MoPac Trail in Lincoln, Nebraska

It's a beautiful Saturday morning in the summertime and our family is planning to go outdoors and enjoy the nice weather after breakfast. My husband checks the air in the tires and oils the wheels. We put our helmets on and I place my son in his Ibert seat with a binky, stuffed puppy and his Spider-man helmet. He requires the binky so as not to catch extra protein, aka bugs on our bike ride. My little backpack has water, a diaper, wipes and a flat tire repair kit.

The MoPac Trail is approximately half a mile from our home. When we arrive on the trail, we head east towards what a few Lincolnites nickname the "Walton Trail." Reason being, the rural trail is by Walton, which is a little community by the trail. We cross a busy street with the help of stop lights and pass by restrooms and vending machines. We see people in the parking lot, loading or unloading their bicycles or runners stretching. Once we are on the crushed limestone path we are surrounded by trees and other vegetation, which provide partial shade. Our son sees rabbits, birds and once in a while a deer in the field. My husband keeps an eye out for mulberry and wild plum trees to grab a snack. There should be a mulberry tree near the bridge when we cross the creek.

This recreational trail used to be part of the old Missouri Pacific Railroad Belt Line and is approximately 26 miles long. It begins at the University of Nebraska city campus and ends at Wabash, Nebraska. Parking is available at the trailhead on 84^th street. During the winter, the limestone trail is not cleared, but during the spring and summer, drainage off the trail is fairly decent. The cement portion is cleared during the winter for those that commute to work on their bicycles or use the trail for a fresh cold-air jog. A horseback trail is adjacent to the rural portion of the MoPac. One may hike, bike, run and walk on this trail with available rest sites along the way. Some courtesies when the trail is well traveled are to pass on the left and to shout, "Left" as you are passing the person. The MoPac is busy on the weekends especially in the early morning when it's cooler during the summer time. Various events utilize the MoPac.

The State Farm 5k/10k event is held every year at the end of March. The trail may be a little wet for this event so be prepared to get dirty. This even begins at State Farm and a portion of the limestone trail is used in the race.

On Tuesdays, one may participate in the Nacho Ride at no cost. Groups meet around 5:30 pm at the trailhead and bike ride to Eagle for Nachos and drinks. One Eyed Dog Saloon holds weekly specials. Bring a light for your bike just in case you stay later than usual.

The Earth Day events include a children's fun run, a 5k and a two-mile race. Wearing costumes is encouraged for the race.

The Market-to-Market Relay begins in the Omaha Old Market and uses the MoPac trail to reach the Lincoln Haymarket. It is an eighty-five mile course where teams of six to eight run to exchange points and hand off the baton to the next runner. This Relay has been sold out in the past three years.

The Murdock and Antelope Creek trails connect to the MoPac, but the MoPac is by far my favorite trail to use. I enjoy the rural setting on the Walton Trail portion as it is a break away from the city plus a chance to enjoy the peaceful countryside.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MoPac_Trail

http://www.traillink.com/trail/mopac-trail-east-.aspx

http://www.gptn.org/

http://www.gptn.org/trails/info

http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/ne/lincoln/952124561677125012