Casual Walk on the Monroe Township Bike Trail

Thanks to fellow hike leader Jean M. for letting me use use a hike she does.: "This trail is a paved path that accommodates runners, walkers and bikers. It is a straight path out and back. The length from the start in Glassboro to the end in Williamstown is approximately 7 miles."

For this hike, we will start at the western end in Glassboro and walk east towards Williamstown for about 2.5 - 3 miles and turn around to come back. The total distance will be +/- 6 miles. This is a new to me trail.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: +/- 6 miles
Expected Speed (Casual does not mean slow): 24-26 minutes per mile
Number of planned breaks: 2, 1@ turn around, 15 mins; 1 @ 4.5 miles, 7 mins.

Bathrooms: There are no bathrooms before, during or after trail. There is a Wawa about 1 mile away on Delsea drive in Glassboro. However there does appear to be some wooded areas.

Be sure to bring water, even in the cold. I also recommend at least a snack for the break or lunch.

Be sure to be prepared for the weather.

Please arrive a few minutes ahead of time to sign in.

I start the safety talk 5 minutes before and then start.

Take your preferred tick, chigger, and flying insect precautions, thugh we will be on asphalt,

I drive a dark blue/gray Toyota Sienna minivan. I wear a skirt.
Any questions ahead of time, email [email protected]. Problems the day of, you can text 609-742-8803.

Constant rain, wind chills below 25, heat index above 85 degrees, or other nasty weather of the same ilk cancels. If above 60 degrees and only isolated showers or mist, hike will be on but may be modified.

The nitty gritty:

• Dogs: I’m neutral. Your well behaved, leashed dog is welcome to hike with me at the back of the group. It is YOUR responsibility to determine/confirm that dogs are permitted on a specific trail. If you plan to bring your dog, please note it in the comments such that people who prefer not to hike with dogs are aware.
• Why do I often title my hikes as casual? Because my pace varies on how I’m feeling and the makeup of the group that day. Unless I title my hike as slow, my pace falls within the moderate level, whether I’m using my rollator, hiking sticks or pushing a stroller. My distances are generally short to mid range. I also like to look at nature, take time for photos, spot interesting things and don’t mind stopping for comfort breaks. If you want to go fast, you picked the wrong leader/hike.
• As anyone who has hiked with me in the past knows, I have Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently depending on which nerves are being attacked. I have been blessed to have had somewhat mild symptoms. The location, types of hikes, distance, and pace that I choose are generally based on my current symptoms, if any. Occasionally, I will need to adjust a route or take more frequent breaks. If appropriate, I may use hiking sticks or a rollator.
• If a hike is titled as a family hike expect at least one of my elementary school aged children to be accompanying me. The pace will be on the slow end of moderate.
• If a hike is labeled as slow, not just casual, expect the hike to be slow not moderate.