The February Arundel Voice Article I wrote.
Local Riding Areas
Hard to believe we are six weeks into 2013. I trust your plans for a more healthy 2013 are moving along for you. Before you know it, it will be warm and you’ll be looking for places to ride outdoors. Good news you live in an area that has lots of choices. If you are just looking for a basic trip, there is one. Looking for more adventure? Got that too. Whether you are looking for paved or unpaved options our area has many choices
A popular option are bicycle trails, sometimes called rails to trails – Generally bike trails are paved and free from cars. The terrain is gentle or almost flat. Many trails are great places to ride with children or have a fun ride with families or friends
Do you want to get closer to nature? Unpaved trails similar to bicycle trails are a good option. Two that are close are the C&O Canal or the Torrey C. Brown Trail (formally the NCR Trail). If mountain biking is your preferred type of riding Patapsco State Park and Rosaryville State Park are short drives. Patapsco offers a little more variety in terrain where Rosaryville is an ideal place for the beginner to intermediate rider.
For the road cyclists there are many great roads that offer the cyclist routes of ten to greater than a hundred miles in length. There are many weekday and weekend rides for those looking to ride in a group. Baltimore Bicycle Club and Potomac Peddlers all have rides that leave from nearby areas.
I’d be happy to help you find the perfect place for your next cycling adventure. For more information please visit my blog or send me a message on Twitter.
A few local areas to get out and enjoy your bike:
Paved Trails:
W B & A Trail: Odenton, MD – It is 3.8 miles long and it runs from Piney Orchard Parkway and Odenton Road to Bragers Road, while passing through the Piney Orchard Nature Trail. It is accessible from the bike shop, via Waugh Chapel Road. Though this road is not recommended for children, the bike trail is fine for them.
Baltimore & Annapolis Trail: Runs from Annapolis, MD to BWI Airport. It is 10 feet wide and follows an old railroad route for more than 13 miles. There are many places to start a ride. Do any distance you like. It has a rural feel, generally, and is suitable for wheelchairs and rollerblades.
It also joins the 12.5-mile Baltimore Washington International Trail (BWI), which loops the airport.
The BWI Trail: This 12.5 mile trail is popular for its distance, workout and amenities. There is access from the Airport Observation Area, on Dorsey Road (parking, playground, picnic tables, planes right overhead). Ask us how to link the trail with local back roads for a long road ride.
Unpaved Trails:
C&O Canal Trail – This gravel trail runs 184 miles, from Cumberland to Georgetown on the old canal towpath. A bucolic, 10-mile stretch along the Potomac River begins at White’s Ferry, near Poolesville. Many cyclists take a few days and ride its entire length. Lots of history and scenery, all the way.
Mountain Biking:
Patapsco Valley State Park: Nationally known for advanced off-road trails, its nickname is “Moab of the East.” But there are trails here for all skill levels, like the paved, circuit trail to the Swinging Bridge, a 300-foot walkway over the river. We can recommend trails, based on skill and trail conditions. This park is just off Route 1 South.
