Why Don and Ruth Ann Ride Catrike Villagers!

My wife and I started bike riding 20 years ago. After riding upright bikes for two years we bought recumbent bikes and rode them until about a year ago when we bought two Catrike Villagers. The trikes allow us to ride slower without balancing issues, so I can ride alongside my wife (she rides slower than I do if I am by myself). I have often told her that I get more exercise when I ride by myself but I enjoy it more when I ride with her because I see and enjoy more of the scenery. The Villager (no electric assist yet) climbs much better than the recumbent bikes did! I no longer dread hills; in fact I enjoy conquering them. If I get tired going up a hill, I just stop, lock my brakes and rest a few minutes. The rest of the climb is much easier. At 81 and 82 years old we are still riding and enjoying it; I had a complete hip replacement earlier this year and the doctor told me that my riding made recovery from surgery much quicker and easier.

Don and Ruth Ann's Favorite Trail

We usually ride on the Tanglefoot Trail, a 43.6 mile paved Rails to Trails from Houston, MS to New Albany. It goes through the beautiful rolling hills of North Mississippi along the railroad grade which was built by Col. J.W.T. Falkner, the great grandfather of author William Faulkner. It was named for the work engine that was used in building the railroad, the Tanglefoot. It was voted into the Rails to Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame in 2019. There are seven "Whistlestops"/trailheads that have restrooms, water fountains, and a covered area with picnic tables. It runs north and south and much of it is tree-covered, providing shade for a pleasant ride even on a hot summer day. Food is available near the Trail at six of these whistlestops.

- Don

The Tanglefoot Trail!

The Tanglefoot Trail is Mississippi’s longest Rails to Trails conversion! The Trail covers 43.6 miles through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area. If you want to learn more about this trail you can do so here!

We hope you visit this fun trail! If you check it out feel free to send us a message about! We love hearing about your adventures!

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