I'm headed to SLC! Ride recommendations??

[Alex]

Hey, RM. I tried to PM you, but couldn't.

I recently did a tri at Oquirrh Lake, just south of the BMX park. You could ride from the Daybreak neighborhood, south and west. There is some mild climbing, but then you get a great speedy return trip. Daybreak has a paved trail all the way around the lake and it is a fun little run. If you are interested in company, let me know. There is a little reservoir for swimming a bit further south, if you want to swim, too. Oquirrh Lake is closed for swimming except on race day.

The flat ride out by the airport is okay. Part of the pavement is pretty chopped up. I was recently out there because it is lightly traveled and provided a good place for me to experiment with aero position on my new bike. I wouldn't ride out there by yourself, as it is relatively isolated, but parallels the interstate. If you want to do that ride other than the time the group is doing it, I could meet you there, depending on when you want to go.

There are some pretty places to ride up in Park City, and it will be cooler there, but would take about 40 minutes to drive there from where the BMX park is.

[malkin]

Lots of riders go down around to Camp Williams; I never have, because we slip off that course and go to IKEA to eat meatballs & jam.

I think Brewer has a map my ride link to the route somewhere. I'll post it if I can find it.

[malkin]

Here's a route out that way:

http://www.goldilocksride.com/course/

[Running Mommy]

I think I'm going to do the 15 mile route. Thats just long enough for me. Since I'll have the car, I can't be out too long.
Are the roads pretty safe out that way? Good shoulders/bike lanes etc? Or should I be prepared to play pinball with the cars? How are the drivers?

[malkin]

The roads can be variable, especially since we are now officially in the season of road construction. Don't let the construction scare you, because I think it makes people wake up and pay attention.

The drivers are interesting--riding from downtown we see a clear change in style. In the city, we get brushed by SUV mirrors, cursed, and have soft drink cups tossed at us, but as we get further out, everything is countrified. I guess they are used to horses and kids and tractors in the road, so the big truck driving cowboys slow down and move over for us.

The first time we rode down there and weren't sure of the route, lots of people gathered at a gas station were friendly and helpful, and another time when we needed to hitch a ride because of a broken chain, we got several offers.

I don't think there's too much to worry about.

Take plenty of water. It's hot!

[malkin]

Where is your guy racing?

[Running Mommy]

Rad canyon bmx.. It's off bangerter hwy, 5200 south?? In the pit? Was there today.. Thats all I know. It's by what appears to be a light rail line?