Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Iowa! A Bike Rider's Paradise

By PJ Walker

Where can you find hundreds of miles of biking trails-many constructed on old former railroad beds? Iowa! This state has converted more old railroad beds into trails for bikers than any of the other 49 states. This is great for beginning bikers because it makes for miles and miles of paved easy-to-traverse biking trails. Biking trails throughout this state follow and cross waterways and venture into prairies, forests, and hilly or rocky terrain. There's something for every biker to enjoy!

Not far from Council Bluffs, families will enjoy journeying along the Wabash Trail, a 25- mile run that is pretty easy to travel and great for beginners. Along with fantastic scenic views, this route includes lots of opportunities to stop and check out the little towns and stopping points all along this trail. This is a fun, relaxing ride with lots of great interesting attractions as an added benefit.

Not far from Des Moines, you'll find a 7-mile trail running alongside the Des Moines River. Sometimes called the "Brickyard," the Sycamore Trail also includes some offshoot trails that loop around to provide some challenging diversions. This route is pretty technical, steep, and rocky, so it's recommended for experienced riders. And, since it is so close to the river, parts of the trail are actually under water during wet spring seasons. Plan to tackle this one during the dry season and exercise caution when riding, as you may encounter deer near the river along the way.

Looking for hilly terrain with some really awesome downhill shots where you can pick up some speed? What about creek crossings? You'll find that and a lot more at the Oleson Park Trail not far from Fort Dodge. This trail was designed by Joker Racing, so bikers are going to love it!

Iowa City is home to the Sugar Bottom Recreation Area. Here you'll find a web of trails totalling nearly 12 miles with something for every biker of every skill level. These great, well-marked trails are mostly one-way, so watch for signs or look at a map. Then choose trails to match your skill level. Advanced riders will love the trails with technical challenges like roots and double backs. Keep your eyes open, though. You won't be the only bikers here, as this area is pretty popular.

If you want to try out the bike track that hosted the first MTB racing event in Iowa, come to the Decorah Mountain Bike Trail System. For 14 miles you can test your endurance and skills on lots of different terrains and surfaces including dirt track and rocks, with more rocks and roots to navigate and some steep inclines and rapid descents just to name a few of the challenges.

More challenges await experienced riders near Council Bluffs at the Lewis and Clark Trail. With 7 miles of trails-and some great bailout spots along the way for anyone who decides they've had enough of a challenge for one day-advanced riders will enjoy obstacles, turns and twists, sharp inclines, roller coaster hills, and even more variety to test all of their skills. While these trails are obviously less populated by bikers (since only advanced bikers dare to try it), hikers also use these trails, so keep an eye out for folks enjoying the trails on foot.

Iowa boasts more than 1,200 miles of trails for biking. Wow! This is one state avid bikers have got to visit. So put this state on your map of destinations to visit and plan to have fun biking!

About the Author:

0 comments:

Post a Comment