CLT - National Geographic Traveler

The May 2009 issue of National Geographic Traveler brought broad and welcomed attention to the Chief Ladiga Trail and its easterly neighbor the Silver Comet. The article makes many great points but for the sake of full disclosure - it requires a few small corrections.

First, it describes the combined length of the Chief and Comet as being "a round-trip of a hundred miles" while in fact a round trip would be almost twice as long. The article describes me as being "the creator" of the trail and so with that I have a great opportunity to thank the other co-creators such as my friend and former State Senator Doug Ghee, the good people from City of Piedmont, the folks at the East Alabama Regional Planning Commission, the DC based Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the wonderful committee members of the Calhoun County Recreational Trails Board. It also mentions "The highlight" as being "Rosa's Taco Stand in Cedartown," Georgia. I have to say that is indeed one of the highlights (especially the fresh mangos and soft tacos half way through an all day ride), but the highlight has to be the total experience. Riding with a friend (for me my wife Roxana who usually spots owls, snakes and often counts the rabbits as she rides), meeting new friends, exploring new diversions off the trail, and coming back, over and over to see the seasons change and always get in a good workout.

Thanks to National Geographic Traveler for giving me an excuse for writing just a little more about a place that so many have come to love.

Pete Conroy, Chairman
CLT Recreational Trails Board