Biking in the USA
I have only bicycled overseas once, in the Julian Alps — a trip that was both beautiful and humbling. My friends, on the other hand, have traveled abroad many times to explore Europe’s famous cycling regions, from the Pyrenees to the Dolomites. I have also watched countless international races on television, taking in the breathtaking views of winding alpine passes and cobblestone streets that define cycling abroad.
Biking In The USA
So, in fairness, I cannot claim to have the same level of global cycling experience as some of my companions. However, I can, and will, enthusiastically extol the virtues of Biking In The U What we have within our own borders is extraordinary — a vast and varied landscape offering every kind of ride imaginable.
Over the years, I have ridden my bicycle in a dozen states, including New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, South Dakota, Colorado, and Oregon. Each of these places has offered something distinct. In New England, the backroads roll through forests and historic villages where church bells echo over old stone walls. Vermont’s Green Mountains provide challenging climbs and panoramic views that rival anything I’ve seen on television from Europe. Maine’s rugged coastline offers sea breezes and postcard-perfect fishing harbors, while Florida’s flat roads and subtropical air make for long, relaxed rides year-round.
Out west, the scenery transforms dramatically. In South Dakota, you can pedal past endless prairie, while in Colorado, the air thins as the peaks rise — every ascent rewarding you with awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Oregon’s cycling routes range from the misty beauty of the coast to the dry high-desert landscapes around Bend.
I’ve also driven across much of the Western U.S., and it has given me a deep appreciation for how much open space, natural beauty, and variety we have right here at home. America is a cyclist’s playground — not only for its scenery but also for the sense of freedom and exploration that comes with traveling on two wheels.
The sheer diversity of cycling opportunities in the United States is incredible. Whether you crave mountain switchbacks, peaceful country lanes, coastal breezes, or wide desert skies, you can find it here — often within a day’s drive. For me, that makes cycling in the U.S. every bit as rewarding as anywhere in the world.
In Oregon we rode in the Columbia River Gorge. We saw dozens more riders on the Oregon Coast Road.
In South Dakota we rode on the 109 mile long Nickelson Rail Trail (not paved). It was a leisurely ride outbound, as Susan wanted to “smell the air”. Half way back, however, thunderclouds appeared and I barely kept up with her going, downhill on gravel at 22 mph!
We’ve ridden in Cape Cod and on Martha’s Vineyard, in Massachusetts. Particularly note the phenomenal ride around Martha’s Vineyard, with a lobster roll and clam chowder for lunch, and Mad Martha’s ice cream at the end of the ride, waiting for the ferry.
We have ridden in upstate NY with no traffic, gorgeous scenery and lots of hills. However, we found that the people that lived and rode there, did consider two on coming cars to be traffic.
We’ve ridden in Maine, on the coast and inland.
In Colorado we rode on the paved trail between Glenwood Springs and Aspen. We drove on roads that were incredibly wonderful for cycling. We saw many people cycling in Rocky Mountain National Park at altitudes over 12,000 feet!
We’ve ridden on pavement, asphalt, dirt and gravel. Great rides and not so great rides. Hilly, flat and rolling.
Keep the US in mind as an option for your next cycling vacation.
Glenn