First Rides on My E-Trike: Tanglefoot Trail Adventures, Part 1
I’m starting a new hobby that’s equal parts fun, fresh air, and just a little bit of exercise—riding an e-trike! I’ve ridden the Tanglefoot Trail on my bicycle in years past, but as I’ve become more of a “senior,” we thought an e-trike would be a safer and more comfortable choice for both me and my husband. So, we ordered matching e-trikes from Lectric and have been enjoying them on the trail. These three-wheeled electric bikes are stable, easy to handle, and perfect for soaking in the scenery without worrying about balance or speed. This morning’s ride was another chance to enjoy the trail and discover something new along the way.
Unboxing and Assembling Our New Rides
We decided on our e-trikes from Lectric eBikes after a friend recommended them, and we couldn’t be happier with the choice. When they arrived, I was blown away by the packaging—it was the best I’ve ever seen on anything we’ve ordered. Honestly, I think it took longer to unpack and unwrap them than it did to handle the minimal assembly required. We did run into a little hiccup attaching the front wheel on the first trike, but by the time we got to the second one, we had it figured out. I’d highly recommend watching the YouTube video on unpacking and assembling—they walk you through each step, and we had to refer to it a few times to get everything just right.
Learning to Ride an E-Trike
My first experience on a friend’s e-trike didn’t exactly go as planned—it ended with an avulsion fracture in my foot! Not being used to having the electric assist engaged while pedaling, I put my foot down to stop, but the trike kept moving. Lesson learned: Rule #1—keep your feet on the pedals. To ease into riding safely, my husband suggested I skip pedaling altogether at first and just use the throttle on the lowest speed while practicing in the driveway. I tooled back and forth, making narrow turns to get comfortable with the handling. It doesn’t take long to get the feel of three wheels versus two, but a little practice goes a long way.
The Tanglefoot Trail
The Tanglefoot Trail® is north Mississippi’s longest Rails-to-Trails path, running 43.6 miles through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It winds through fields, forests, meadows, and wetlands, following the route once traveled by the Chickasaws, Meriwether Lewis, and later a railroad built by Col. William C. Falkner, great-grandfather of author William Faulkner. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place for an e-trike ride with a bit of history along the way.
Whistlestops Along the Trail
The Tanglefoot Trail has several Whistlestops where you can pause and take a break. You’ll pass through New Albany, Ingomar, Ecru, Pontotoc, Algoma, Houlka, and Houston. Most of these stops offer restrooms, water, and picnic tables—perfect for stretching your legs and enjoying a snack. There are also other spots along the trail to rest for a bit and take in the scenery before continuing your ride.
If you’re riding through Algoma, the Country Store is a must-stop. Whether you just need a quick snack or you’re ready for a full meal, they’ve got you covered. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, and the food is pure comfort—think fresh biscuits, crispy bacon, and plenty of other down-home favorites. It’s the perfect place to recharge before heading back on the trail.
Sharing the Trail
You do have to share the Tanglefoot Trail—and I don’t just mean with other people. Of course, you’ll meet plenty of fellow riders, folks in golf carts, and walkers along the way. But every now and then, it’s the four-legged travelers you have to watch out for. On an e-trike, you get a great view of everything ahead, which makes it easy to spot a herd of goats, a curious dog, flock of turkeys, or even the occasional deer enjoying the trail as much as you are. It’s all part of the fun and charm of riding here.
Scenic Views Along the Way
One of the best parts of riding an e-trike on the Tanglefoot Trail is soaking in the scenery. The trail winds past wide-open fields, neat rows of crops, and stretches of countryside dotted with old barns that have clearly stood the test of time.
Some days you’ll pass golden fields ready for harvest, other days lush green landscapes under a bright blue sky. It’s the kind of simple, peaceful beauty that makes you slow down and appreciate the ride as much as the destination.
Friendly Faces Along the Trail
One of the things that makes the Tanglefoot Trail so enjoyable is the friendliness of the people along the way. Some folks even go out of their way to welcome riders as they pass by, with cheerful signs or a friendly wave from their yard. You’ll also often spot a trail ranger in a golf cart, patrolling to keep things safe and answering questions. It’s reassuring to know that if you run into any trouble, help is never far away.
Wrapping Up Part 1
Our e-trike ride on the Tanglefoot Trail today was the perfect mix of fresh air, scenic views, friendly faces, and even a few four-legged surprises. From quiet stretches of countryside to welcoming Whistlestops and the occasional goat traffic jam, every mile had something memorable. We’ve only covered part of its 43.6 miles, so there’s still plenty more to see—and I’m looking forward to sharing more rides and discoveries in the next installment of this e-trike adventure.
