bike
The Most Fun
and riders climbing uphill almost always have the right of way. use this
time to say hello or take a rest. When approaching from behind, ask to
on Two Wheels
pass.
Most importantly, relax and stay in control! By riding at a manage-
able speed, you’ll be able to yield to others. Remember: you control the
M
y first mountain bike ride was like a bad first date. I was stressed
out, scared and sweaty. thankfully, a few years have passed since
bike. Don’t let it control you.
my initial attempt to ascend Boise’s foothills. through a few bad falls
looking Ahead
and several confidence-boosting trail-rides, I’ve learned one thing: if I
the best mountain biking advice I received was to keep looking for-
can do it, anyone can.
ward—not down at the obstacles in front of your tire. this also applies
to the sport as a whole: continue moving forward. take classes, read
Comfort: the gear
books and ask seasoned professionals for suggestions. you can also
visit websites such as
www.ridgetorivers.org or
For off road trails and hill climbs, leave the cruiser at home. A de-
cent mountain bike—preferably one with precision gears, suspension
www.mountainbike.com.
and high quality tires—is a
Ask any experienced cyclist and they’ll tell you mountain biking isn’t
good investment. Frequent
just about the adrenaline rush. take time to stop and smell the sage-
tune-ups and overall main-
brush. And don’t forget to enjoy the view.
tenance will keep your bike
Where to Go?
in great condition.
Wondering what
Eagle offers a vast network of trails for beginning
to wear? Just watch the adventurers and avid cyclists. For a family-friendly
pros. there’s good reason
ride, take Hill Road and head north on Seaman
for those stretchy bicycle
Gulch. Look for the trailhead near a large water tank
shorts—even if your reflec -
at your right. This single-track combines short uphill
tion in the mirror is less than
climbs with easy descents. For more of a challenge,
stellar. they serve a purpose:
continue on up the road to the Dry Creek Trailhead,
adjacent to the small community of Hidden Springs.
to keep your hind end pain-
Red Tail Trail affords great views of Stack Rock, but
free during—and after—riding over challenging terrain. gloves and
be ready for a few climbs. From Red Tail, you can also
mountain biking shoes will increase your level of protection. It’s also
connect with the Lookout Loop or Currant Creek
wise to wear wicking fabrics because they pull moisture away from
trails. Reward yourself at the end of your journey
your skin, helping your body to maintain a comfortable temperature.
with a cool beverage at the Merc. Be sure to visit the
Wearing layers is another option. Idaho Velodrome and Cycling Park (located off of
As you progress, consider upgrades such as clip-ins. When riding
Horseshoe Bend Road) where you can watch hard-
with clip-ins, be sure to practice on the flats before you head up a hill. A
core enthusiasts or hone your own skills.
local dealer can help determine your needs. reed Cycle is a great place
to get an honest opinion and personalized service.
Caution
Before you set out, take the appropriate safety measures. Do your
homework. Decide which trail(s) you will ride and take into account
hike.
Take a Hike!
the distance, difficulty and accessibility of the route. If you’re unsure of
the area, bring along a trail map. It’s always a good idea to ride with a
buddy or a group. If riding alone, be sure someone
B
efore I even knew what
the term meant, I was a
knows your whereabouts. proponent of psychogeog-
raphy—the word coined by
Wear a helmet. this is the single best way to prevent serious injury. A
French Marxist guy Debord for
small set of tools and a first aid kit will also come in handy in unex-
the practice of letting yourself
pected situations.
succumb to the attractions of
Bring plenty of water. By staying hydrated, you’ll improve circula-
your physical environment by
tion, eliminate toxins and have more energy. using a Camelbak is a
exploring it on foot. or in plain
great way to prevent overheating. It’s a good idea to bring an energy
English, I like to hike.
bar or trail mix in case you travel farther than anticipated.
how fortunate for me, then,
Courtesy: the Attitude
that my home in Eagle is lo-
cated a stone’s throw from the
unexpected thunderstorms can put a damper on any excursion, but
foothills and the winding dirt
riding in inclement weather is unsafe and increases wear and tear to a
paths near the Idaho Velo-
bicycle. not to mention, local, state and federal agencies ask that bikers
drome. Most days after dinner,
and pedestrians stay off wet or muddy trails to prevent further erosion.
I round up my own brood of
A rule of thumb is: if you leave a track, it’s best to turn back.
savages, and we head for the
Be considerate and slow down as you approach others. pedestrians
hills. the trails are alive with
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