kacollier

Looking for US place in late May that would have good biking weather (anywhere between upper 60s and 80s) and good roads or trails (we are not mountain bikers-- hybrids or road bikes). We also enjoy varied and unique dining, art and museums, wine, and nightlife (more lounge-like, not dance clubs). Any thoughts on what would be a good long weekend choice? If we fly, would also need bike rental places, etc.

rjw_lgb_ca

Southern California? Wine Country, CA? Those came to mind quickly.

kacollier

We've done most of California and are doing that in late April while my husband has business there. But always a favorite destination!

Dayle

Hi KA,

You and your hsuband might consider Park City, Utah (my home). May in Park City is paradise, the summer visitors have not arrived and the weather is perfect for biking. There are some dirt trails you can do, or lots of rural roads and you can go as far as you want. Drivers around here are quite bike friendly, as biking )both mountain and road) are a major sport here.

Lots of other things to do. The Utah Olympic Park is great, plently of excellent restaurants and art galleries. More relaxed clubs than you could ever visit. Spas, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, etc., etc.

You might check out www.parkcityinfo.com for a start.

leahinsc

East Coast - Lots of bikers enjoy Blue Ridge Parkway - beautiful towns along the way - Roanoke, Asheville, Black Mountain, Waynesville - good temps that time of year...

Keith

Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula near Traverse City. I would probably base out of Leland. The area is beautiful, has lots of small interesting communities and wineries.

Bicycle rentals are available at http://www.mclaincycle.com and probably other places.

Keith

beanweb24

What about the C&O Canal biking path in the Washington, DC area?

http://bikewashington.org/canal/

suzanne

New York City!

Central Park has a great 6-mile loop (closed to vehicles evenings & weekends), and there's an excellent bikes-only trail along the Hudson (15 miles?) from the southern tip of Manhattan to the GW Bridge...along with many other routes. The Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Manhattan, and GW Bridges all have separate bikeways.

The official NYC bike route map:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/tra...bikeroute.html

There are bike rentals on both the routes I mentioned, plus many bike shops rent bikes also.

Litespeed_Chick

If you can climb, you might want to google Boone, N.C. and Lance ARmstrong to see what he has to say about the mountains that brought him back into the sport after cancer.

And the Blue Ridge PArkway near Asheville, N.C. is a nice ride, if you don't mind tunnels (you need lights and reflectors) and aren't afraid of tourists not looking where they're driving.

Where are starting?

kacollier

We are from Wisconsin -- have great biking trails but trying to see what else is out there with more predictable weather in May. If it is driving distance, we will bring our bikes but are willing to fly as well.

stjohnbound

Speaking of Lance Armstrong, have you considered Austin, TX?

green_tea

Hmm! Maybe consider riding through our Emerald Necklace? http://www.clemetparks.com/visit/index.asp

Keith

kacollier was looking for a place to ride last month.

Keith

jet519

Peak to Peak that starts in Albuquerque and goes through Santa Fe, Las Vegas (NM) Taos, Enchanted Loop, Los Alamos and back to ABQ. It starts this Sat. 6/18 and goes for a week. I don't bike but I heard about it today since I am going to all of those places by car in Aug.

boatcarman

Try the katy trail in Missouri.
www.katycentral.com
No Cars to run over you.

justme22

Vt. may just squeak into your temp range. i believe there are outfitters, one called bike vermont.

cmcfong

Obviously this is too late for kacollier, but maybe someone else is planning a similar trip. Leah and Litespeed suggested areas near the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC (ditto to them), let me add one in southwestern Virginia. The New River Trail Park has a great bike trail, about fifty two miles long (Galax to Pulaski). It is a gorgeous, flat trail with little other bike or horse traffic (no cars, ever) even on beautiful spring or fall days. It runs by the river and crosses several bridges. We frequently see wildlife on the trail. There are lovely brand new cabins on the trail (pet friendly) reasonably priced. www.chestnutcreekcabins.com
In the general area you can find some good wineries, restaurants, and great blue grass. You will have to go to Asheville or Charlottesville for the night life.

hansman

Eastern shore Delmarva biking bicycle bicycling
I know your trip has long past but for others looking for a nice flat area to explore on a bike, I would recommend the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It is on the tip of the Delmarva peninsula, flanked on the west by the Chesapeake Bay and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean. The terrain is extremely flat, but the network of paved roads will take you to coastal fishing villages and through dense forests of pine and hardwoods. There is plenty of opportunity to observe birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. There is a good network of bed and breakfasts and some motels for your overnight stays. There are some good restaurants on the Shore also where you can get fresh seafood. And don't forget a side trip to Tangier Island or one of the barrier islands.

Reeder

I was just in Summit County Colorado and they have the best bike trails I have ever seen and they are so picturesque and didn't look too hard (pretty level). These trais go from town to town--Keystone to Dillon to Frisco to Breckenridge and even further. Not sure what the weather will be like in May but this sounds like something you would find of interest and appeal. If so I have the perfect condo (with lake and mountain views) right on the bike trail to recommend to you. H

BeanMan

Fruita, Colorado has great riding. There are many wineries in the Palisade area just 20 miles east and a couple of good micro breweries.

Moab is always a great choice too and is only 85 miles from Fruita.

Cheers,

BeanMan