Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been an explosion in cycling in America. Cycle trails have been 50% busier and the amount of people out on the road has doubled. It’s not just those clad in Lycra out cycling though; it’s people that are new to riding a bike, discovering not only a great form of exercise but also an eco-friendly way to get around.
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With lockdown now easing, it is the perfect time to organize some cycling trips to see some of the best geeky attractions in Alabama. Huntsville is the perfect place for a road trip on your bike, there has been a massive investment in the cycle trails and greenways over the last few years, making cycling easy, even in the city, there are 160 miles of bikeway facilities and 39 different bike routes.
What do I need to take?
If you’re going on a road trip for a day, then make sure that you are on a good quality road bike. Make sure that your bike is fairly lightweight — the average bike weighs about 18 pounds. If the bike is too heavy, it will make your road trip seem like incredibly hard work. Make sure that you are carrying with you a puncture repair kit, water bottle and preferably a spare innertube. In your saddlebag luggage or backpack take spare clothes and snacks. There are some great takeaways and cafes on route that you can pick up something to eat.
Stop at the arcade
The first stop to visit for any geek on your trip should be Rocket City Arcade. You can easily stash your bike at the University Place Shopping Center lockers, leaving you free to enjoy an hour of classic gaming. There are over 40 classic machines, including Street Fighter II and Donkey Kong. There are even some pinball machines for you to try your hand at. The best thing about Rocket City Arcade is that it doesn’t cost a fortune. You don’t pay to use the machines, just for admission, which is a maximum of $12.95 bucks for the whole day of gaming.
Head to outerspace
There are cycle trails that take you from the city center right to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. It’s open every day except Monday, when it’s closed for cleaning. At the center, you can see many of the incredible relics that have been collected from American trips into space. It is also home to to the best thing for kids: Space Camp. At the Rocket Center, make sure that you visit the incredible planetarium and don’t forget to try out (before you’ve had lunch) the G-Force Accelerator.
A quick bite to eat
Just on the trail near the Space and Rocket Center is Gold Sprint. This bicycle shop and cafe is a great place to pick up supplies on your geeky tour of Huntsville. They have their own brand of coffee and a changing menu that is packed with seasonal food. Gold Sprint is also extremely popular with cyclists who are enjoying the trails, and it is a great place to meet new people and find out about the city routes.
Be at one with nature
On your cycling trip, make sure that you visit one of Huntsville’s many nature preserves. There is an extensive network of trails and greenways linking these, specifically for hikers and bikers. The Wade Mountain Land Trust areas are beautiful and you can roll from there right through Aldridge Creek Greenway as far as Ditto Landing. On an extended trip, you can then cycle along the side of the Tennessee River.
Huntsville is a great place to visit on your bike. The city is set up perfectly with safe cycle routes that will take you to all the major attractions.
Categories: Local Scenes Stuff
