Day 4 was the longest ride of our family’s bike trip down the Pine Creek Rail Trail (N map, S map). Our kids (5 and 7) completed the 19 miles under their own power, and they did so with ease. We had discovered on the previous day that short little rides with short little breaks were not good for our kids. So we set larger goals (4ish miles) and then took longer breaks, and it went much better despite being double the distance of the previous day.
This time after unloading the bikes at the Slate Run Access Areas, I only took the car to the Waterville Access area (mile 50), rather than to the planned endpoint of Ramsey (mile 54). Then as before I rode north to meet the rest of the crew. We met up around mile 43.
When we arrived at the Waterville Access area, the idea of ice cream and a playground a little further on were sufficient enticement for the remaining 4 miles to Ramsey.
The McConnell’s Country Store in Waterville was pleasantly clean and had a fun assortment of frozen treats. Right behind it was a a very fun playground.
At the end of our day we returned to Waterville for more time on the playground and dinner at the Waterville Tavern. The food was delicious. The staff was very friendly (especially to kids). The kids’ meals were served on frisbees our kids got to keep!