Clipless peadals are not the only thing you need to make it up those grueling climbs.  You’ll also need strong legs and good technique, but without a good set of clipless pedals you won’t be able to unleash your amazing talent and skills! 

If you are looking at all the options and are overwhelmed with the choices, I suggest searching for Crank Brothers Candy pedals in the space below.  They have a small platform so you can jump on a ride without your bike shoes if you need to, but they also sport the excellent egg beater technology that has put Crank Brothers on the map.

Note:  The Titanium Candy Pedals cost an arm and a leg.  I own the Candy pedals that float around the $60 mark and I have been very satisfied.

For more on clipless pedals, click here

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These loose fit bike shorts are perfect for this summer’s mountain biking excursions.  The time remaining to purchase this item is running out, so place your bid now. 

Loose fit bike shorts are for the anti-spandex crowd, but still provide the padding needed for comfortable riding.  I own a few pair in order to make sure I always have a clean pair to sport.  This is the best way to get great mountain biking gear for a fraction of what your local bike store will charge you.

More information about loose fit bike shorts

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Firelane 15 is a nice mile of downhill singletrack that feeds into firelane 12. If you continue north (make a left) on firelane 12 you’ll experience even more fast downhill through the woods. Coming back up is a different story. You’ll either be sucking wind or you’ll have proven that you’re in shape.

At the bottom of firelane 12 (the north end) you can take Creston Rd down to Hwy 30 and go south a few hundred yards to find the BPA and Newton road trail head. Warning…don’t attempt to climb BPA because it has deep gravel and is extremely steep. Or you can not heed this warning and show me how wrong I am. It’s up to you.

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Forest Park mountain biking requires a little knowledge before the fun can really be unleashed.  This park is home to the best singletrack within Portland city limits, but it can get a little challenging to find your way around if you’re unprepared. 

Use the interactive map below to get driving directions to a trail head of your choice.  There are trails for all riding levels.  Leif Erikson (in blue) is the best bet for a light and easy ride, and it works well as a highway to the numerous singletrack sections.

Forest Park Trails Open to Mountain Biking

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Trail Name: This trail loop primarily uses Leif Erikson Drive which is open year round. It is located within Forest Park, and utilizes a singletrack favorite (fire lane #1).

Location: Click the green mountain biker on the map below for driving directions to the trail head.

Parking: Perking is free. There is limited space but you can also find parking along NW Thurman (watch for the no parking signs…they’ll tow you). Outhouses and drinking fountains are available.

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Riding level: This entire 15 mile loop is not for beginners and will accommodate both intermediate and advanced riders. Leif Erikson is perfect for beginners because it is nice and wide while exposing you to some beautiful terrain. This ride can easily be made into an out-and-back (the way back on Leif Erikson will be mostly downhill).

Trail Type: Most of the loop is on a dirt road, there is about a mile of singletrack, and about two miles of paved road.

General topography: You can expect to climb 600 feet but it is done over several miles so the climb is not as strenuous as it might sound.

Description: Nearly 100 years ago, city planners had the wisdom to secure this hiker/biker playground that we can enjoy today. Expect to see fantastic views of fern covered cliff sides, forested terrain with that signature northwest moss, and an abundance of wildlife.

With Powell Butte and MT. Tabor in South East Portland, and Forest Park in the North West part of the city, there is plenty of beautiful mountain biking trails to ride without ever having to travel far from home. There is much more to Forest Park than the Leif Erikson loop described here, but this is one way I like to attack this trail system.

The majority of this ride takes place on the wide dirt road we call Leif Erikson. You’ll begin your return trip when you take a left on NW Skyline Boulevard. Mountain biking purists will be unhappy with this route since this portion is on pavement. But don’t you worry one second about that, because you’ll be rewarded with a sweet singletrack descent on Fire Lane #1. This will spit you out on Leif Erikson again, and you’ll be able to coast on back to your car from there.

Leif Erikson is a great workout for beginners and experts alike because the climb is gradual. Instead of the trail dictating your speed, you get to decide how fast to go and how hard to push yourself. On weekends, this trail can be crowded so watch for pedestrians, but it is a very wide trail so there is always plenty of room.

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All Forest Park Mountain Biking Trails

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Trail/park name and state/region:  Shelby Farms Mountain Biking Trails, Memphis, Tennessee 

Location:  Click the green mountain biker on the map below for driving directions

Parking:  Free, lots of space, bathrooms available

Riding level:  Something for everyone; especially intermediate and advanced riders

Trail Type:  Dual track, paved, gravel, and dirt trails

General topography:  Flat, steep, and rolling

Description:  This is one of the greatest biking trails that the Mid-South area has to offer! Shelby Farms is quite unique in that it is a large nature area located in the middle of one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas.

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This is a great place to ride a bike in South Deerfeild Massachusetts because there is so much going on around you as well. It is not very well known so it is especially peaceful.

Parking is free all along the trail area and you do not have to be an experienced bike rider to ride this trail. You ride the trail by simply following the Barnstable road for a few miles.

The trail type is dirt and compact concrete road and it is a great and beautiful overall place to ride a bike.

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Trail Name: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation trail system

Location: Oak Ridge, Northwest New Jersey.  Click green mountain biker on map below to get driving directions.

Parking: There is ample parking available on the gravel lot. A portable bathroom facility is adjacent to the parking lot. Trail maps are often available at the information board.

Riding level: Advanced Intermediate to Expert

How do you ride this trail? Many trails and routes are available on both sides of Weldon Road but the most enjoyable route is to head West from the parking lot at Saffin’s Pond onto the fire road and then North at the crossing. All trails from this point will lead to the campground at the Northern extreme of the park, at which point the rider may choose to use the road to return to the parking lot or cross over to the East side of the park.

The main trail on the East side leads back to the parking lot but shortly after crossing the road, left (North) facing trail branches will quickly take you to one of the best overlooks in the county. On a perfectly clear day, NYC is visible over 60 miles away. Glittering Lake Hopatcong is always visible to the South.

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