with the details I wished I’d known before I went.
- My own photos. Trail photos are mine, taken on the ride. When I use an image from someone else, such as a product photo, I’ll say so.
- Honest reviews. I’ll tell you what I like and what I don’t. When a review is based on research rather than my own hands-on use, I’ll say that clearly too.
How this site is supported
Some links on Rail Trail Life are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy something through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what I recommend. You can read the details on my Affiliate Disclosure page.
Ride along with me
Follow along on Instagram at @railtraillife for ride photos and trail updates. Have a trail you think I should ride, or a question about gear? I’d love to hear from you on my Contact page.
See you on the trail,
Michael