Thursday, March 26, 2009

Where to Bike in the Central US

By Pat J Walker

In an attempt to offer some insight into the many awesome biking trails this country has to offer, I've narrowed down my 5 favorites in the Central areas of the USA. While there are so many to choose from, I'm hoping my humble opinions below will help you get the most out of your ride.

Waldo Canyon, CO. With literal breathtaking views , especially from the top, this trail doesn't disappoint. At the apex of the ride you will be above the tree line, which is especially unique. There are few rides in this country where you get the feeling that you could touch Heaven itself. The downward ride is memorable and fun as well.

Colorado, Palmer Park. Colorado Springs is one of my favorite towns so I may be a little bit biased here. Palmer Park has something for everyone with trails for beginners and rides that experts will not find disappointing. The best part is that all the maps of Palmer Park are incomplete. You can easily find yourself lost if only for a few minutes. There aren't many places left in the continental US where you can say they have haven't been mapped completely. Take advantage of this one before Google Maps gets around to it.

Cache Creek to Game Creek Loop, Jackson, WY. Located immediately southeast of the town of Jackson, this trail will seem a little common in the beginning. However, you will not be disappointed after the first 2 miles. Rolling hills, thicket, wildlife and seemingly every kind of flowering plant you can think of line the wide track. This trail works for all fitness levels and is truly beautiful. For a more challenging ride, do the loop backwards.

Utah, Moab. The MOAB Brand Trails are 4 trails, each named for the different letters in MOAB. The M trail is the easiest and works it way up to B, which is the most difficult. You'll find the M trail a little rocky, but mostly just fun. The B trail will through expert level obstacles at you like slick rock and tight turns. These trails are enough to keep you busy for a couple of days and can be fun for the whole family. It's a beautiful place, designed for biking fun.

Austin, Texas. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is my favorite place in the great state of Texas. Not only is Austin one of the coolest, quirkiest cities you will ever have the pleasure of visiting with the right mindset this trail is a ton of fun. It is inconsistent in places and you may have to walk in some places but if you are looking for nature in the middle of an urban setting, Barton Creek is a lot of fun. If you can go during the Austin City Limits Music Festival and bike a couple of days you will have lived my dream vacation, I hope you enjoy it.

Above are five excellent places to begin your exploration of Central US bike trails. Admittedly these trails kind of hug the edges of the Central US. I do like to have some elevation change in my bike trails and the bread basket doesn't really provide you with that. These trails will keep you busy though, and happy with your bike riding if you dare to try to take them on. - 16887

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