Biking trails for all levels of skill

RIDE ALONG

Between jobs, kids, pets and school matters, it’s important to remember to re-charge your batteries every once and a while. Fortunately, we are now at the beginning of a season that makes being outside more pleasant.

(Note: A few of the scientificallybacked health benefits of being outside include receiving vitamin D to maintain your immune system; preventing computer vision syndrome (CVS) on your eyeballs; improving sleep; and quite possibly the largest benefit, boosting your serotonin levels.)

The fall season is also a great time to pull out the winter wardrobe, including exercise garb, in anticipation of the upcoming holiday feasts.

Considering these few points – re-charging, cooler weather and upcoming calories – it might be a good (and fun) idea to plan some weekend cycling getaways.

Hot Springs, Ark. (192 miles from Shreveport-Bossier) Hot Springs is home to history, bathhouses (one’s now a brewery!), and spas. It’s also home to several mountain biking trails for cyclists of all levels, with the top five options including: the Ouachita National Recreation Trail (108 miles/ Intermediate to Advanced); Womble Trail (33 miles/Intermediate); Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (“LOVIT” 45 miles/Intermediate); Cedar Glades Trail (10 miles/Beginner to Intermediate) and Iron Mountain Trail (21.5 miles/Beginner to Intermediate).

Cyclists who have completed some of these trails are privy to the natural rock formations and scenic stops to experience along the way. Learn more about these bike trails at bikehotsprings.com.

Kisatchie National Forest, La. (Roughly 144 miles from Shreveport- Bossier in the Alexandria and Leesville areas).

This national forest provides several options for cyclists – both mountain and road – at various distances and levels. Enjoy mountain biking at the Kisatchie Bayou Day-Use Area, Lotus Camp, and Sandstone Multi-Use Trail.

Road cyclists can explore Cane Camp, Caroline Dormon Trail, Corral Camp, and Kisatchie Bayou Campground.

I’d personally recommend the Caroline Dorman Trail. It’s a 10.5- mile trail for horseback, hiking or biking, and it’s not a loop! You will begin your trek at Longleaf Scenic Byway and end up at the Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Complex.

Search “Kisatchie National Forest” on the U.S. Forest Service Web site (www.fs.fed.us) to find the best trail for your family. Be sure to check the hours of operation for the trail, as well as restrictions or prices. You’ll find directions to each one through the website, too.

Jefferson, Texas (55 miles from Shreveport-Bossier) I’ve known folks who cycle from Shreveport to Jefferson, including Jonathan Toups of Shreveport. In October 2014, he and two friends rode to Jefferson and back to Shreveport. Toups has made the same ride four times since.

“The riding [to and in Jefferson] is good – pretty quiet roads, lots of hills, and good scenery,” said Toups. “The downside is the roads are all chipseal. That gets tiresome.”

(Second note: Chipseal is a type of pavement surface.)

While I’ve never done this myself, I will be taking my bike to Jefferson over the Thanksgiving holiday. My parents and I plan to explore the historic town on bikes between meals at the Carriage House.

Wherever you choose to go – within city limits or outside – throw on the bike rack, pack a picnic, and remember to bring lots of water. Enjoy life on two wheels!

Karen E. Wissing works in Shreveport-Bossier City and loves her community.

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