Things to do in Memphis: Some great bicycle routes you might have overlooked

It's no secret that Memphis and surrounding communities have become much more bike-friendly places in recent years.

The Shelby Farms Greenline and connectors it inspired — the Wolf River Greenway, the Hampline — are recreational treasures that should be on the "must try" list of anyone who ever climbs onto a bicycle.

Add to that the Big River Crossing, a mile-long rail/bicycle/pedestrian bridge spanning the Mighty Mississippi and offering great views of the Downtown area to which it connects, and Memphis cyclists already have plenty to brag about.

But stop there, and you've cheated yourself out of some simple, often more convenient, cycling pleasures. Throughout the Memphis metro area, there are plenty of routes often right underneath your nose — and feet — that make for enjoyable cycling excursions.

With the help of some cycling buddies, here's a list of such routes worth trying on your next ride. These routes might be a little more challenging than you're looking for if all you want is a short, slow cruise around the neighborhood, but they don't require that you be in shape for the Tour de France.

Also, a word of caution: While many of these routes have clearly marked bike lanes at least part of the way, don't count on it at all times. That means a willingness to share the road with motorized traffic. Always wear a helmet, use lighting at night and follow the same rules of the road you'd follow in your car. Remember, it's unlikely a cyclist will win a battle with a car.

That said, here are our suggestions:

WOLF RIVER BOULEVARD: There's some fine road cycling to be had along Wolf River Boulevard from Baptist Hospital at Walnut Grove all the way east into Collierville. A segment in Germantown, between Kimbrough Road and Farmington Boulevard, has double bike lanes along both the eastbound and westbound sides. If all you're looking for is a short, protected ride of a few miles, throw the bike on a car rack, park at the Wolf River Nature Area just east of Kimbrough and bike to Farmington in the bike lanes along the eastbound side. From there, you can turn back and return to your car in the bike lanes along the westbound side of Wolf River Boulevard. It'll be a scenic, four-mile ride. And, of course, you can always ride the trails running more or less parallel to Wolf River Boulevard if you prefer.

If you want to go farther and don't mind dealing with some traffic, start as far west as the Baptist Hospital area and go east all the way across Houston Levee Road into Collierville. I often turn south at Byhalia Road and head back toward Poplar into the heart of Collierville.

An incentive for going the extra distance — a Wolf River ride as far as Houston Levee will land you at Miccos Snocones & Shakes. If you've never had a Freakshake ... well, let's just say you'll need that long bike ride a few more times to work it off.

WINCHESTER TO COLLIERVILLE: My personal go-to route when riding alone, and a favorite of fellow cyclist Trey Lowery, is a jaunt out Winchester to the Collierville Town Square and back. From where I live in Germantown, it's about a 30-mile ride.

I date myself by saying I remember when Winchester seemed to empty into nothingness east of Forest Hill-Irene Road. Nowadays, it's a straight shot through development from where I hop onto Winchester alongside the Nike warehouse, then past Forest Hill-Irene to the retail development at the Houston Levee intersection, past Central Church and on to Byhalia Road in Collierville. There, you'll cross Byhalia and with a couple of twists and turns will end up in Collierville's square.

A portion of Winchester has bike lanes, but much of this route will require mixing with Winchester traffic. However, it's a wide, straight section of road most of the way with good visibility. Do be careful, though, on the narrow section east of Bailey Station.

DOWNTOWN CRUISING: Adam Firrone, another friend and fellow cyclist with whom I struggle mightily to keep pace, suggests some pleasant Downtown riding.

"Mud Island, over the bridge to Riverside, is scenic," he notes. "From there, it's an easy jaunt to the Big River Crossing. Or a little backtracking on Main will take you to Gus's!" And when has any trip that ended with Gus's fried chicken ever been a bad idea?

TO THE SOUTH: Go just across the state line for a scenic ride along the Great River Road bike trail in Tunica. The 35-mile trek through flat Delta terrain is good for cyclists of varying skill levels. Along the way, you can stop to see the Mississippi River at Mhoon Landing Park, go to downtown Tunica and pass the casinos.

Also, if you're looking for a day trip with the bike, you can't go wrong with a ride on Tanglefoot Trail, a 43-mile biking trail built along a railroad bed between New Albany and Houston, Miss. Starting at New Albany, the closest point for anyone coming from Memphis, you'll pass through Ingomar, Ecru, Pontotoc, Algoma and New Houlka before ending in Houston. The round-trip ride of 80-plus miles might be more than unseasoned riders will want to try, but you can turn at any point along the way. Or arrange for a sag wagon to pick you up at the end of a one-way ride.

AND THEN THERE'S OFF-ROAD: My older bones aren't partial to the jarring nature of a trail ride, but there are plenty of options for those who do prefer trail bikes. Herb Parsons, in eastern Shelby County, and Stanky Creek, in northern Shelby County, get a thumbs up from those familiar with the trails.

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