I must admit I was totally ignorant of the existance of this trail, although I had moved west before its completion. Looks fantastic. I'd need fenders on my bike with a good flap at the bottom front to try to keep grit off the chain. I don't like riding on dirt, but online says its crushed limestone so may be cleaner than perceived. But sounds very... uh... "gravelly". It appears I can fit 2" tires on my 20", which will raise my gearing a bit, but not too bad, and grades are max 2%, way less than I currently do. Even with shelters I'd bring a tent if mosquitos are in season. I'd pick late spring just like you did, John, or early fall, not the heat, humidity, and possibly crowds of summer.

VIDEO: Good production quality! Good camera work, audio, music, this must not be your first.

I think you picked the perfect bike for this. Traveling with my folder was also easy on the train. Gosh I wish it wasn't such a long train ride from the west, air travel is an order of magnitude more difficult.