Seeing as how it's National Bike to Work Week, and today is the final day of Commute Another Way Week (it's Bike to Work Day!), I've got bikes on the brain. And why not? It's summer-like outside and time to put the pedal to the, um, er, dirt or gravel, and get a move on.

A great place to do just that this weekend, or anytime, is along the Eastern Trail, a 60-mile on- and off-road multi-use trail route from South Portland to Kittery. A biker's paradise. It's all been made possible by the continuing hard work and dogged determintaion of the folks at the Eastern Trail Alliance. Kudos to you my friends!

So, get the bikes out of the basement, garage, or wherever. Clean 'em up. Put a little oil on that chain. Then glove up, helmet up, put a Camelback on your back and go... to the Eastern Trail!

The Eastern Trail is a 60-mile multi-use route for adventures of many kinds, from the NH-Maine border north to Casco Bay.
Photo courtesy Eastern Trail Alliance

WHO: You and your bicycling buddies...

WHAT: The Eastern Trail is a magnificent work-in-progress 60-mile on- and off-road multi-use recreation route that extends from Kittery to South Portland following the old Eastern Railroad corridor.

WHEN: This weekend, or anytime really. The Eastern Trail is perfect for bike excursions long and short; whatever fits your schedule, desire and energy. Join up with the friendly ETA folks for one of their many outings this summer.

WHERE: You can pick up the Eastern Trail in a host of spots along the route. The ET crosses 12 towns and cities in southern Maine. From Kittery, the trail continues north through Eliot, South Berwick, North Berwick, Wells, Kennebunk, Arundel, Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and Scarborough. It ends in South Portland.

According to the ETA: "The route which starts (or ends) at Bug Light Park on Casco Bay crosses South Portland on already complete sections of South Portland's Greenway. The Eastern Trail crosses Scarborough Marsh just east of the Maine Audubon nature center. It crosses the Cascade Road a few hundred feet from Cascade Falls. The route continues through Saco, Biddeford, and Arundel. In Kennebunk the Eastern Trail is cut by the Maine Turnpike just east of the Kennebunk rest area. The Eastern Trail Alliance is working with the Turnpike Authority to seek a solution perhaps one similar to the Appalachian Trail overpass on the Massachusetts Turnpike, or perhaps a bike path to reach the Route 35 overpass. The ET continues across the western edge of Wells into North Berwick and South Berwick, then into Eliot and on paved roads through Kittery before it crosses into Portsmouth."

HOW: Bicycles of all shapes, sizes and colors can and do navigate the beautiful old rail corridor that is the Eastern Trail. Be prepared for both on and off-road riding. Obey the rules of the road and be safe. And by all means, wear a helmet.

For extra credit, go a little crazy and try one of the 50-mile loop rides:
* The Amtrak Downeaster-Eastern Trail loop trip from Portland to Wells by Amtrak. Bike back 50 miles on Eastern Trail. Yes, The Downeaster takes bicycles on board!
* Bike Wells to Saco River on ET. Bike back to Wells along the shore.

WHY: It's spring, the weather is beautiful, and it's time to get outside on that bicycle of yours and pedal. And if you haven't visited the Eastern Trail, now's a good a time as any!

Get a copy of the Eastern Trail Guide for $10 from the ETA folks to help you plan your next ride(s). And once you fall in love with the ET think about becoming a member and/or volunteer. Trails need people like you... lots of 'em.

Do let me know what section of the ET you rode and how you liked it, what you saw and whatnot. You know me, I live for adventurous tales...

Enjoying the scenery from the seat of a bicycle on the Eastern Trail.
Photo courtesy Eastern Trail Alliance