Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Great Places to Ride Your Bike in Arizona

By Patricia J Walker

Arizona is noted for its smooth, flat desert terrain which is great for working on your biking speed. There are also plenty of opportunities for biking up and down hills and rocky slopes too. That's why Arizona is such a great place to ride your bike, plus you get to enjoy the beauty of nature in this scenic state.

If you are looking for an easy trail that the whole family will love, then visit Buffalo Park near Flagstaff, Arizona. This is a two mile loop that is mostly flat and offers several cool down stations where the kids can rest and cool off. The trail is kept in good condition. It is popular though so be on watch for hikers, bikers and dogs.

One of the best trails in the state for speed biking is the Dynamite trail near Scottsdale. This trail offers over 20 miles of rolling terrain with several side trails you can choose. The trail itself is smooth so you can really fly. This area is so big that it is a good idea to bring along a map in case you find yourself far away from base. Bring plenty of water too.

The Greaterville Trails are a great place for practice. There are so many trails to choose from that will suit anywhere from a beginner to the more experienced rider. Theres not a lot of traffic, so the variations, loops, and solitude make it a perfect place to gain experience or just ride for the fun of it.

Submarine Rock Trail near Sedona is a perfect example of your typical desert trail. However, just to throw you off a little, this trail throws in some slickrock and plenty of sand, dirt, and rocks to keep you on your toes. Youll enjoy some great views as well.

Get ready to work out your leg muscles on the Sunset Trail near Flagstaff. This trail is a long steady seven mile climb that will take you to an elevation 2000 feet over where you started. The hard work to get to the top will be totally worth it when you fly back down the trail.

The 345-347 loop is one of the better trails for experienced riders. This trail is located near Prescott, Arizona and is a ten mile loop with a challenging steep climb that rewards you with a fun descent. The trail also surprises you with boulders blocking your path, wet creek crossings, dry sandy washes, and rocky and curvy technical sections. This trail has a lot of variety which makes your ride a lot of fun and tests your skills. It is very scenic also, particularly during the spring when the beautiful wildflowers are in bloom. If you get on the 345-347 loop at Granite Mountain recreation area you will have to pay a $5 fee.

The southern half of Arizona has national forests with some of the best bike trails in the state. These are often overlooked but shouldn't be missed. These trails are great for biking and viewing nature and local wildlife. If you ride for fun, adventure, or to train, you will find the perfect bike trail to suit you in Arizona. There is a trail for everyone from beginner to pro.

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