John Mulholland
The Best Bike Rides by William Brister
Listed below are some of the best and most spectacular bike ride trails across the country.
Best Rides in Arizona
Overton to Go John Trail–Cave Creek Recreation Area
Two of the peaks have amazing figure eight trials. The climb is exhilarating but going downhill is even more fun.
Best Rides in California
Aliso/Woods Wilderness Park
There are several off-road trails ranging from mellow to steep and rocky. Most of the trails can be ridden as part of a loop so that you do not have to back track.
Clementine-Connector-Foresthill Divide Loop Trail–Auburn State Recreation Area
This 24 mile loop is a varied trail appropriate for all – adventurous, experienced and beginners. The strenuous climbs with a fantastic rollercoaster ride and difficult downhill path are justified with their spectacular views. The ride is demanding and the downhill offers even the bravest of riders a challenge. Although it is open all year, it is best avoided after heavy rains, as some parts may get dangerous.
Hole-in-the-Ground Trail at Soda Springs
This 13 mile track is moderately difficult but is full of breathtaking views of the nearby Sierra Nevada granite peaks embedded in lush green pine forests. This dubiously serene environment hides many challenging twists and turns scattered with boulders and creek crossings throughout its 13 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation. The ride can be made into a 17-mile loop with free and easy access points. It’s best to ride it in the months of July through October once the snow melts and the trail becomes visible
Lake Hodges–San Dieguito River Park in Escondido
Easy to moderate, this mountain biking trial has a little bit of everything. It is exciting, stimulating, fun and definitely helps to keep you in shape.
Mount Tamalpais Alpine Lake Loop–Marin County
This mountain biking trail is 36 miles long and one of the most challenging climbs going up to 3000 feet. Start this loop in Mill Valley, go in a clockwise direction up Mt. Tam to Panoramic Highway, and turn to Ridgecrest Road. After a 2,200-foot climb, you will be far from the cars and the crowds and greeted with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the protected wilderness of Marin. Then, head down to Alpine Lake via Fairfax-Bolinas Road to the town of Fairfax and back to Mill Valley via surface streets.
Mulholland Highway–Los Angeles
If you are a lover of mountain bike rides, this trail is for you. You Can make up all kinds of adventures in the Santa Monica Mountains from Mulholland. One such trail is that of a 30-mile loop rolling over two-lane paved roads with hardly any traffic. It includes a steep climb up Old Topanga, a descent down a curvy, oak-studded road, then an ascent to the loop’s high point, at the junction of Saddle Peak Rd. and Stunt Rd. Then it’s a fast downhill on Stunt back to Mulholland. The feel of the ocean on your face amidst beautiful scenery makes it all the effort worthwhile.
Best Rides in Colorado
Boulder/Peak to Peak Highway Loop–Boulder
This 65-mile mountain bike ride is for the more serious of riders. Rated intermediate to advanced it is one of the most sublime rides ever. It has great shoulders almost the entire way and the climb up to South St. Vrain canyon is beautiful with a gentle grade and beautiful rock walls on either side. Once on the Peak to Peak Highway, you’re greeted by stunning views of the Indian Peaks.
Georgia Pass–South of Denver
This single-track pass is a bit strenuous but ideal for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers. Covering 24 miles this great out-and-back route begins at Kenosha Pass, about an hour south of Denver on Hwy. 285. Follow the Colorado Trail over log bridges, across open meadows and up through aspen groves to where it tops out above tree line at Georgia Pass.
Best Rides in Massachusetts
Cape Cod Road Ride
A scenic road ride through Cape Cod. Start at Nickerson State Park on Route 6A in Brewster and follow the Cape Cod Rail Trail 2.5 miles to Main Street (Rock Harbor Road) in Orleans. Follow Rock Harbor Road to a left on Bridge Road, crossing into the town of Eastham. The bridge on Bridge Road offers a spectacular view of the salt marsh and Cape Cod Bay. Take Bridge Road a couple more miles and bear left at the fork onto Herring Brook Road. At about the nine-mile mark, turn left onto Massasoit Road, which later becomes West Road. At the end of West Road, turn left onto State Highway 6, which is a very busy, fast road with a wide shoulder. After a couple miles, look for Lecount Hollow Road on the right. There’s a general store and a bike shop at this intersection, as this is the northernmost point of the 26-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail. Lecount Hollow will lead you to Wellfleet’s oceanside beaches–part of the 44,000-acre Cape Cod National Seashore. Bear left and start the climb up Ocean View Drive, Cape’s most beautiful road. Halfway through the four-mile road, at the fifteen-mile mark of the ride, is White Crest Beach. From the top of a 60-foot sand cliff, all you see is Massachusetts’ premier surfing beach and the huge Atlantic Ocean sprawling in front of you. The next beach to the north on Ocean View is Cahoun Hollow, home of the infamous Beachcomber. Return through the Rail Trail back to Brewster.
Trail of Tears–Barnstable
This single-track 20-mile loop is by far one of the fastest rides ever with tight twists and upper buff New England rock gardens to toss you about. It is an advanced level ride and should be done in groups or with someone who knows the area well.
Best Rides in Michigan
Pontiac Lake Trail
For an advanced group this 10-mile single track at Pontiac Lake State Park is full of rolling hills, steep climbs, rock gardens, log jumps and gnarly downhill paths.
Best Rides in Texas
Sprinkle Loop–Austin
It is an easy 23 miles with simple loops that start near the REI parking lot. It is favoured by beginners and veterans for its rolling hills without strain.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park–Austin
This 12-mile path of 90% single, 10% double track is fun for all. This area is a nice mix of fast rolling sections with some drop-ins and off-camber climbs. However beware of your speed, as you never know when you are going to be surprised by some quick turns and burns.
White Rock Lake–Dallas
A great ride for both, individuals and groups, beginners and serious cyclists, it is 9.5 miles of paved road and trails around the lake.
Best Rides in Washington State
Five-Mile Drive–Point Defiance Park
This is a fairly easy road, quiet, paved and almost traffic free. Five miles long, this one-lane road passes through Point Defiance Park. This well-treed urban wilderness route offers varied terrain and beautiful views.
Foothills Trail–Pierce County
The Foothills Trail travels an abandoned rail bed near the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park. The 7-mile paved section between the towns of Orting and South Prairie swirls along the Carbon River, whose cold waters originate from a glacier on Mount Rainier. The trail crosses several trestles, passes a buffalo ranch and borders a wetland migration area.
Fort Ebey State Park–Whidbey Island
A year round, all season excursions, it consists of a good network of well-marked, well-maintained trails. You could choose to ride for the day or camp out for a weekend of exploration. This wonderful state park and adjacent forest is breathtaking. Great for family outings, you could bring your camping gear as well as your cycling gear.
About the Author
William Brister – http://www.outdoorgear.tv – Bike Ride Trails
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January 30, 2012 9:42 pm 
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