 Roads: We are blessed to have a small enough community that riding throughout the Springfield area is still a reasonable thing to consider. Many of our neighborhoods have peaceful rolling streets that are especially suited for recreational riding. At Sunshine we carry perfect cruiser type bicycles for this activity - bicycling the way it should be, relaxed and without hurry.
But for a slightly more serious road trek, there are several routes to the east, west and north of Springfield that offer rides from 10 miles to 60 miles or more. A great way to become familiar with these routes and ride with others with the same interest is the Springbike Bike Club - see www.springbike.org. For a list of Springfield city bike routes, please see this site.
Where ever you do your road riding, it's a great way to get ready for the MS-150 Bike Tour. Each September nearly 1,000 riders take part in a 150 mile - two day ride, raising money to fight Multiple Sclerosis. Why not join us this year?
Off-road & trails: this doesn't necessarily mean hard-core off roading or mountain biking. Ozark Greenways have developed some of the nicest trails and pathways you'll find, surrounding and through the Springfield area. For more information about these cycling opportunities, see their website.
Sunshine Bike Shop has everything you need to get going at any level of interest in riding off-road.
More Serious off-road: Now we're talking about a more serious off-road experience. If you're into mountain biking there are some great places to ride at various degrees of technical skill.
The Sac River riding area just north of Springfield off of highway 13 offers miles of great trails for every skill level. Sac River tends to be slightly more technical with lots of rocks and roots, but also some fast downhills.
There are even more trails at Busiek State Forest Area south of Springfield about 20 miles on highway 65. Busiek is a great place to ride, from flat trails along the creekbed to steep technical climbs and downhills for the experienced rider.
Or how about a great technical ride at Berryman? About 2.5 hours from Springfield near Steelville, MO., it's an awesome 24 mile loop that will take from 4 to 6 hours to complete, depending upon just how hard you hit it. This is however an awesome experience and worth the trip.
Check out this page with a great article on fall and winter mountain biking
Remember, treat the land with respect, and while you're riding pick up some litter along the way. You'll enjoy the experience and leave it cleaner than when you found it.
 Here are some links to info on local cycling:
Springfield City Bicycle Routes
City of Springfield Sac River Trails
And a few links for 'Regional Cycling' Missouri Trails
Norfork, Arkansas, visit this site just to see the picture! It's the Pigeon Creek Mountain Bike Trail System - Only 2 hours from Springfield.
Looking for a great distance and/or family ride - It's the Katy Trail
With Springbike Bike Club - Starting in April running through daylight savings time ending in October. Check current issue of The Tube for exact times and starting points.
MS 150 Bike Tour - September 2008 - latest info on this ride and weekly training rides may be found at the MS Bike Tour site - Ozark Branch
Information about various rides statewide will be published with best available info and linked to that ride's website. Please contact them for up-to-date information.
Information about various rides statewide will be published with best available info and linked to that ride's website. Please contact them for up-to-date information.
|
|
