Biking in Gilbert, Arizona

Anyone who know me knows that I love to ride my bicycle, and one of the best ways to stay in shape here in Arizona is to get into biking. Not only is it a great place for road biking, but mountain biking as well (that's me to the right, racing at McDowell Mountain Park). My favorite way to ride, though, is on my old Napoleon Dynamite-style 10-speed with my sister's kids on the canals and around the neighborhood. Gilbert is also a great place for night riding. Just get some lights, get on the canal, and go.


Here are some biking resources that I've found:

Road biking

1. Bikely routes in Gilbert AZ These are routes uploaded by local riders
2. AZ Brumbys Riding Club (of Mesa) These guys are really fun to ride with if you like to get up early. It can be good to find a fun group that you enjoy riding with.
3. GABA group rides and route maps

Mountain biking

1. If you're in to mountain biking, you'll need Cosmic Ray's Fat Tire Guide. There aren't really good internet resources available on this topic that I know of.
2. Also check out MTBR trail reviews

Leisure riding

1. Gilbert AZ bike trails map
2. A cool place to stop off during your ride is the Gilbert AZ Riparian Preserve. On Friday and Saturday evenings you can go in to the observatory and hang out with the local astronomy club. Also check out Freestone Park.

Wherever or whatever you end up riding, just be sure to keep it safe: drink plenty of water, wear a helmet, use lights if at night, and obey traffic laws