If you’re an avid cycler, you know that cycling doesn’t take time off in the winter. True enthusiasts will find a way to cycle year-round, and there are plenty of places in the USA that can accommodate. We’ll go over the 3 best winter cycling locations in the United States, as well as what you’ll need to know before you go out for a spin.
Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park has some of the best trails in Florida. Located in North Miami Beach, this cycling location is perfectly temperate during the winter and offers plenty of great views. You can easily rent a bicycle from their concessionaire BG Oleta River Outdoors for $30 or bring your own bike.
The cost to enter the park is $4, or $6 if you drive in a car with 2-8 people in it. There are plenty of off-road trails in the park for novices and experienced cyclists alike. They also have three miles of paved trails, so if you don’t have a mountain bike with a tire width in the 2.25” to 2.4” width range, you’ll still be able to enjoy some of their trails. Just bring your helmet and some sunscreen.
Madera Canyon
Madera Canyon in Tuscon, Arizona is a road bike ride that heads south towards Green Valley, Arizona. Tucson is a notoriously welcoming place for winter riders, with many pro cyclists training there during the winter. There are plenty of bike shops in Tuscon that will rent you a bike as you start out on the trail. Mt. Lemmon Crusher Bike Rentals will rent road bikes for $95 a day.
There’s no cost to ride Madera Canyon. It does have a steep grade, however, so you’ll want a road bike tire with a width of less than 30mm. You’ll also want to make sure you’ve got protective equipment such as a helmet, cycling lights, or a reflective vest since you’re riding on the road.
Parkway Loop
The Parkway Loop is one of the best cycling locations in Western North Carolina, giving you an excellent ride during the winter. This loop lasts around 3 to 6 hours and is located .1 miles from downtown Brevard. It requires you to climb up to the Blue Ridge Parkway before gliding down it, which is a breeze. This is also a road bike ride, so you’ll want a road bike tire with a width of less than 30mm.
You can rent a bike for around $90 from The Hub and Pisgah Tavern, an excellent bike shop in Brevard. There’s no cost to ride the Parkway Loop. You will have to ride through several tunnels, though, so you’ll need both front and back blinking lights. The weather can also get cold up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, so you’ll need to wear a jacket and some eyewear for your descent.
If you’re planning your winter vacation, consider one of these 3 amazing locations for the best winter cycling!