July 16, 2001
GRAND ILLINOIS TRAIL BLAZERS COMPLETE 475-MILE TRAIL
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. -- Sixteen intrepid bicyclists have completed the 475-mile Grand Illinois Trail (GIT) and become charter "GIT Trail Blazers," Department of Natural Resources Director Brent Manning announced today.
The GIT Trail Blazer program, launched on National Trails Day, June 3, 2000, recognizes individuals who complete the trail within a year.
"These charter members were required to bike or hike all 475 miles, visit 17 checkpoints along the trail, as well as complete a journal of their experiences," Manning said. "They had to accomplish this all between June 3, 2000 and June 2, 2001. We hope the experiences of these adventurers will inspire others get out and enjoy the Grand Illinois Trail, or even to become a GIT Trail Blazer."
The information provided by these individuals about their journey will help the Department and others in developing, managing and promoting the trail.
The first-ever Trail Blazers include:
The Grand Illinois Trail is a 475-mile loop hiking-biking trail through northern Illinois, connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. It is the state's longest continuous trail. The GIT hugs historic canals, crosses unglaciated hills, parallels the Rock and Fox rivers and includes one of America's first rail-trails.
The GIT is composed of existing off-road trails such as Chicago's Lakefront Path, the I&M Canal State Trail and the Great River Trail, which are connected by on-road bike routes. Many segments of the GIT are open, a number of trail projects are under construction and some sections of the trail are being planned or awaiting funding. In addition to hiking and biking, some segments of the trail are open to horseback riding, paddling and snowmobiling. The trail is a large-scale partnership among state and local agencies and organizations.
The charter Trail Blazers were recognized at the GIT Executive Council's bi-monthly meeting at Starved Rock State Park. Each Trail Blazer was given a certificate and T-shirt. A drawing was held for a grand prize, including items donated by Side-by-Side Cycle of Capron, owned and operated by Bob and Bev Moore, Board Members of the Illinois Trails Conservancy, and others.
Perhaps the biggest rewards to each Trail Blazer were the sense of accomplishment and seeing Illinois from a new perspective. As one Trail Blazer, Richard Diebold of Schaumburg, wrote in his journal, "I have done many bicycle tours including Maryland to Chicago (1,100 miles), Seattle to Las Vegas (2,500 miles), Montana to Alaska (3,300 miles)...and many more shorter trips. I started the GIT thinking it would be just another forgettable trip, but I was wrong. It was very informative, interesting and fun and I will remember it forever."
For more information or a brochure on the program, call 217/ 782-3715, or visit the Grand Illinois Trail web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/orep/planning/git.htm.
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