While on our drive to and from Tuscon, AZ (from eastern Pennsylvania) for the race 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo, we stopped almost daily to ride. Both for us, Joël and Jess, to stretch our legs and also to get Cliff out to run a bit. Through internet searches and recommendations of friends, we decided on various places to stop along the way. We didn't do a ton of riding at each spot, just a few miles to spin around and see the sights.
Burns ParkWhere: Little Rock, Arkansas
Ridden: February 2017
This was the first stop on our drive out to Old Pueblo. After a night sleeping in a rest stop in Tennessee we hit this city park for a quick ride to spin our legs and give Cliff a chance to run. This park was convenient, being that it was directly off the highway, just a few minutes drive from the exit.
We didn't have a park map but at each of the parking areas there were kiosks with basic trail maps. This was enough to help us figure out a little loop and short out and back to ride. As we got ready to ride we noticed the sun was shining, daffodils were blooming all around us, and it was warm enough for shorts and short-sleeve jerseys. Perfect; part of our reason for deciding to race in AZ in February was to get in some warm weather riding.The riding at Burns Park was quite enjoyable. The single track trails were rocky but not over technical; lots of baby heads and chattery rocks but nothing unrideable. Just enough to keep one on their toes and just enough to have fun. The trails undulated along what appeared to be a ridge-line next to the river, there were short climbs and descents but nothing sustained. Once again, just enough to keep one on their toes and just enough to have fun.
In talking to local riders, the 90 minute ride we did pretty much encompassed all the riding at Burns Park. There were a few little side spurs we didn't do but all in all we hit the main bulk of the trail system.
Besides the single track trails, there is an impressive BMX track there. I believe called Bonzai BMX. The track was wet so we didn't ride it. There was also a paved bike trail that attached to the park the runs throughs Little Rock.From what we saw, many of the parking areas had bathrooms and running water. Perfect for people like us on a road trip who needed somewhere to change, wash post ride, and fill our water jugs.
Gallup Trail System
Where: Gallup, New Mexico
Ridden: February 2017
Next day's ride took us to Gallup, NM. To us, this was a return trip to Gallup. We had been there before spending a few days riding the trail system there. Today was just a quick out and back on the trails just to loosen up and give Cliff some trail time.
The Gallup trails are smooth, flowy, and very much what one would expect when in the desert. They are well maintained and there are interesting features along the way. Metal work; silhouettes of animals and sun dials dot the trails. The trails are well marked; at all major trail intersections there are maps, trail signs, and trail signs with mileage are occasionally present. Cliff was also not so keen on the cattle guards, he didn't know how to get across them so Joël had to carry him.These trails are in the desert, so the only negative thing for Cliff was the lack of water. He can drink out of our water bottles but he definitely prefers to emerge himself in creeks/puddles and drink out of them. So this was a tough ride for him.
No bathrooms at the trailheads, but old Route 66 and the main interstate are closeby, so easy to find bathrooms and eating places.
Gallup is always a good ride. We have visited there numerous times and will probably go back again.Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Where: Amarillo, Texas
Ridden: February 2017
This was our ride location on the way home. It came well recommended by a friend of ours, and it did not disappoint. What a neat place!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park was built by the CCC. It contains numerous trails that are multi-use and some that are noted as hiking, biking, or equestrian use only. Each trail has unique features on it such as old cowboy dugouts, rock formations, boulder fields, and remnants of the CCC camps. There is a visitor's center with museum, numerous camping areas, and multiple day- use areas with picnic areas and bathrooms. The park has Texas Longhorn Cattle grazing in a fenced in area.We did a very short ride here, so we only experienced a small portion of the trails. What we did ride were fun and the scenery was beautiful. The trails were smooth and flowing. The terrain was dry and dusty, with prickly-pear cactus lining both sides of the trail. Not a drop of water in sight. So advice to anyone who rides here- make sure you take lots of water. We rode slow to make sure Cliff didn't over exert himself, which was just fine since we were both still tired and sore after the race.
What a neat place this was. Biking, hiking, camping- what ever reason you decide to visit Palo Duro it will be worth the visit.Mousetail Landing State Park
Where: Linden, TN
Visited: February, 2017
This was a short visit. In fact, we didn't even ride here. We stopped for lunch and a quick hike. Our legs were just not feeling a ride and we also were pressed for time. Not having to change into cycling clothes and unpack the bikes seemed much more time efficient.
The park overall is quite nice; well kept, clean, and spacious. Lots of great picnic areas, hiking and cycling trails, a large lake, and a campground. According to the map, there is about 8 to 9 miles of mountain bike trails. We only hiked the beginning 2 miles, which was gravel road, so we never actually saw the single track.
From what we read on Singletracks.com this place is worth visiting to ride. Our visit was limited, but we plan to head back in the future.