If you are riding a stylish fixed gear, yellow rental, jumping over rocks or training for next year’s yellow jersey in the Tour de France, this July 4 is a great chance to move the bike out of the garage and ride one of the trails near Laramie.
Around Laramie there are great trails for mountain and road bikers of all abilities. Riding around Laramie can be a way to exercise and can save money when summer gas prices are high. The relatively flat 5 mile long Solder Springs road south of town is a local biking favorite. To add in more distance to an in town ride try going out to West Laramie or Sherman Hills.
For mountain bikers there are several trails within a short driving distance. The rocks at Vedauwoo are not just for climbers. They can be used as extra obstacles when riding turtle rock trail or around camp sites. Happy Jack, located about 15 minutes from Laramie east on interstate 80, has many trails that are closed to cross country skiers in the winter but open to bikers in the summer. All trails are relatively short but feature dramatic climbs, tight corners on the down hills and plenty of rocks and streams to jump over.
Intermediate road bikers can enjoy climbing Rodger’s Canyon on north Ninth Street. The canyon is about eight miles long and is a good hill climbing ride. For riders who are not scared of riding on the interstate riding up to the Lincoln monument on interstate 80 is a steep climb and a fast cruse back into town. Riding along highway 230 to the recently paved Country Road 422 to Lake Hattie features light traffic and has the added benefit of not being buggy this summer.
For a more advanced ride, riding out to the Laramie airport or to Centennial along highway 130 will provide challenge as riders battle the wind along long gradual hills. Starting in Centennial and riding over to Saratoga is a beautiful ride through the mountains. The ride is about 50 miles long on highway 130 and will challenge experienced mountain riders. Riding from Laramie to Steamboat is 125-mile mountain ride over Rabbit Ears Pass that can be cut short by stopping in Walden.
Before heading out in to a ride remember to have your bike well -tuned. It is no fun to ride in a group with a person with squeaky gears. The university has free air to fill up bike tires by Half Acre and bike tune ups available at through the Outdoor Program. Remember to wear a helmet, drink lots of water, leave the car keys at home and have fun.
