Cycling St. Louis: The Complete Guide to St. Louis Area Road Rides, Bike Paths, Mountain Biking Trails and Other Two-Wheel Getaways (Show Me Series) - Softcover

Margo Carroll

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1891708112 ISBN 13: 9781891708114

Publisher: Pebble Pub, 2002

Synopsis

CYCLING ST. LOUIS

There has never been a better time to explore St. Louis by bike.

With many new greenway projects, trails and park paths developed in recent years, now is a great time to rediscover St. Louis.

CYCLING ST. LOUIS includes bike routes, paved park paths, road routes and mountain biking trails for every skill level-from weekend saunterers to competitive road cyclists.

This is not only a comprehensive guide for "cyclists," but also for those who may need to dust off their bike and air up the tires to explore the wonderful parks, historic areas, and off-the-beaten path communities in and around St. Louis.

Included are a before-the-ride checklist, ride descriptions of more than 40 cycling routes, along with things to see, possible hazards, approximate pedaling times, and skill-level ratings.

About this title

About the Author

Margo Carroll has been a photographer for as long as she can remember. She says what drives her is the enjoyment she gets sharing what she sees with others.

Margo has raced bikes since she was 14, including BMX, road and mountain bikes—and has been ranked number 2 nationally.

"I enjoy mostly just riding, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Mountain biking is such a wonderful experience, it can take you places you will never see in a car. I enjoy riding in all the different seasons and enjoying the wildflowers or the quiet crispness of a winter day," Margo said.

Margo was also one of the founders of the Midwest Mountain Bike Club, back in the 1980s This group was the first of its kind in this area and was instrumental in establishing mountain biking relationships with area land managers, and bringing people together. The Club also promoted a 12-race series each year and the State Championships for several years.

Margo founded and is very involved with the Women’s Riding Network, a group of women who cycle in the St. Louis area. She is also a sales representative at Riteway Products, a division of GT. Her photography is featured in Brett Dufur’s book Show Me Mountain Biking, including the cover. Cycling St. Louis is her first book.

Throughout her work and play, her goal remains the same. "I enjoy sharing the great joys of cycling with others. As Ghandi said, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world.’ "

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

FOREST PARK

Starting Point: Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri.

Directions to Starting Point: Interstate 64 to Kingshighway north. Make left hand turn into park. There are also entrances to the park off Hampton, Lindell and Skinker. There are several parking lots located around the park including lots by the Muny, Steinberg Rink, the History Museum and at the Art Museum.

Approximate Pedaling Time: 45 minutes to 1½ hour.

Distance: 8.5 miles. (Outer loop 7 miles, Inner loop 1.5 miles).

Ride Description: Paved multi-use path with some hills. This path circles around the large historic park, and has a second smaller inner loop.

Things to See: Forest Park is one of America s largest city parks. The park was purchased for $850,000, and was dedicated in 1876. In 1900 a large portion of the park was cleared in preparation for the 1904 World s Fair. Of the original 1,576 buildings that were constructed for the fair, the ones remaining today are the Art Museum, the Grand Basin, the Bird Cage and a few buildings at Washington University. In 1911, the U.S. National Championships bicycle race was held in the park. Many more races have been held in the park, including one that went all the way out to Labadie, Missouri. In the 1800s, so many bicyclists frequented the park, that walkers called them "road hogs."

Things to see include the Jewel Box, a wonderful glass building housing plants and seasonal displays; the World s Fair Pavilion, the Art Museum and the History Museum in the Jefferson Memorial. The St. Louis Zoo and the Science Center with the Planetarium are great places to take the kids. Enjoy scenic lake views and wildlife in the park.

Hazards: Bicyclists, walkers, runners and rollerbladers share this trail. It gets very busy.

Additional Thoughts: Drinking water and restrooms are available throughout the park. This is the premiere park in St. Louis and a major tourist attraction. The paved path is an extremely popular place on nice days a good place for the whole family. Some of the hills may be a bit of a challenge for younger children. Take a picnic lunch for a day-long adventure. There may be an admission fee to some of the park attractions.

Contact Info: City of St. Louis Parks Recreation and Forestry, 5600 Clayton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110. (314) 289-5300.

Terrain: Mostly flat with a big hill at the Planetarium and another hill along Skinker.

Rating: Moderate.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pebble Pub
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1891708112
• ISBN 13: 9781891708114
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Bob Bliss
• Number of pages: 192