I need to live near scenic, cycling safe, rural roads and bike paths.
05-22-18, 07:23 PM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: midwest
Posts: 2,528
Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 482 Post(s)
Liked 151 Times
in
105 Posts
I used the North Branch Bike Path in Cook County which starts on the north side of Chicago and made access to the North Shore suburbs moderately safe. The Lake Front bike path is very scenic, but severely overpopulated with pedestrians on the weekends. I also got into gravel bike cycling and started using the Des Plaines River Trail about 8 years ago. So cycling in Chicago was possible, but urban cycling is always more hazardous and stressful than empty farm roads.
). Yeah, still have to cross busy roads every once and awhile.But far enough west, still have these paths and rural country roads aren't that far away.
I will eventually retire to Rural Ohio, where there are country roads and a large network of paved bike paths. Different kind of danger there because of poor economy and Heroin/Meth drug problems.
Last edited by GeneO; 05-22-18 at 07:26 PM.
05-25-18, 06:25 AM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 81
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Pack up the bike, get on the Dan Ryan Expressway, go east. Head towards I-65 south, and shoot down to I-70. Go east to the Dayton, Ohio area. We have the largest paved, off-road Rails-to-Trails system in the nation. Ohio-to-Erie and points in-between. Just over 5 hours from Chi Town. Moved here from Blues Brothers town 30 years ago. We run a small boutique hotel right on the trail.
Ohio To Erie Trail
Ohio To Erie Trail
05-25-18, 09:47 AM
#28
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Pack up the bike, get on the Dan Ryan Expressway, go east. Head towards I-65 south, and shoot down to I-70. Go east to the Dayton, Ohio area. We have the largest paved, off-road Rails-to-Trails system in the nation. Ohio-to-Erie and points in-between. Just over 5 hours from Chi Town. Moved here from Blues Brothers town 30 years ago. We run a small boutique hotel right on the trail.
Ohio To Erie Trail
Ohio To Erie Trail
Edwardsville Illinois has some of the best cycling infrastructure I've ever seen. A local light rail network was converted to paved and crushed limestone trials. With more than 150 miles of trails that are set in park like surroundings and rarely must cross busy streets, the riding is superlative. See: https://www.mcttrails.org/map.aspx
Last edited by Barrettscv; 05-25-18 at 11:52 AM.
05-25-18, 12:10 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 1,851
Bikes: Lemond '01 Maillot Jaune, Lemond '02 Victoire, Lemond '03 Poprad, Lemond '03 Wayzata DB conv(Poprad), '79 AcerMex Windsor Carrera Professional(pur new), '88 GT Tequesta(pur new), '01 Bianchi Grizzly, 1993 Trek 970 DB conv, Trek 8900 DB conv
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 759 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 809 Times
in
471 Posts
I would love to be in Madison. I've done the Dairyland Dare several times and the Horribly Hilly. The local culture is also more vibrant than most Midwestern communities with the University and State Capital. However, I really need to be within a 90 minute drive to O'Hare, so Madison is too far west. I'm house hunting in an general area between Racine and Lake Geneva. Local cycling there is almost as good as the Madison area.
If you have questions on the area, shoot me a PM..
05-26-18, 04:52 AM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
I need to live near scenic, cycling safe, rural roads and bike paths.
I have had a similar midwestern life experience:
I spent most of my life living in highly populated neighborhoods in or near Chicago. Seven months out of the year I could cram four or five thousand miles of riding in, if I was willing to endure the elements and budget the time.
Four years ago I relocated to a college town near St. Louis. While the quantity of my cycling didn't increase, the quality improved by an enormous amount. A huge bike trail systems allows me to avoid traffic anytime I want. Hundreds of miles of quiet rural roads allow me to enjoy a huge range of bucolic scenery without needing to use a car to transport the bike. It's been cycling heaven.
A recent career decision requires me to live somewhere near Chicago and Milwaukee again. Initially, I started searching for a home close to the city limits of these two cities.
But I can't go back to dangerous traffic and a serious lack of cycling infrastructure. I think I've found a town between Chicago and Milwaukee that is rural and remote enough that local riding is reasonable safe and pleasant.
Four years ago I relocated to a college town near St. Louis. While the quantity of my cycling didn't increase, the quality improved by an enormous amount. A huge bike trail systems allows me to avoid traffic anytime I want. Hundreds of miles of quiet rural roads allow me to enjoy a huge range of bucolic scenery without needing to use a car to transport the bike. It's been cycling heaven.
A recent career decision requires me to live somewhere near Chicago and Milwaukee again. Initially, I started searching for a home close to the city limits of these two cities.
But I can't go back to dangerous traffic and a serious lack of cycling infrastructure. I think I've found a town between Chicago and Milwaukee that is rural and remote enough that local riding is reasonable safe and pleasant.
…Back in the 60’s in the Motor City, I had an “English Racer,’ and longed to tour at about age 14, but then joined the car culture. In Ann Arbor MI in the 70’s I really realized the utility of bicycles for commuting, and began touring on a five-speed Schwinn Suburban, but soon bought a Mercier as did my girlfriend, later my wife. We toured in Michigan and Ontario.
In 1977 we moved to Boston on our bikes, as a bicycling honeymoon from Los Angeles to Washington, DC and then took the train up to Boston…[however]
In 1977 we moved to Boston on our bikes, as a bicycling honeymoon from Los Angeles to Washington, DC and then took the train up to Boston…[however]
…And I cycle a nice distance of at least 14 miles through one of America’s most charming, interesting, and historic metropolises on residential and light commercial roads (and partially on a bikepath in a park) in the reverse commuter direction early in the morning, during all four (pleasant to tolerable) seasons.
For training purposes, I can expand my routes to encompass popular high-level cycling outer suburbs……
For training purposes, I can expand my routes to encompass popular high-level cycling outer suburbs……
My experience is that people drive differently in every city and treat cyclists very differently. The best advice often comes from cyclists that live the closest to you …
The exception here would also be Jim from Boston--anyone that can successfully commute around Boston has my full respect and probably knows how to deal with about every intersection imaginable!
The exception here would also be Jim from Boston--anyone that can successfully commute around Boston has my full respect and probably knows how to deal with about every intersection imaginable!
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 05-26-18 at 07:04 AM. Reason: added second quote by Barrettscv
05-26-18, 06:44 AM
#31
Member
If you are still looking near the Chicago area, the eastern portion of DuPage County has the Salt Creek Trail system that runs from the northern boundary of DuPage south and connects with the Great Western Trail and Illinois Prairie Path. About 90% of the Salt Creek Trail is MUP. Towns like Itasca, Wood Dale, Addison and Villa Park offer great access.
05-27-18, 05:35 PM
#32
Dirt Bomb
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,862
Mentioned: 64 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5458 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
239 Posts
I'm on the very outer edge of the Madison County Trail system. You would have a hard time finding a better town than Edwardsville for bike riding. Car traffic there sucks, however. That place grew too fast and the roads aren't laid out well for the amount of traffic they have.
Ever been to the Wildey? I saw a good hypnosis show there recently.
Ever been to the Wildey? I saw a good hypnosis show there recently.
__________________
05-27-18, 06:17 PM
#33
Senior member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 8,115
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 942 Post(s)
Liked 656 Times
in
370 Posts
I spent most of my life living in highly populated neighborhoods in or near Chicago. Seven months out of the year I could cram four or five thousand miles of riding in, if I was willing to endure the elements and budget the time. Four years ago I relocated to a college town near St. Louis. While the quantity of my cycling didn't increase, the quality improved by an enormous amount. A huge bike trail systems allows me to avoid traffic anytime I want. Hundreds of miles of quiet rural roads allow me to enjoy a huge range of bucolic scenery without needing to use a car to transport the bike. It's been cycling heaven.
A recent career decision requires me to live somewhere near Chicago and Milwaukee again. Initially, I started searching for a home close to the city limits of these two cities.
But I can't go back to dangerous traffic and a serious lack of cycling infrastructure. I think I've found a town between Chicago and Milwaukee that is rural and remote enough that local riding is reasonable safe and pleasant.
A recent career decision requires me to live somewhere near Chicago and Milwaukee again. Initially, I started searching for a home close to the city limits of these two cities.
But I can't go back to dangerous traffic and a serious lack of cycling infrastructure. I think I've found a town between Chicago and Milwaukee that is rural and remote enough that local riding is reasonable safe and pleasant.
However, Wisconsin has great cycling infrastructure and bike friendly backroads, so hopefully you can land in a good spot.
When I was on the road,I found lots of great spots all over the state to ride.
Even in the middle of the greater Chicago area, I found a safe, enjoyable spot to ride. Lets just say, I never did find any hills in Hickory Hills.
05-28-18, 02:32 PM
#34
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Wherever you go, it will be tough to beat the trails and back roads around Madison County. I greatly enjoyed the rides I got to share with you both there, and in the Chicago area years ago.
However, Wisconsin has great cycling infrastructure and bike friendly backroads, so hopefully you can land in a good spot.
When I was on the road,I found lots of great spots all over the state to ride.
Even in the middle of the greater Chicago area, I found a safe, enjoyable spot to ride. Lets just say, I never did find any hills in Hickory Hills.
However, Wisconsin has great cycling infrastructure and bike friendly backroads, so hopefully you can land in a good spot.
When I was on the road,I found lots of great spots all over the state to ride.
Even in the middle of the greater Chicago area, I found a safe, enjoyable spot to ride. Lets just say, I never did find any hills in Hickory Hills.
I enjoyed cycling with you in Illinois.
05-28-18, 02:40 PM
#35
Senior member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 8,115
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 942 Post(s)
Liked 656 Times
in
370 Posts
Hi Dan, Yes the cycling and mild climate make Madison county the best place for cycling in Illinois. Cycling in Chicago is doable for me if I live close to The North Branch Bike Path. I also enjoy The Des Plaines River Trail for easier gravel bike cycling, this trail can help a cyclist travel all the way from Chicago to the Wisconsin border without any vehicular traffic enroute.
I enjoyed cycling with you in Illinois.
I enjoyed cycling with you in Illinois.
05-31-18, 07:19 PM
#36
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
You'll find the areas in Southern Kettle Moraine, around LaGrange (corner of Hwy 12 and Cty H, n-east of Whitewater, west of East Troy) to be VERY nice road riding. There's lots of paved MUP-trails throughout the Milwaukee region (Oak Leaf system, connects to the Interurban Trail that ends up by Sheybogan..did 60 miles a couple days ago on this one, The Glacial Drumlin runs between Waukesha and Madison..can be accessed from the Milw-Oak Leaf Trail). There's a nice paved trail-route between Racine and Illinois Beach State Park..will be riding that this weekend. Great road riding around New Glarus. Lots of options.. If you open up to the rest of the state..many..many more options.
If you have questions on the area, shoot me a PM..
If you have questions on the area, shoot me a PM..
We just got the news. We have an accepted offer on a ranch about a half mile from Elm Park in Lake Geneva. I had a Macchiato at the Avant Bicycle & Cafe this morning. I noticed the have an Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra hanging above the door. I might fit in here.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 05-31-18 at 07:52 PM.
I'll bet the cycling will be great there.
05-31-18, 07:55 PM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,893
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1062 Post(s)
Liked 665 Times
in
421 Posts
There's a lot of pretty country in there. Parts of it could get traffic-y when tourist season gets going -- anything within driving distance from Chicago gets a lot of people. But I'm sure you'll find the less-traveled back roads and bike paths.
06-01-18, 06:20 AM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 1,851
Bikes: Lemond '01 Maillot Jaune, Lemond '02 Victoire, Lemond '03 Poprad, Lemond '03 Wayzata DB conv(Poprad), '79 AcerMex Windsor Carrera Professional(pur new), '88 GT Tequesta(pur new), '01 Bianchi Grizzly, 1993 Trek 970 DB conv, Trek 8900 DB conv
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 759 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 809 Times
in
471 Posts
Congrats..nice area. Lake Geneva is a good town. You'll like Snake Road. Yes..a tourist haven in the summer, but not like the Dells(cough). Did a 46 miler around the Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Delavan area a few weeks ago. Shoot me a PM when you hit town..maybe I can point you to some good routes.
06-01-18, 06:30 AM
#40
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Congrats..nice area. Lake Geneva is a good town. You'll like Snake Road. Yes..a tourist haven in the summer, but not like the Dells(cough). Did a 46 miler around the Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Delavan area a few weeks ago. Shoot me a PM when you hit town..maybe I can point you to some good routes.
06-01-18, 06:43 AM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 1,851
Bikes: Lemond '01 Maillot Jaune, Lemond '02 Victoire, Lemond '03 Poprad, Lemond '03 Wayzata DB conv(Poprad), '79 AcerMex Windsor Carrera Professional(pur new), '88 GT Tequesta(pur new), '01 Bianchi Grizzly, 1993 Trek 970 DB conv, Trek 8900 DB conv
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 759 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 809 Times
in
471 Posts
I think this was done in conjunction with the Wisconsin Bike Federation. Combine this series of traffic-density maps with Ride With GPS planning..great combo.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation County bicycle maps
06-01-18, 07:53 AM
#42
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Cool. In the mean time..the link below..a nice perk from our tax dollars at work (as opposed to those locales (BTDT) that say.."we have low taxes!.."..sadly, that's all they got.) Wisconsin is a nice place to live.
I think this was done in conjunction with the Wisconsin Bike Federation. Combine this series of traffic-density maps with Ride With GPS planning..great combo.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation County bicycle maps
I think this was done in conjunction with the Wisconsin Bike Federation. Combine this series of traffic-density maps with Ride With GPS planning..great combo.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation County bicycle maps
06-01-18, 08:27 AM
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 1,851
Bikes: Lemond '01 Maillot Jaune, Lemond '02 Victoire, Lemond '03 Poprad, Lemond '03 Wayzata DB conv(Poprad), '79 AcerMex Windsor Carrera Professional(pur new), '88 GT Tequesta(pur new), '01 Bianchi Grizzly, 1993 Trek 970 DB conv, Trek 8900 DB conv
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 759 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 809 Times
in
471 Posts
Thanks' About 10-14 years ago Waterford Precision Cycles held some well attended group rides. I remember one particularly well. The route started in Waterford, went around Lake Geneva and returned to Waterford. 95% of the route were either rustic roads or wide paved highways with a generous paved shoulder. I'm looking forward to some of the hills near Alpine Valley.
Lots of community-sponsored rides also. A number of us are doing the Ft. Atkinson Tour de Fort Metric Century. https://www.travelwisconsin.com/even...century-104409
FLAT route..but nice scenery and well run, so I'm told.
06-02-18, 05:26 PM
#44
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Waterford still does rides I think. Bike Doctor does also: https://www.bikedr.com/
Lots of community-sponsored rides also. A number of us are doing the Ft. Atkinson Tour de Fort Metric Century. https://www.travelwisconsin.com/even...century-104409
FLAT route..but nice scenery and well run, so I'm told.
Lots of community-sponsored rides also. A number of us are doing the Ft. Atkinson Tour de Fort Metric Century. https://www.travelwisconsin.com/even...century-104409
FLAT route..but nice scenery and well run, so I'm told.
06-03-18, 05:50 AM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 1,851
Bikes: Lemond '01 Maillot Jaune, Lemond '02 Victoire, Lemond '03 Poprad, Lemond '03 Wayzata DB conv(Poprad), '79 AcerMex Windsor Carrera Professional(pur new), '88 GT Tequesta(pur new), '01 Bianchi Grizzly, 1993 Trek 970 DB conv, Trek 8900 DB conv
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 759 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 809 Times
in
471 Posts
06-12-18, 11:39 AM
#46
dollar-store reject
06-12-18, 12:19 PM
#47
dollar-store reject
SW Lower Michigan is getting there.. still a little ways to go.. KRVT runs from Galesburg, through downtown Kalamazoo then up to D Ave through the Nature Center.. 24-ish miles.. construction this summer on a spur across downtown to connect to KalHaven Trailway, 34-ish miles Kalamazoo to South Haven add the 10 out to Galesburg, 44 miles one-way.. next year, the KRVT leg continues across Greater Metropolitan Galesburg to Ft. Custer State Rec Area, 14 miles of trails in a couple loops.. plans also to extend it across downtown Battle Creek to Marshall.. an extension 42 mile leg is planned to join Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. another five, six years, maybe ten.. another spur will connect to Portage Creek Trailway, that has I think 15 miles When completed, we're really gonna have something. And a lot if it has been crowdfunded
Hope I'm still riding at age 66..
Hope I'm still riding at age 66..
Last edited by JLDickmon; 06-21-18 at 10:23 PM.
06-12-18, 12:22 PM
#48
dollar-store reject
one of the popular events on the KVRT is the "Bell's Beer Ride"
Start at Bell's Eccentric Cafe, ride the 16 miles out to the production facility, take a tour, then ride back and tip suds and eat the best damn cheesefries you've ever had..
Start at Bell's Eccentric Cafe, ride the 16 miles out to the production facility, take a tour, then ride back and tip suds and eat the best damn cheesefries you've ever had..
06-19-18, 11:40 AM
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Land of Cheese
Posts: 1,078
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 111 Post(s)
Liked 213 Times
in
105 Posts
White River State Trail. Mid-point with trail parking is in Springfield, just north of Lake Geneva.
Easy-peasy crushed limestone rail trail with a gradual rise from east to west, 11 miles one way.
Requires a trail pass from the DNR.
Easy-peasy crushed limestone rail trail with a gradual rise from east to west, 11 miles one way.
Requires a trail pass from the DNR.
06-23-18, 06:58 AM
#50
Third World Layabout
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Costa Rica
Posts: 3,136
Bikes: Cannondale F900 and Tandem
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 397 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 32 Times
in
22 Posts
I been living in Costa Rica for the last nearly 14 years - and it has just been getting better and better for riding. The biggest city now has dedicated bike paths - and it is enforced. Big fine for violation. In our little two horse town (literally, people ride horses into town) there are bike paths, all together 7 kilometers. The weather is roughly the same year round (low 80 F). There is lots of great riding on Sundays, the roads are just about deserted of cars, but more than a few cyclist.
We don't live in a tourist area - but in La Fortuna they are creating 70 kilometers of bike paths for tourist and the locals. Instead on making roads bigger - they are adding dedicated bike routes.
Now, if they would just learn what a switchback was, it would be heaven for cycling.. (oh, and you can pick tropical fruit from trees on the road, year round!) I have driven, and cycled roads so steep you thought the car was going to flip over backwards.
We don't live in a tourist area - but in La Fortuna they are creating 70 kilometers of bike paths for tourist and the locals. Instead on making roads bigger - they are adding dedicated bike routes.
Now, if they would just learn what a switchback was, it would be heaven for cycling.. (oh, and you can pick tropical fruit from trees on the road, year round!) I have driven, and cycled roads so steep you thought the car was going to flip over backwards.