Watch CBS News

Ask An Expert: Best Bike Rides In Baltimore

There is no doubt that that the people of Baltimore Bicycle Works love what they do. They are passionate about their sport, their store, the bicycling community, and of course, their customers too! I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the owners of the shop and she had great insight to give regarding some of Baltimore's best bike ride locations.

outsideslideshow2
(Credit: baltimorebicycleworks.com)

Meredith Mitchell
Baltimore Bicycle Works
1813 Falls Road
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 605-0705
www.BaltimoreBicycleWorks.com

Perhaps the most unique and intriguing aspect of Baltimore Bicycle Works is that it is a workers cooperative organization which means that every employee is an equal owner of the company. No matter who you speak to at the shop, you are talking with someone who is genuinely interested in you as a customer, and in their store. Meredith Mitchell is no exception. The thing she loves most about the shop is the friendly atmosphere and laid-back feel. She describes the store as welcoming, always looking to help more people experience the passions and joys of biking. 

She strives to introduce more people to the sustainable culture of biking and would love to help match you with a bike that suits your own individual style and needs. She encourages all who are interested in getting in to the sport of biking to find a group of friends to enjoy it with. The people of Baltimore Bicycle Works are all about doing what is best for their customers and helping them to do what is best for the environment. There is nothing Mitchell would love more than to see people biking more and driving less. When asked about recommendations for the best bike rides in Baltimore, Mitchell gave a fantastic list of choices.

Here are her top five.

bike trail
AP

BWI Trail / Baltimore & Annapolis Trail
www.aacounty.org

This trail will take you on a 12.5-mile ride around the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. With a smooth paved surface, this trail is perfect for the whole family regardless of skill level. There is a playground perfect for families with children located on the route. Visit the website to view a map of the trail.

 

1/21/12 – Baltimore- Travel & Outdoors – Top Baltimore Running Clubs – NCR Trail Snail group photo
Photo Credit: ncrtrailsnails.com

NCR
www.dnr.state

This is a 10-foot wide trail that spans 20 miles. With a stone dust surface, the terrain is slightly rougher than the BWI trail but is still very accommodating for bikes, strollers and jogging. While the south end of the trail tends to be busy during weekend hours, the northern end tends to offer a quieter ride.

Gywnns_Falls_Trail
(credit: www.gwynnsfallstrail.org)

Gwynns Falls Trail
www.gwynnsfallstrail.org

This trail follows along the Gwynns Falls Stream and offers a 15-mile ride. It is natural terrain and incredibly scenic. You will find fantastic views of Baltimore's waterways. Visit the website for photos and a map.

Related: Best Picnic Spots in Baltimore

National Cyclo-Cross Championships
Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

Jones Falls Trail
www.baltimorecity.gov

The Jones Falls Trail will take you on a 2.7-mile trip through Druid Hill Park and continue on a 1.5-mile trip around the Reservoir Loop. This ride offers views of the Botanical Gardens, Maryland Zoo, a golf course and more!

heron
(Credit: www.bikecando.com)

C & O Canal Towpath
www.bikecando.com

This trail is a long one, offering more than 180 miles of path along the Potomac spanning from D.C. to Cumberland. You can check the website for up-to-date trail conditions and view an interactive map. You will also find information about the Allegheny Passage which is more than 130 miles long and connects to the C&O Canal. With the two of these trails combined, you have more than 300 miles to explore.

Related: Best Cycle Shops in Baltimore

Jillian Amodio is an author, writer and public speaker.There is nothing she enjoys more than being a stay at home mom. In addition to having recently published her first novel, Jillian also writes for her local Pasadena newspaper and on Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.