Best place to live (to cycle)
#76
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,482
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 967 Post(s)
Liked 1,631 Times
in
1,047 Posts
Wow - Some of the most beautiful areas only have a short riding season - Take it down a notch and central texas could be a good spot for you - Year around riding if you can tolerate the heat...
#78
Recusant Iconoclast
True, but lots are year round too. I'm heading out to Kona in a couple of days for the second time this year - it's one of my favourite places to run and bike.
#79
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Vlaamse Ardennen, Belgium
Posts: 3,898
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I used to believe that too ... that was before I actually started cycling.
It does rain quite a lot here ... which is great for nature ... but when you actually count the time it actually rains ... it's not really that much.
We've got one of those "rain radar" systems available online and by simply looking at that tool I have been able to avoid the rains for the last year.
Sure ... sometimes it rains and you can't go out and ride unless you wanna get wet ... but you need a few rest days once in a while anyway, right?
It does rain quite a lot here ... which is great for nature ... but when you actually count the time it actually rains ... it's not really that much.
We've got one of those "rain radar" systems available online and by simply looking at that tool I have been able to avoid the rains for the last year.
Sure ... sometimes it rains and you can't go out and ride unless you wanna get wet ... but you need a few rest days once in a while anyway, right?
#80
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Arnhem, The Netherlands
Posts: 127
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I used to believe that too ... that was before I actually started cycling.
It does rain quite a lot here ... which is great for nature ... but when you actually count the time it actually rains ... it's not really that much.
We've got one of those "rain radar" systems available online and by simply looking at that tool I have been able to avoid the rains for the last year.
Sure ... sometimes it rains and you can't go out and ride unless you wanna get wet ... but you need a few rest days once in a while anyway, right?
It does rain quite a lot here ... which is great for nature ... but when you actually count the time it actually rains ... it's not really that much.
We've got one of those "rain radar" systems available online and by simply looking at that tool I have been able to avoid the rains for the last year.
Sure ... sometimes it rains and you can't go out and ride unless you wanna get wet ... but you need a few rest days once in a while anyway, right?
Eh.. I agree!
Living in Holland, this really is cycling paradise (expect for not having mountains), but here it rains often but quite soft, I lived in Louisiana for 7 years and when it rained there it was cats and dogs coming from the sky.. here its misty quite often but nothing that stops you from riding comfortably..
Oh, and holland is so bike friendly, that if a bike and a car get in an accident, its never the bikes fault (even if it actually was!) because they say that a car is much bigger and the possible damage that it can cause is greater..
I currently commute 3 times a week 52kms roundtrip, and every meter that I ride is on bike paths, you can literally go anywhere in this country on bike paths.
#81
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Grenoble, France
Posts: 128
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I used to believe that too ... that was before I actually started cycling.
It does rain quite a lot here ... which is great for nature ... but when you actually count the time it actually rains ... it's not really that much.
We've got one of those "rain radar" systems available online and by simply looking at that tool I have been able to avoid the rains for the last year.
Sure ... sometimes it rains and you can't go out and ride unless you wanna get wet ... but you need a few rest days once in a while anyway, right?
It does rain quite a lot here ... which is great for nature ... but when you actually count the time it actually rains ... it's not really that much.
We've got one of those "rain radar" systems available online and by simply looking at that tool I have been able to avoid the rains for the last year.
Sure ... sometimes it rains and you can't go out and ride unless you wanna get wet ... but you need a few rest days once in a while anyway, right?
#82
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 526
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Irvine, California (or anywhere in Orange County actually)
- Great schools
- Tons of businesses
- Voted the safest city in the USA for several years
- Dedicated bike paths and tons of bike lanes
- Mountain biking trails
- Quiet neighborhood
- Can't beat the SoCal weather!
I lived in Irvine for over 20 years and can't imagine being anywhere else.
- Great schools
- Tons of businesses
- Voted the safest city in the USA for several years
- Dedicated bike paths and tons of bike lanes
- Mountain biking trails
- Quiet neighborhood
- Can't beat the SoCal weather!
I lived in Irvine for over 20 years and can't imagine being anywhere else.
#83
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Gulf Breeze, FL
Posts: 4,128
Bikes: Rossetti Vertigo
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 229 Post(s)
Liked 119 Times
in
70 Posts
If the object is to find the best place to ride, why are there so many recommendations for locations that are burried under snow for half the year? Wouldn't you want to be in a place where you can ride all year?
#84
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Burnaby, BC
Posts: 4,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
That's one of the reasons I like the Vancouver area so much. Hardly ever any snow, once you get a decent rain jacket and a bike with fenders you can ride every day all year.
#85
total Newbie
Caledon (1/2hr north of Toronto). Rolling country hills with minimal traffic and great views. Amazing mountain bike trail systems. Not a huge cycling community but there are some groups if you're inclined to go looking for them (I'm more of a solo rider).
Only downside (and it's a big one) is the cold weather from Dec-April.
Only downside (and it's a big one) is the cold weather from Dec-April.
another great cycling place but the routes are limited is Banff, Alberta.
problem with both of these places though is the snow.
#86
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Vlaamse Ardennen, Belgium
Posts: 3,898
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I envy you for living in Holland ... where indeed everything is very bike-friendly ... but then again I don't envy you ... for the winds and the flatness
#87
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Vlaamse Ardennen, Belgium
Posts: 3,898
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I just realized you're actually from Belgium, that's cool... I moved to Liège about two months ago. So far it has been grey/rainy way more than I'm used to. Now that my bike has arrived in Liège (I had to leave it in Grenoble when I moved, just went back to get it last weekend) I'm looking forward do getting in some nice ride around here. I've already scoped out some decent hills for hill repeats close to my place. What site do you use for the weather radar?
The site is: https://www.buienradar.be/
#88
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Vlaamse Ardennen, Belgium
Posts: 3,898
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Not cycling for a few months is good for you.
It gives your body and mind the chance to relax and makes you eager for your bike the next spring.
#89
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Arnhem, The Netherlands
Posts: 127
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The winds are def a *****, I guess they are a the dutch version of mountains, when I am going over the rhine or the waal, I have headwind on one of the ways, and it sure feels like a mountain..
#91
OM boy
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Goleta CA
Posts: 4,369
Bikes: a bunch
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 517 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
438 Posts
... people in always sunny climates who can ride through winter are in fact at a disadvantage exactly *because* they can and will cycle through winter.
Not cycling for a few months is good for you.
It gives your body and mind the chance to relax and makes you eager for your bike the next spring.
Not cycling for a few months is good for you.
It gives your body and mind the chance to relax and makes you eager for your bike the next spring.
But it's really nice to be able to start out with just arm & leg warmers and A wind vest in the early monring and pull them off, halfway thru the ride...
It's gotten to the point where I'll purposefully ride on our rainy days, cause it is different and reminiscent of riding back East (US), during winter. Except of course, no threat of Frostbite...
The other advantage of the more southerm climes, in winter, are the slightly longer days. There is a noticeable difference between riding in Spain, Italy or Greece as compared to No. Europe. Also true comparing the So. US to the North & Canada.
#92
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,456
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 50 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I'm pretty sure I remember that somewhere in "the cyclists training bible" it said about this subject that, according to the author, people in always sunny climates who can ride through winter are in fact at a disadvantage exactly *because* they can and will cycle through winter.
Not cycling for a few months is good for you.
It gives your body and mind the chance to relax and makes you eager for your bike the next spring.
Not cycling for a few months is good for you.
It gives your body and mind the chance to relax and makes you eager for your bike the next spring.
#93
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: china
Posts: 86
Bikes: merida r 903 road, duke 350 mountain
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i would have to go for china. probably the best bike lanes around that would put most western countries to shame. crazy urban development means that there are plenty of brand new super smooth roads. massive countryside where you can discover mountain bike trails and have them all to yourself. only down side is that the mountains, at least where i live, are generaly not set up for biking as they are often short steap and have steps going all the way up them.
#94
One legged rider
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Moraga, CA
Posts: 1,390
Bikes: Kuota Kharma, Surly LHT, CAAD9, Bianchi fg/ss
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I'm pretty sure I remember that somewhere in "the cyclists training bible" it said about this subject that, according to the author, people in always sunny climates who can ride through winter are in fact at a disadvantage exactly *because* they can and will cycle through winter.
Not cycling for a few months is good for you.
It gives your body and mind the chance to relax and makes you eager for your bike the next spring.
Not cycling for a few months is good for you.
It gives your body and mind the chance to relax and makes you eager for your bike the next spring.
#95
Banned.
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Uncertain
Posts: 8,651
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Girona, Spain. Beautiful town, great climate, wide variety of terrain, cycling-friendly drivers. There's a reason a lot of pros make it their winter base. Pretty much anywhere in Tuscany would be on my list, too.
#96
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 230
Bikes: Kona Rove DL, Donnelly G//C
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't know about "short riding season" here in Southern Oregon. We ride pretty much year round because it rarely snows on the valley floors. If you don't want to throw on a thermal jacket you can ride from March to November.
#97
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 198
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Where is the best place to live for cycling? Taking all factors into consideration.
For me, I believe an ideal place would include these factors:
- Living near a big city but not in one. (jobs/activity)
- Good hills/mountains ( I can't stand flat)
- Good cycling community
- Good Mountain bike trails AND good-condition roads
- Low traffic in immediate area
For me, I believe an ideal place would include these factors:
- Living near a big city but not in one. (jobs/activity)
- Good hills/mountains ( I can't stand flat)
- Good cycling community
- Good Mountain bike trails AND good-condition roads
- Low traffic in immediate area
#98
Senior Member
Many may not agree, but I've really gotten to appreciate living in the IE (Inland Empire) Souther California.
For me proffessionally, I am in Distribution, so it makes sense as it is one of the biggest hubs in the nation. Housing is alot cheaper than OC and the Bay area. I'll be the first to admit that aesthetically it is not the prettiest.
So here goes the good stuff. Where I live, I have Lytle Creek climb, right in my backyard. I can ride to the base of Mt. Baldy Climb, GMR/GRR, HWY 39 Azusa Canyon. As long as I stay close to the foothills, the riding conditions are not bad at all. I can ride to the Santa Ana River Trail and be in Newport Beach in a few hours.
For me proffessionally, I am in Distribution, so it makes sense as it is one of the biggest hubs in the nation. Housing is alot cheaper than OC and the Bay area. I'll be the first to admit that aesthetically it is not the prettiest.
So here goes the good stuff. Where I live, I have Lytle Creek climb, right in my backyard. I can ride to the base of Mt. Baldy Climb, GMR/GRR, HWY 39 Azusa Canyon. As long as I stay close to the foothills, the riding conditions are not bad at all. I can ride to the Santa Ana River Trail and be in Newport Beach in a few hours.
#99
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Toronto
Posts: 616
Bikes: Opus Vivace F1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
WOW, i NEVER think of Caledon when i think of great riding places BUT now that you mentioned it, I agree. When I am up there, my rides are incredibly painful but they've been scenic and great. It's endless rolling hills. Going through the Forks of the Credit, Cheltenham, and Terra Cotta is great too.
another great cycling place but the routes are limited is Banff, Alberta.
problem with both of these places though is the snow.
another great cycling place but the routes are limited is Banff, Alberta.
problem with both of these places though is the snow.
#100
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,304
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 728 Times
in
373 Posts
Yeah, but Operation Peurto, and the change in Spanish law pretty much screwed that up.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.