Some started with 1980s Shwinns, and some with 1960s Raleighs, and today in Oregon, bicycles are more utilized than anywhere in the nation.
In Albany, enough trails to keep one busy all summer, exist in good numbers and high quality. Merely "Google" any of the following, or click the link, and you will find a trail, dirt and paved, that will suit your style and need:
Bryant Park
Bryant Wayside
Dave Clark Bikepath
Takena Landing Trail
Simpson Mill Trail & Simpson Mill Park
Talking Waters Garden Park
Periwinkle Bikepath
Montieth Park Trails
Timber-Linn Park
As much of my riding is urban, I have a few rules to follow, mostly for safety:
No headphones. I like to hear and see what is going on around me.
Wear sunglasses. I hate bugs in my eyes(breathe with your nose...).
Always look when maneuvering in traffic or roadways without traffic.
On a hot August evening, Melanie, Heather, and I, stopped at the Albany Skatepark. The young BMXer did some tricks, and then moved the praying mantis to the safety of an adjacent field. The large and totally green predator bug had dropped into the shallow halfpipe, a few feet from us, as I was shooting the action on wheels.
Loose gravel can be a knee-scarring, tire-gritting, teeth-clenching experience. Wet pavement can be equally brutal. Blackberrie bramble, and other thorny plants, can tear skin and rubber alike. Be prepared to administer first aid while changing a tube.
Well, hopefully not, but just be prepared. Other bike additions should include a pump, lock, allen wrench set, and spare tubes.
The east entry to the Dave Clark Riverfront Path.
Even Mel and Heather like the skatepark, as does Alexandrea. We stop often, usually on the way home from riding the trails along the Willamette River.
Things to be aware of when riding the trails are people and dogs, other riders, wildlife such as rabbits, and obstacles like down tree branches. It helps to know the trail, especially one that has sand or tree roots, sharp corners and low-hanging tree limbs.
Watch out for cats and cars, people crossing streets, and driveways, when you are riding in town. A watchful, eagle-like eye, can save your life. Pay attention!
Safety is of the utmost importance, and equipping your bike with lights is crucial to riding during half-light hours safely. Maintaining legal boundaries when riding, can also increase safety, and substantially increases your odds of a safe ride.
Proper bike maintenance is another topic that makes riding more enjoyable. Keep tires inflated properly, be sure to monitor brakes for efficiency and wear, and lube gears and hubs to reach peak performance.
Heather, and the clean-white, new, Specialized bike with skinny tires, have both gotten a workout, riding along with me. The middle bike is Melanie's Giant, it too has been getting dusty from the trail.
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