Forest Park. You
always remember your first. This trail is perfect if you’re new to biking or
acquired a bike you’re not familiar with—for instance, switching from Schrader
to Presta valves. Why? Because if you get a flat, this looped trail only puts
you a couple miles away from your car at any one time. Plus, the terrain varies
quite a bit in just 6 miles and the Boathouse is close by in case you want to
grab a nosh or cold beer.
Grant’s Trail. Got
a need for speed? This trail offers a lot of straight-aways that you can
flat-out fly on. It also passes by Grant’s Farm in the middle section, so if
you’ve got a hankering for a cold beer or some good hearty goat petting, you
have that option.
Creve Coeur
Park/Lake. This picturesque ride offers a nice flat loop that wends its way through trees and roller bladers. While a little
tricky to find at first**, it’s worth it for the ease and convenient parking.
There’s also a restaurant where you can rest and get a cold beer***.
North Riverfront
Trail. This little-known gem takes you right alongside the Mighty
Mississippi (and formerly Tent City). It offers quite a few straight sections and a good hill in the
middle. Best of all, you can crack open a cold one as you straddle the
Missouri-Illinois border on the scenic Chain of Rocks Bridge.
Katy Trail. I’ve
only ridden bits and pieces of this trail, but some friends do an annual trip
across a good part of the state and tell me its outstanding****. Plus, it runs
by some wineries, so you can always pop in and enjoy a nice cold White
Zinfandel.
*I originally wrote “people”, but that made it sound like I
rode with 7-year old children. No.
**I’m a City Guy, so it was tricky for me; locals might find
it easier.
***Yes, there’s a theme developing here.
****Okay, maybe not exact words.
****Okay, maybe not exact words.
