Two wheels, one love.
Every day is a good day to ride your bike.
Between the warmer weather and awesome trails and parks we have in NEPA, many people are rediscovering their love for cycling. After all, there’s nothing like the rush of the wind in your face and the whir of tires to make you forget your troubles.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re casual or competitive— biking is a fun pastime for all ages and skill levels. Cruise through your neighborhood or round up the kids for a family ride. If you’d rather kick things into high gear, pedal your way through a workout or take a thrilling adventure on the trails.
Dust off your bike and get back on two wheels this spring. These tips will have you livin’ the bike life in no time.
Tune Up Before You Head Out
Get your bike ready to go with some easy, at-home maintenance.
Even if you ride regularly, you should always give your bike a safety check. Cyclist Phil Cable from the NEPA Velo Cycling Club gave us some tips for simple maintenance you can do at home:
- Pump up the tires to the recommended pressure.
- Squeeze and release the brakes to make sure they’re returning properly.
- Spin the wheels to make sure they’re not bent or rubbing anything.
- Put a little oil on the chain, then wipe it down to make it clean.
- Hold the front wheel between your legs and try to turn the handlebars. They might move with some force, but they shouldn’t move too easily.
You should also adjust your seat so you have a slight bend in your leg at the full extension.
“A lot of people like to ride with the seat low so they can stand over the bike seat with their feet flat to the ground, but at that point, it would be like trying to walk around in a squat all day. Your legs can get really tired,” Cable explained. “If your legs are straighter, it’s more mechanically correct so your body is more relaxed doing it.”
If you just unearthed your bike from the depths of the garage, it probably needs a little TLC. For some extra help, just call your local bike shop.
“Most of the shops offer a safety check or a basic tune-up that’s relatively inexpensive and gives you the assurance that the bike is safe for you or your family member,” said Cable.
Now Let’s Ride!
NEPA offers everything from casual family rides to rugged mountain trails.
Once your bike’s in working order, it’s time to get rolling at NEPA’s parks, roads and trails. The local rail trails are perfect for cruising along and enjoying the scenery. They’re usually flat and smooth with a gentle grade, so they’re a fun option for families and beginners.
If you’re up for more of an adventure, NEPA is home to single track mountain biking trails. The area has an awesome BMX scene too.
Road riding is a great fit if you’re all about speed and you’re ready to push your limits.
“It’s the closest thing to flying that we can do as humans on our own power,” said Cable. “It’s soaring; it’s the thrill factor of it.”
Gravel riding is also popular because it offers the speed of road riding, but allows you to travel off the beaten path on NEPA’s scenic, unpaved backroads.
If you have a competitive streak, Cable recommends using Strava as a way to stay connected with other cyclists. The app allows you to track your miles and time and see how you measure up against other people who logged the same ride.
No matter what style of cycling is your favorite, NEPA offers plenty of places to ride. Check out our list of popular biking destinations to find a trail or park near you.
The Back Mountain Trail extends from Shavertown to Luzerne, following a forested ridge above Memorial Highway. It consists of two short sections, so it’s perfect for a peaceful afternoon ride.
The Bloomsburg Rail Trail is an easy, beginner-friendly ride along Fishing Creek. This out-and-back trail is about six miles round-trip.
The D&H Rail-Trail is a 38-mile trail that stretches from Carbondale to the New York state border. You’ll pass plenty of rural scenery and historic sites along the way.
The trails flow through beautiful meadows and cool hemlock groves at this nature preserve in Dalton. The trail system connects to the Ziegler Preserve and Lackawanna State Park—all the better for exploring!
Take a short drive from the city and escape into nature at this rail trail in Hazle Township. The main segment is four miles long, so it’s a fun and easy trip for the whole family.
This historic, multi-use trail extends across Luzerne, Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wayne counties. The Scranton section is an accessible, beginner-friendly route just minutes from downtown.
This park in the Abingtons has 15 miles of trails that are open to biking. The trail systems extend beyond the park and onto several nature preserves that are nearby.
The Lehigh Gorge Trail is a 26-mile rail trail that extends from White Haven to Jim Thorpe. Between the amazing scenery and the easy grade, this ride is a must-see for all ages and skill levels.
Take a leisurely ride along the Luzerne County Levee Trail, a smooth, paved pathway along the riverbank. It consists of four different sections throughout the Greater Wilkes-Barre area.
The McDade Recreational Trail will take you on a sightseeing tour of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The trail is 31 miles total, but the convenient trailheads make it easy to break it into shorter sections.
This community park near Carbondale is perfect for cross-country mountain bikers. Explore the eight-mile trail through the forest and along the lakeshore.
Moon Lake is a popular destination for NEPA mountain bikers, and it’s easy to see why. The park near Hunlock Creek offers tons of cool single track trails that wind through the forest.
This 12.5-mile rail trail follows the river from the PPL Susquehanna Riverlands in Berwick to Canal Part in West Nanticoke. The smooth grade and easily accessible trailheads make it a great option for all ages.
This 2.8-mile trail in Clarks Summit is fun for all ages and skill levels. The boardwalks and smooth gravel pathways make for a relaxing ride.
The state park in Tunkhannock is home to flowy single track trails. Sharpen your mountain biking skills as you explore the woods and meadows.
Great minds ride a bike. Connect with other local cyclists and find cool rides and races all over NEPA. Check out groups like the NEPA Velo Cycling Club.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 5/11/2020.
