Start pedaling

It’s about that time when spandex shorts become a fashion statement in Des Moines and bicyclists are lining the roads in an effort to get in RAGBRAI shape.

The good news is that rather than creating a traffic jam while you pedal down the road as fast as you can, Central Iowa is beginning to offer an extensive trail network, which will continue to expand in upcoming years.

The Central Iowa Bicycle-Pedestrian Roundtable, made up of trail leaders from several counties in Central Iowa, has been working with Shive-Hattery Inc. to create a master plan for the Central Iowa Trails system. The project would create two of the largest trail loops in America and expand the 460-mile trail system that currently spans eight counties. This spring, you’ll also start to see signs along Des Moines’ trails that say “Central Iowa Trails.”

For those of you not willing to wait another few years to test out your new set of wheels, here are a few fun trips recommended by Scott Sumpter, founder of Bike Iowa, a Web site resource for Central Iowa bikers.

The Great Western Trail. The 20-mile one-way trip starts at Water Works Park in Des Moines and goes through Cumming to Martensdale. Sumpter likes it because you can stop at the Cumming Tap for a refreshment halfway. He also said it’s fairly flat and scenic.

Raccoon River Valley Trail. It starts in Waukee and goes all the way to Jefferson for a round trip of more than 100 miles. Sumpter recommends biking one way and staying at a bed-and-breakfast in Panora or Jefferson overnight before biking back.

Wabash Trace Nature Trail. If you’re willing to travel a little farther, you can start out in Council Bluffs and ride to Blanchard for a more than 120-mile ride.

For additional information about these rides and more, visit www.bikeiowa.com or www.inhf.org/iowatrails. For an updated master plan of Central Iowa’s trail systems, go to http://www.inhf.org/winter06-centraliowatrailsmap.htm.

– Sarah Bzdega