The Western Canal, one of the original eight canals constructed between 1870 and 1913 to bring water from the Salt River to the initial agricultural areas across the southern half of the Valley, runs 13.6 miles between Phoenix and Gilbert.Now, thanks to renovation efforts by the cities of Tempe, Chandler…

During the summer, Phoenix cyclists have to be a little more creative with their riding hours and levels of exertion. What better way to escape the heat than pedaling from winery to winery among the rolling hills just northwest of Santa Barbara? That’s right, a quick eight hour roadie will…

June is upon us and the Valley’s tarmac and trails are starting to bake. While these early summer mornings have remained nice so far, there is no question that the prime cycling hours are dwindling.With less than a month left before the 24/7-onslaught of Tour de France coverage, it’s time…

In their annual Bicycle Friendly States rankings released last week, the League of American Bicyclists placed Arizona 16th in the nation — a definite drop from the No. 9 spot it held in last year’s rankings.Compared to where Arizona falls in other national rankings, 16 is not a horrible spot…

For anyone who is a fan of cycling or just likes to ride a bike, getting to a pro race should be a top priority. The sights, sounds, sensations and access of the pro tour allow fans to get right into action, and best of all there’s no ticket price.Unfortunately,…

Races are the best time to measure yourself up against others and get a real sense of your fitness and cycling abilities, but with the Arizona road racing season all but over (even though the rest of the world is really just getting going), where else can local cyclists going…

Bike helmets are cool.Forget what anyone else tells you, or how much you think you like the feeling of that breeze blowing your hair all over the place. Melon cases are where it’s at. So is helmet head.There is a certain – for lack of a better term – arrogance…

One of the biggest complaints about cycling in and around Phoenix is dealing with cars. If I had a dime for every mountain biker who told me they avoided road riding because of traffic, I’d have three dream bikes parked in the living room.Frankly, Phoenix and Valley drivers are a…

With one 100-degree day already in the books, the heat of summer is starting to push its way back into our lives. Sure, we all know that we need to stay hydrated during our rides, especially as the air and roads warm up. But what about post-ride?Recovery beverages are as…

Just south of Downtown Phoenix cuts a riverbed that offers one of the great hidden paved trails in the entire Valley. Based around the riparian zone that also hosts Arizona’s Audubon center, the Rio Salado Restoration Habitat Area is lined by quiet, easy trails with some amazing glimpses of wildlife…

Valley Metro, the good folks who try to get you out of your car and onto mass transit, have declared April as Valley Bike Month. Not the gutsiest call, as April is the greatest month to be a Valley resident and enjoy the out of doors, but as cyclists, hey,…

Welcome to the greatest week to be a cycling fan. Forget the Tour de France. The week book-ended by the two greatest bike races in the world – the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix – brings more excitement, drama, trash talking and general heroism on two wheels than you will…

One of the great things about the many Phoenix area bike routes is that there is always a ride whenever you get the urge. You know, the urge. Based on their names, two of the more popular routes in town – PISS and CRAP – have taken this, ahem, sensation…

When CenPho cyclists couldn’t find bike co-op Rusty Spoke in the usual Bragg’s Pie Factory space on Grand Avenue, rumors began to swirl that the community repair shop has shuttered. Thankfully, reports of the Spoke’s demise were greatly exaggerated.The co-op did move last fall, and has settled a few blocks…

You’d better have your chain lubed and tubes pumped because the first Jackalope Ranch Readers’ Trail Ride is here. The Ranch’s accountants have tabulated all of the votes and handed off the final results in a tightly guarded briefcase.Your selection for this inaugural Readers’ Ride is … the Arcadia Loop…

In a bike bind and need a new rig, or just need to dump a ride for some cash? The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists is holding its 13th annual bike swap meet in the Phoenix Municipal Stadium parking lot this Saturday, March 12.The swap meet runs from 7 a.m. to…

For some reason, cyclists don’t seem to pay much attention to the Southeast Valley. Head out on a typical weekend morning and spandex clad riders are found across the roads and trails throughout North Phoenix, South Mountain, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, Mesa and even up into Cave Creek and Fountain Hills. But…

Phoenix, like many towns of the old west, is filled with many mysteries: the Hohokam, the UFO lights, Bob Crane’s murder, Mystery Castle. Now a new enigma confronts the cyclists of Phoenix: the strange appearance of green arrows marking popular cycling routes through Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe.I first…

Jobs, school, family, housework, hitting the clubs, gardening…I mean, who’s really ever got time for more than maybe one decent ride a week? Maybe.As great as bike riding is, it can also sometime be a chore. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a recreational rider it takes time just to…

That time of year when all Valley of the Sun residents rejoice and bask in the glory of perfect weather has arrived. While most of the rest of the country continues to cope with winter, Phoenix basks in the glow of clear skies and mid-70’s temps. And none of us…

As Cycle has tried to point out in previous entries, Phoenix is a city with a multitude of bike rides and routes. And for every route is a rider who claims it as their favorite.Sam Coppersmith has lived in Phoenix since graduating Yale Law School in the early Eighties. During…