She’s off! Margaret Carroll (waving in back on the tandem) gets her wish of touring the Blackstone Bikeway
Margaret Carroll is a fixture in Millville, and renowned throughout the Blackstone River Valley for her grasp of historical detail, and passion to preserve the past for the future. At the recent ribbon cutting, officially (after a year!) opening up the Bikeway, Margaret, who attended the ceremony, noted that she walked the trail back when it was first being talked about, some thirty years ago. She had worked hard to help make the trail a reality. She said she wished she could travel on the trail again now that it is finished, but figured it would never happen. Margaret uses a walker these days, and is sharp as a tack; she laughs readily and is a great sport.
Suzanne, volunteer coordinator for the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. peddled the “sag wagon” for anything Margaret might need along the trail
The folks at the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. heard Margaret’s wish and got to work. With the fall upon us, and cooler days coming, the window to get Margaret out on a bike was closing.
Getting ready
But a few phone calls, and with connections through DCR and their Universal Access Program, a whole lot of folks worked together to help make Margaret’s wish a reality.
Crew from All Out Adventures getting the bikes ready for Margaret and others
The van arrived carrying multiple recumbent 3-wheeled bikes, as well as a 3-wheeled tandem (for Margaret).
Getting ready to set off
The volunteer bike patrol brought their bikes along, adding to the festivities of the event. Devon Kurtz, from the Heritage Corridor, brought his antique bike (huge front wheel, tiny back wheel) to bring up the rear.
Millville Town Clerk Diane Lockwood, with Margaret, and Millville Town Administrator Jen Callahan, ready to cheer Margaret on
Various officials joined in to add extra pomp to the ceremony, designating the day as “Margaret Carroll day.”
State Rep Kevin Kuros brought along his walking buddy to join in the fun along the trail
Several newspapers sent reporters and photographers, a few children came along in their tow along bike trailers, and a small sheltie joined in as well.
Beautiful fall day along the river
Sadly for me I was unable to peddle with the crew, but I joined in as part of the cheering squad as the group moved out down the trail. It was a perfect day to be on the trail, making Margaret’s wish come true, offering an audience for her to talk about the history of the Triad Bridge and the Millville lock. Sometimes, if you’re really lucky, and you let people know what they are, wishes really can come true.
Fall colors along the Blackstone river, from one of the 8 bridges along this section of railtrail
Marjorie Turner Hollman
Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors, and is the author of Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, More Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, Easy Walks and Paddles in the Ten Mile River Watershed, and Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are. Her memoir, the backstory of Easy Walks, is My Liturgy of Easy Walks: Reclaiming hope in a world turned upside down.
Marjorie Turner Hollman 