BYU NewsNet - Fall Into Cycling

Mountain biking season, which runs from March to October, keeps employees at BYU's Outdoors Unlimited busy renting, returning and repairing bikes.

Although mountain biking season is on its way out the door, the fall leaves have beckoned students out of their apartments to enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. And just because regular season ends in October, that doesn't mean biking stops altogether.

"Anything after October is pretty insane, which is good," said Steve Sears, a sophomore from Boston majoring in accounting. Sears has worked at Outdoors Unlimited for a year.

Sears doesn't just rent mountain bikes; he is also an avid biker himself, a trait he picked up from his biking family.

When bikes are returned to Outdoors Unlimited, they receive a full inspection and full repairs so that when it is rented out to the next rider it is mechanically safe and sound.

Aston Ward, a junior from North Carolina majoring in communications, has worked at Outdoors Unlimited since April and says the most common place students go mountain biking is up Provo Canyon. Outdoors Unlimited has seventeen bikes available for rent, and during the summer months they require advance reservations, at least on the weekends.

Students can visit provo.activetrails.com to locate local mountain biking trails, printable guides, 3D trail views and GPS data all for free.

Local trails experts suggest for fall colors include Mt. Nebo Loop, Alpine Loop and Provo River trails.

Those beginners looking for an easy ride can take the Provo River Trail. It begins at the mouth of Provo Canyon, or can be accessed from the north edge of BYU Campus by the Wyview housing complex. The ride, which goes about 9 miles from this point to Vivian Park is a smooth gentle climb and follows the Provo River. Veering south at South Fork, enthusiasts can take the trail that leads steeply for about 2 miles to South Fork Park.

The Alpine Loop is more for an intermediate and has a more strenuous vertical. This ride can begin at the parking lot at the entrance to the Loop. It goes vertical straight from there, but levels off. While at the top of the loop make sure to check out Cascade Springs, it's a short drop, but worth the ride. This is about an 11 mile ride.

The Nebo Loop Scenic Highway has strong vertical climb and should be considered for expert bikers. The Lower Pipeline trail is about 2 miles and has varied levels for all abilities. It starts at the beginning of the highway at the mouth of the canyon in a dirt parking lot. Further along the highway, Bennie Creek Trail, about 3.5 miles one way, provides another great trail without going over the top. Also, on top, the Black Hawk Trail, used by both bikers, hikers and equestrian enthusiasts, is varied ride and goes around the Payson Lakes Park area.

"The Nebo Loop is an excellent ride," said Robbie Preece, avid biker and bike and rental technician.

Preece said there are numerous riding groups and organized rides in the spring and fall that allow avid bikers the opportunity to get outdoors. Sundance organized the Ranatad (Ride Around Nebo And Timp in A Day) which featured more than 10,000 feet of climbing.

"People drive from all around the state to ride in Utah Valley," Preece said. "The Tour of Utah, the first stage of the statewide race, kicked off with a ride around Utah Lake."

The ride around the lake is about 100 miles and should be strongly considered by expert riders even though the terrain in even and smooth.

The employees at Outdoors Unlimited all stressed the importance of safety and being wise about cycling.

"Always let someone know where you are going," Preece said. "Proper training, equipment and scouting out the ride before hand is important. Be aware of the elements - being caught in the rain (or snow) can only cause a miserable and unsafe ride."

Because safety is a must, bike rental includes a free helmet comes with each. Outdoors Unlimited is having a used biking sale starting Thursday. All used bicycles - valued at more than $600 - will be $450, and everything else is 15 percent off.