eBiking The Pumpkinvine Trail - IN

Our ebike adventure on the Pumpkinvine Trail was one that we had planned on doing in the Fall so we could see the changing leaves, but we were in the area, so, decided to bring up this particular adventure’s timeline. We started at the Waterford Elementary School parking lot, which is currently the beginning of the Winona Railway Trail. The original idea was to be able to see a bit of historic downtown Goshen before beginning the Pumpkinvine Trail; however, in my opinion (not my husband’s), the ride through town was not pleasant. There were many areas where we were on a busy street without a bike lane. Cars were whizzing past us without much regard, which stressed me out. Compounding my stress level was our timing to the release of school. We just simply did not plan well on our starting point. If being in the street with cars does not bother you, my husband loved seeing all the historic buildings downtown. I was too concerned with being directly on a busy street, so I saw nothing but what was directly ahead of me. To me, I would have preferred to have parked at Abshire Park which connects directly to the Pumpkinvine Trail without street riding. That trailhead also had facilities which the school parking lot did not. I do think we will make a trip back when the leaves change, and will adjust our starting point for sure. The Pumpkinvine Trail was glorious! I loved it! It was very peaceful, and all of the horses were a very special treat!
Length:
18.6 miles from Goshen, IN to Shipshewana, IN.
Recommended Trailhead start:
Abshire Park
1302 E Lincoln Ave, Goshen, IN 46528
Trail map:
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Facilities:
There are bathroom and picnic facilities at each of the trailheads. The towns of Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana all have restaurants, groceries, and hotels. The main trailheads in Middlebury and Shipshewana also have power.
Bike Shop:
Pumpkinvine Cyclery, right on the trail, in Middlebury, services ebikes. They also rent pedal powered bikes. www.pumpkinvin...
413 N Main St, Middlebury, IN 4654
Hours: M-F 10-5; Sat. 9-4
Trail Condition:
The majority of the trail is paved asphalt. There are a couple, small sections of crushed limestone. For the most part, the trail is in excellent condition. There were some tree pops that felt like jumping a mountain top, but they were few and far between.
Food:
Right off the trail in Middlebury, is the VERY tempting Mooey’s Ice Cream. Lots of delicious choices! I would recommend the banana split.
14408 Co Rd 20, Middlebury, IN 46540
Hours: M-Sa 11am-8:30pm
Best picnic spot: Mile marker 10
Krider Gardens: 302 Bristol Ave, Middlebury, IN 46540 or
Hotel:
We had Choice Privilege Reward points to spend, so we received a free night’s stay at the Comfort Inn, in Goshen, Indiana. If you don’t already have the app, it is worth the reward points if you travel a bit on trails. Their hotels are everywhere, and most…not all…are in good shape for one night. This Comfort Inn was excellent and after a hot, high protein breakfast, we were able to hit the trails ready to roll.
2309 Lincolnway East
Pumpkinvine Tail ebike regulations:
The Pumpkinvine Trail has a speed limit of 15 mph. It allows Class 1 and Class 2.
Class 1: ebikes that are pedal-assist, with no throttle, and have a maximum speed of 20MPH
Class 2: ebikes that also have a maximum speed of 20 mph, but are throttle-assisted
Class 3: ebikes that are pedal assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum speed of 28mph
Support the sport of ebikes:
peopleforbikes.org is a not-for-profit organization that is helping states in getting their laws more up-to-date to reflect the technological advancements of bicycles. “With an electric bicycle, bicyclists can ride more often, farther, and for more trips. Electric bicycles are designed to be as safe as traditional bicycles, do not compromise consumer safety, and benefit bicyclists who may be discouraged from riding a traditional bicycle due to limited physical fitness, age, disability or convenience.”
Happy biking, and safe travels!
#retireearlyandtravel #lectric #veteransherman #ebike #ebikes #nature #naturelovers #family #trail #adventure #wanderlust #railstotrails #statepark #nationalparks #hiking #sweethearts #foreverlove #500subs @TH-cam @LectriceBikes @RailstoTrailsConservancy

[@dianetourje1359]

Loved the restful music along with the peaceful surrounds

[@reneeleegreco1603]

great video!!! love the trail name

[@travlinfam]

Thanks! I thought the name was pretty awesome too! Lots of volunteers in that community that love their trail. 🎉

[@nikkidenlinger6088]

The 1.5 mile gravel section after Abshire Park is now paved!

[@travlinfam]

@@nikkidenlinger6088 That is fantastic news!!!

[@larryrex5865]

That’s David *S* Pumpkins!

[@travlinfam]

He’s his own thing!

[@dianetourje1359]

Please leave the print comments up longer-I'm a slower reader