I am sharing this information for all who may be visiting Scottsdale or living in Scottsdale and thinking of taking up cycling. I absolutely love that Scottsdale is Cyclist Friendly! There are seemingly endless scenic routes to explore. A place to cycle that takes your breath away in more than one way.

Scottsdale Suburbia

Scottsdale has been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Silver Level for 2005-2009. Suburban areas such as DC Ranch provide pristine bike paths that cover great distances. The paths offer many fun twists and turns, bridges, underpasses and lots of lush green grass and in some places water features and fountains, picnic benches, a gorgeous array of flowers and of course some beautiful architecture. And if you are REALLY lucky you will run into the over-sized game of chess!

Suburbia is great for all ability levels, you choose how hard you want to push yourself.

DC Ranch is also holding the 6th Annual Tour De Scottsdale on October 4th 2009. The starting line is the Market Street Bridge at DC Ranch. "The course will wind through approximately 70 miles of rolling hills and spectacular desert views". Here is a link if you would like to learn more scroll down http://www.dcbadventures.com/DCB/Tour_de_Scottsdale.html

Scottsdale Greenbelt

The Scottsdale Greenbelt is a cyclists DREAM! Once again it is great for all levels including beginners. The Greenbelt stretches 25 miles and runs through many city parks along the Indian Bend Wash. Also...and this is something I only just learned through my research...the entire path is lit up at night so you can still ride throughout Summer and escape the heat! The Greenbelt starts at Roosevelt and Miller and ends at Shea Blvd. and 91st street.

The Greenbelt is one that my husband and I have ridden many times and never tire of the beauty. Often we will bring our leftover bread and share with the many grateful ducks! Because the Greenbelt stretches so far there are a few coffee shops you can detour to for a caffeine fix...I must recommend The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Gainey Ranch as they shouted us a coffee last time due to both of us expecting the other to bring money! lol We will make it up to them next bike trip!

It seems everyone who is on the Greenbelt is always polite and friendly. Along the way you will meet rollerbladers, rollerskater, skateboarders, joggers, families and pooches. As the path is clearly marked left and right, you rarely have too much build up.

Biking along this Greenbelt doesn't feel like exercise at all. With the stunning scenery and ever changing path it is a great way to reconnect with nature. Along the way we have often met with ducks, geese, squirrels, chipmunks, soaring eagles, lizards, jumping fish, turtles, roadrunners and some gorgeous butterflies. Bicycling is good for the environment and good for your health. Increasing your exercise helps reduce stress, tone the body and clear the mind. Get on ya bike! AND of course BE SAFE...wear your helmet and make sure you have appropriate lights, mirrors and carry plenty of water! Some suggestions from Amazon below.