Bikes, helmets, water, flashlights, jackets, food .. CHECK.
Today's date began when we left home at 9:30 AM .. and headed across the state line into Montana to pick up the Route of the Hiawatha 'rails to trail' bike ride. We probably used a few gallons of gas in the truck. Trail tickets $10/each. Food ~ scavenged from the pantry and garden (cheese, grapes, teardrop tomatoes, dill pickles, crackers & peppermints).
The trail is well groomed and every so often, a trail guide would be available in case of an emergency or to answer questions. I found some wild elderberries! Date days don't have to be expensive.