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path—and cites plans to seek a federal trails designa-
tion and pursue funding for more improvements. Most
of all, Brickley (like every other person interviewed for
this article) expresses hope that the contagious spirit
of unity and cooperation will continue, in a national
mission that uses the power of trails to point to shared
remembrances and heritage.
•
The inaugural trail ride left Garrett (where the GAP con-
nects with the Flight 93 memorial) for New York on Sept.
10 last year. As Alliance board members Brenner and
Hamilton pedaled across Pennsylvania and New Jersey,
they encountered an outpouring of small-town wel-
comes—invitations to memorial dedications and potluck
dinners, as well as conversations with first responders
and others affected by the events of 9/11.
Brenner believes memorial trips like his inaugural ride
will become common, beginning
with long-distance cyclists and wid-
ening to include day-trippers, hikers,
motorcycle groups and drivers.
The trail, he says, is a work in
progress, and like the Appalachian
Trail, it will continue to evolve. He
predicts the communities it passes
through will see economic and
cultural revival as towns along the
GAP have.
Trail founder Brickley also
believes the trail will bring new
life to the communities along its
Maureen
Hannan is a
writer, editor
and lifelong
trail wanderer.
She lives in
Purcellville,
Virginia—just a
few steps from
the W&OD Trail.
THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: MAP ILLUSTRATION BY DANIELLE MARKS; CLEO FOGAL
PHOTO:
Great
Allegheny
Passage
18
RAILS TO TRAILS FALL 2016
T R A I L O F T R I B U T E S