Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/499758
78 IDAHO FALLS MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2015 Outdoors by Gregg Losinski Let me start with a disclaimer. When it comes to outdoor recreation, I am pretty much a generalist. I like to do many things, but I am not an expert in any. One thing for certain is that I am not a "bike" person. I own a mountain bike that is many genera- tions past being current, and I don't own a single pair of spiffy lycra shorts with the padded crotch. I do own a biking helmet out of self-preservation, although for many years I wore an all-purpose climbing, biking and kayaking helmet. The point is, I like riding bikes, but I am not a fanatic. When it comes to biking opportunities, Idaho Falls has lots to offer for both the beginner and the serious biker alike. From a utilitarian standpoint, Idaho Falls has come a long way towards being a bike-friendly town. Lately, just about every major road project has included bike lanes, so whether the 1J folks want to acknowledge it or not, you have a right to be on the street. For those with the desire for a little off-road action while still in town, the canal banks offer many short-cuts to get around. Just make sure your tires have plenty of Goop in them, and you watch out for all the lovely presents our canine friends leave behind. For sheer in-town riding pleasure, it is now possible to bike all the way from our bedroom community of Ammon to the Greenbelt along a wide paved path that runs parallel to Sunnyside. Once you hit the Greenbelt, you can ride as much as you want with plenty of options for snacks or dining along the way. For those of you with a hankering to re-create an Andy Griffith moment, it is easy to grab your fishing pole and pedal to Becker Pond at Ryder Park and catch a few trout and maybe even a catfish. For the hardcore road bikers, Idaho Falls is a great starting point. You can ride in all directions for hundreds of miles on nicely paved roads. The only thing you need to be careful of is not getting caught in the Daytona 500 of site workers when shifts change. Also, it is best to avoid being on the roads during spud harvest. If the trucks don't get you, the errant flying tubers will. For mountain bikers, there are endless possibilities for riding on BLM and Forest Service trails located just minutes away. For those seeking a little structure to the moun- tain biking experience there is Harriman State Park. It is just an hour up the road and has excellent, well-signed trails which are perfect for a family outing. Now with the growing popularity of the new fat tire bikes, you can also ride the trails at Harriman in the winter too! While Idaho Falls might not be as bike friendly as Boulder or Portland we are get- ting better. While I'm glad Bill's Bike Shop is an anchor business for the new revitaliza- tion occurring along the Snake River, it was a sad day for me when they closed their old shop at the end of my block. It was just a cool thing to have there. It made me feel like I lived in a hip place. Whether for fun, health, or environmen- tal concern, bikes are a great recreational option. So in the words of that famous refrain from a Queen song of time long past, "Get on your bikes and ride!" Get on Your Bikes and ! IF