Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Where to Bike in the Central US

By Patricia J Walker

There are so many incredible places to bike in the US that when I tried to narrow it down to five, I realized that I couldn't do it. I ended up cheating a bit and writing out 3 lists. This list is the five best places to go biking in the central US. Please use this as starting point to investigate your adventures, this list is by no means complete.

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.

Palmer Park, Colorado Springs, CO. Colorado Springs is a personal favorite so I may be a bit biased about the trails here. Palmer Park offers many trails from beginner to expert. There is an added adventure element as well. There is no discernible way to navigate the park because the maps are incomplete, so you could get lost for a little while, but it is totally worth it. The rock formations impress every time.

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.

MOAB in Utah. The MOAB Brand trails in Moab, UT are named for the 4 different letters in the town's name. Starting with M, the easiest trail, and working their way to B, the most difficult, these trails provide a skills challenge no matter what your skill level. If you're a beginner, stick to the rocky terrain of the M trail. For the expert, take the hair pin turns of the B. Most people are somewhere in between and will a great time on the O and A trails. Moab is an otherworldly town not to be missed.

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.

I'm sure there are more trails out there that are amazing and I'll admit, I haven't seen them all. However, I'm sure those who have experienced these trails will agree with their inherent attributes. Happy Biking. - 22873

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