Looking for a new adventure on your bike? Consider these recommendations by local bike shop staff:
Latah Trail -- The paved bike path from Moscow to Troy is rated easy to moderate and is ideal for beginning riders. It’s off the road but easy to access because it runs next to Highway 8. The trail begins at a parking lot east of Moscow off the highway near Lenville Road and runs 11 miles to Troy. The trail can be accessed further east on Highway 8 for a shorter ride or begun on the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail in Pullman for a longer ride.
-- recommended by T. Jay Clevenger, owner Paradise Creek Bicycles, Moscow
Albion Loop -- This is a common route used by the Washington State University Cycling Club and makes a good “beginning long route” because it takes an hour or two and involves a couple big hills. The route begins in Pullman and follows Highway 194 towards Almota off Highway 195. It turns right onto Hamilton Hill Road, until the route crosses Highway 195 and turns into Albion Road. After passing Albion, the route follows Pullman Albion Road to Highway 27 and then returns back to Pullman. Variations include out-and-back rides to Almota or Wawawai County Park.
-- recommended by Joe Maloney, service manager at B&L Bicycles, Pullman
Lenville Loop -- Riders interested in a country road variation of the Latah Trail, can take a right on Lenville Road off of Highway 8 just east of Moscow, then loop back to the Latah Trail by turning left onto Genesee-Troy Road or Spence Road. Or riders can see where their curiosity takes them. “You can get lost for hours and hours in the best possible way,” Maloney said.
-- recommended by Joe Maloney, service manager at B&L Bicycles, Pullman
The ABC’s of hassle-free biking
If your bike has taken the past few months off, you’ll want to do a quick check before you head out. For optimal spring ride safety and enjoyment, T. Jay Clevenger, owner of Paradise Creek in Moscow, offered this ABC reminder:
A - Air Pressure. Make sure your tires are properly inflated or you’ll soon end up with a flat. “Tires are like balloons,” Clevenger said; they lose one pound of pressure every two to three days. If you can press down on the tire at all, it likely means the tire has about 20 pounds of pressure or less, and 65 pounds of pressure is recommended for most tires.
B - Brakes. Give your brakes a squeeze before you ride. If you can press all the way down, Clevenger said, you probably need to get them adjusted. Also check to make sure they’re not rubbing on the wheels.
C - Chain. Clean and lube your chain to keep things moving smoothly. If your gears don’t shift well or wheels don’t crank freely, you’re not going to have an enjoyable ride. Some bike shops offer free air and lube, Clevenger said, including Paradise Creek Bicycles.
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