Thursday, August 27, 2009

Great Places to Ride Your Bike in Delaware

By Pat Walker

Delaware is a tiny state-second only to Rhode Island-but what it lacks in size it makes up for in great destination features. If you're an avid biker, you don't want to miss out on the bike trails in this state-with trails that are suitable for both beginning and advanced riders. You won't find any mountains, but rolling terrain and other technical challenges will keep your rides fun and interesting.

Take the whole family out to Lums Pond not far from Glasgow and enjoy a hilly 10-mile route that loops back to where you started. You can venture onto a dirt trail near the creek if you want, and there are bridges along the way to enhance the view. This trail can get muddy after heavy rains, though, so you may want to wait until the trails have dried up a bit before starting out. And be sure to bring bug spray. The insects can get a little aggressive. This trail is also used by horseback riders and hikers.

Local residents built a 10-mile bike trail abutting the Brandywine Creek State Park. Called Woodlawn Trustees, this trail area is not far from Wilmington and makes for a great ride with pleasant views. The fields and trees are especially beautiful and interesting during the summer and fall. And once you get started, you can head right on into the state park, as well, if you want to.

Within Brandywine Creek State Park, there are lots of different trails, but not all are designated for biking. On your way in, get a map from the park office so you can stick to the bike trails because otherwise you could get a fine or even have your bike confiscated. Again, these trails can be slippery when they are wet and muddy, so use caution or postpone your ride until the trails dry up. Or stick to the trails with a foundation of wood chips. The wood chips can make things a little challenging, but the steep uphill inclines, fallen logs, rocky terrain in some areas, and one very lengthy rough descent are what more advanced riders dream of!

Another trail constructed by local residents is the Middle Run Park in Newark. There are no hills in this one, but this means you can really fly through this trail at high speeds if you're looking for adventure. And just because it's flat doesn't mean there aren't other challenges to make it fun and interesting. This series of looping trails has some technical routes that include creek crossings, fallen logs, tree roots, and rocks. Check to see if there is a fee to ride here, as there may be a charge in the summer months.

Newark is also home to the White Clay Creek trails. This 10-mile route is pretty much all geared toward advanced riders with lots of experience. Steep inclines give way to really fast down hills and the trails also include skinnies, steep drops, teeter-totter bridges, and logs. This series of trails is continually being updated and expanded and is quite possibly one of the best places for experienced riders on the entire East coast.

What Delaware lacks in mountains, it makes up for in forests, rivers, and parks. Dont forget to enjoy the gorgeous scenery while you ride! Happy Trails!

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