Thursday, August 27, 2009

Great Places to Ride Your Bike in The First State

By Patricia J Williams

Even though Delaware is the second smallest state in the union, there is some great biking to experience here. Most of the state is rolling terrain, so dont expect a lot of mountainous climbs, but there is still plenty to challenge and interest you regardless of your experience level.

Biking as a family with bikers of various experience levels? Head down toward Glasgow to the 10-mile loop called Lums Pond. Everyone will enjoy the rolling hills and pleasant ride and you can take a side trip onto an unpaved route near the creek for added adventure. Don't plan to ride after a heavy rain, though, because the trails get muddy and slippery. Pack the insect spray and be alert for hikers and horses and riders-then plan to have fun!

Right beside Brandywine Creek State Park, you can find a privately owned 10-mile area of trails near Wilmington. It's called the Woodlawn Trustees and was created by the area residents. This is a really pleasant ride with lots of fields, trees, and scenery, and since it's right beside the state park, you can continue on into the park and keep riding if you wish.

Within Brandywine Creek State Park, there are lots of different trails, but not all are designated for biking. On your way in, get a map from the park office so you can stick to the bike trails because otherwise you could get a fine or even have your bike confiscated. Again, these trails can be slippery when they are wet and muddy, so use caution or postpone your ride until the trails dry up. Or stick to the trails with a foundation of wood chips. The wood chips can make things a little challenging, but the steep uphill inclines, fallen logs, rocky terrain in some areas, and one very lengthy rough descent are what more advanced riders dream of!

Middle Run Park in Newark was built by locals. There are many looping trails that can be connected or ridden separately. There arent any hills, but because its so flat, you can really build up a lot of speed. There are some technical areas with roots and rocks, logs, and creek crossings so dont be fooled into thinking that it will be easy. The trails are well-marked but can be confused with nearby White Clay Creek (see below). There may be a fee to ride here during the summer.

Also in Newark, you'll find one of the best technical trails for advanced riders anywhere along the entire East coast of our nation. Not far from the university, White Clay Creek features a 10-mile network of complex trails with steep drops and skinnies, rapid downhill descents, teeter-totter bridges, and fallen logs. These exciting trails are always being updated and maintained, and they're worth a special trip to Delaware!

So Delaware doesn't have any mountains. It does have beautiful parks, forests, rivers, and bridges-and the scenery is still awesome. So if you're headed to Delaware, don't forget to bring your bike and gear! - 16887

About the Author:

No comments: