Plan That Spring Ride Road Bike Trip Today
Whether it’s spinning through farmland gravel roads, riding plank bridges in a secluded forest, or climbing switchbacks atop a snow-capped mountain, we get an amazing sense of freedom. Our stresses are left behind as we barrel down the road or trail with laser focus, surrounded by the beauty of nature. And in America, we are fortunate to have some of the most magnificent road bike rides in the world right at our fingertips. So as the warm weather nears, we put together a list of our top five road bike destinations in America to help you start planning your next ride destination. #becausebikes
Top 5 Spring-Time Road Bike Rides
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, Photo Credit: Explore Whitefish
Why Ride: As winter vacates and spring rolls in, a cyclist’s heaven emerges in Glacier National Park: Going-to-the-Sun Road. This vibrant, 6,648-foot climb to Logan Pass would be a grueling journey if not for the snow-capped peaks, wildflower grasslands, glacial lakes and thriving wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep that you will see at every turn.
Ride Notes: This climb starts with an easy, 21 mile scenic stretch past Lake McDonald. And then things get real. The next 11-mile stretch features a 3,000+ foot climb to the top. What’s nice about this ride is the limited amount of traffic you’ll have to share the road with along the way, which results in a lot of Montana wildlife sightings. And the most amazing part of this ride -- melting snow means waterfalls galore.
Distance: 48.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,290 feet
Starts From West Glacier
End At: West Glacier
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Big Sur, California
Big Sur, California, Photo Credit: Visit California
Why Ride: Big Sur is one of the classic riding adventures. With wild and rugged terrain running along an epic coastal landscape, you will be hard pressed to find a more dramatic stretch of road anywhere else in the world. As you twist and turn along the coastline, you’ll hear crashing waves and smell the ocean.
Ride Notes: Considering this ride has an endless amount of climbs and descents, and some stretches along Highway One have no shoulder, you’ll have to keep your head on a swivel for passing cars. The best time to ride is early morning to limit the amount of passing cars and motorhomes. If this 64-mile journey wasn’t enough for you, continue north to Monterey which requires you to ride along the 17-mile drive through the iconic Pebble Beach golf course. This ride is a must for road bikers.
Distance: 64.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,826 feet
Starts From Monterey
End At: Big Sur
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Tour of the Battenkill, New York
Tour of Battenkill, New York, Photo Credit: Dave Kraus
Why Ride: This ride which rumbles through upstate New York dairy farm country follows the route of the Tour of the Battenkill, America’s largest one-day pro/am cycling race.
Ride Notes: This unique riding landscape runs over covered bridges, railroad crossings and stretches of rugged dirt roads. You’re going to want to bring a gravel bike for this ride! Among the 68 total miles, almost a quarter of it is unpaved. The climbs are short, but don’t let that fool you. 17 percent is the max grade, so make sure those quads are in tip-top shape before starting this journey. This is a perfect ride for late spring.
Distance: 68.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,423 feet
Starts From Greenwich
End At: Greenwich
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Twin Bridges Loop, Oregon
Twin Bridges Loop, Oregon, Photo Credit: Travel Oregon Ride with GPS
Why Ride: Bend, Oregon, where this breathtaking adventure begins is one of the most bike-friendly towns in America. As you cruise past forestry and the snow-topped Cascade Mountains, you’ll feel one with nature.
Ride Notes: This trail got its name from the two bridges you will use to cross the Deschutes River, both showcasing the beautiful wetlands and sprawling ranches. This route is only designated to ride the loop portion in a clockwise direction.
Distance: 36.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,073 feet
Starts From Drake Park
End At: Drake Park
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Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California
Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California, Photo Credit: AOA Adventures
Why Ride: Don’t let Death Valley’s reputation of record-breaking high temperatures precede it - this is a perfect ride destination in late winter and early spring. This national park is the largest among all the parks in the lower 48 states, paving way for over 300 miles of roads.
Ride Notes: With so much open road, you have plenty of hills to ride up and down. None more impressive than Daylight Pass, a 4,317-foot climb to fantastic views of vast desert land and rolling mountains. You can’t take this trip without hitting Zabriskie Point, one of Death Valley’s most popular landmarks. This vibrant and colorful stretch mirrors the waves of the ocean, but on land. Finally, complete your trip by stopping at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
Distance: 45.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 933 feet
Starts From: Timbisha
End At: Jubilee Pass Rd
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