Pacific Northwest - Boise biking

Hey folks: I am thinking about a late life relocation to Boise. How's biking in your state. I figure mnt biking has to be great but what about road biking. I ski, climb and kayak and I hear those sports excel in this region. Are housing prices decent? I grew up in Utah but home prices and over crowding have ruined that state. Thanks for your input, Charlie

The Boise Valley has been growing and developing, with housing prices on the rise. From 1990-2000, the metro area grew 46% - faster than any metropolitan area in Utah.

There is some excellent road riding in the Boise area nonetheless - especially if you like climbs. The climb from Boise to Bogus Basin is over 4000 feet in sixteen miles (nope, haven't done it myself!). There also are decent rides in the valley that are relatively flat. My folks live out in Nampa (20 miles west of Boise), and there's a nice loop around Lake Lowell of about 26 miles. Check routeslip.com, searching for routes in Boise.

boise is pretty much perfect IMO, its a great cycling area. Its also a pretty nice place to live.

Boise is good.
We have LOTS of riding here in the area.
I see the Bogus Basin ride has already been mentioned, If you want something a little longer and also a little more rider friendly terrain, Try riding HWY 21 to Idaho City.
It's 36 miles and winds into the mountains with some really nice views, climbs, and descents.
As with most mountain highways, it's a little narrow in places, but many people do ride this and it is good.

We have the Boise river for some VERY BASIC entry level kayaking, and then close by we have the Payette for some advanced kayaking.

For Skiing, we have Bogus basin right here, and then we have about 5 more areas all with in 3 hours of Boise.

Housing is getting a little more expensive, but I don't think it's as bad as metro Utah yet.
It's still a good time to buy here with the knowledge that your investment will go up in value.

Hopefully some of this helps.
Darin

I live west of Boise about 35 miles in Caldwell. I ride west from Caldwell on Logan, which becomes Lower Pleasant Road. Today I turned right at Pinto and crossed Hwy. 19. I took Dixie River Road to Boise River Road and went all the way to Roswell. That is 20 miles. It was almost all flat with very little traffic and good asphalt all the way. My usual route goes out Lower Pleasant to Top Road and returns on Upper Pleasant Road as far as Malt Road. Then I return on Lower Pleasant. That is 14.5 miles. There are a few hills on this route. Traffic depends on time of day. There is almost always some wind. You can check a map program to see where these roads go, or I may post these routes at www.routeslip.com.