5 Mountain Bike Destinations Worth The Ride
Where the beer flows like wine and bikers flock like the salmon of Capistrano. Or something like that. Top mountain biking destinations feature bountiful trail systems catering to a variety of skill levels, not to mention the town is a destination in and of itself. Though hundreds of towns win our hearts and handlebars, here are a few worth flocking to.
Sedona, Arizona
Part of what makes Sedona great – aside from the gorgeous red rocks – is the ability to snag a ride every day of the year. Known for technical trails like Hangover and Hi Line, Sedona sports a nice mix of beginner and intermediate trails. Knowledgeable local shops Over The Edge Sedona and Bike and Bean offer trail beta, skillful wrenching and weekly group rides.
Bend, Oregon
Ample sunshine, a bevy of breweries and thriving outdoor culture: welcome to Bend. Town access has seen recent improvements, solidifying Bend’s inclusion on this list. Phil’s Trail network blends flowy novice trails with technical trails for the more advanced. Intermediate to advanced riders should score Whoops, Funner and Tiddlywinks. Other Bend must-stops include Deschutes Brewing Co, Crux Fermentation Project and Sparrow Bakery. More information resides at the Central Oregon Trails Alliance Website.
Cable, Wisconsin
Tucked away in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Cable is an insiders’ Midwest mountain bike destination. Over the past few years the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Assoc. has developed more singletrack. Cable and Hayward, 26 miles apart, host two world-renowned events: the Birkebeiner XC Ski race and Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. Three hundred miles of trails find a place for any rider. Rocky and technical? Rock Lake Loop or the new Danky Dank Trail. Fast and flowy? Seeley Pass and the Birkie Trail will have you grinning from ear to ear. A night out? River’s Eatery in Cable is a friendly pizza joint with an amazing tap list. Get help from New Moon Cyclery in Hayward; maps are ready at CAMBAtrails.org.
Brevard, North Carolina
A top destination east of the Mississippi, the Pisgah National Forest outside Brevard is chalk full of East Coast gnar. Rocky, rooty, black dirt dominates Brevard and the Blue Ridge Mountains; scope out trails in the Dupont State Forest as well. Up in the Pisgah, great trails include Laurel Mountain, Avery Creek and Black Mountain. Learn the latest at The Hub or Sycamore Cycles.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Expansive mountain views, few people and endless flowy singletrack feed Sun Valley’s renowned mountain bike culture. Though off the beaten path, world-class trails and a small town feel create a unique experience. From town, the Adam’s Gulch trail system is an excellent choice with an option to connect to other trails north of town. Greenhorn Trailhead’s loops are not to be missed. Stop into Backwoods Sports or the Elephant’s Perch for local trail knowledge. Online, the Blaine County Rec District Site offers excellent current trail info.
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