We all have rides that are close to home, and are staples of our individual cycling regimens. These are rides that we know so well that we know what to expect and how far we can push it. It’s the type of ride we may go on after a long day at work when we don’t want to go too far from home. For me, one of those rides is one that has been termed the “Bountiful Loop.” It’s a great ride that satisfies my love of hill climbing.

This loop is approximately 18 miles long and is defiantly a hill workout. One needs to be in decent shape (or close to it!) for it because at times it is a strenuous ride.

You start the loop from Mills Park in Woods Cross (1750 S. 1200 W.), and head north on 1200 west until you reach 1500 south. From here, you will take a right, heading east. Then you take a left onto 1100 west. About 85 percent of this trip is through neighborhoods, which is nice because you don’t have to deal with fast traffic. At this point, head north on 1100 west for about three miles. Along the way you will pass homes, a few horses, and the Lakeside Golf Course. This portion of the ride is flat terrain. Once you reach 1600 north, take a right, heading east towards the Wasatch Mountains. This stretch will take you through a stop sign and two traffic lights.

When you reach Bountiful city limits, the street name changes to Pages Lane. On Pages Lane, riders will pass by Deseret Industries, Dick’s Supermarket, and JA Taylor Elementary before reaching a turn at 400 east, which I take a right on, heading south. On 400 east, you will pass Gold’s Gym and a Southern Baptist Church. Take a left when you reach 400 North.

You are now at the toughest part of the ride – the climb east up 400 North. The last time I rode this route a sign at the bottom of the hill read, “God says ‘Do Not Wait,’ Satan says ‘Procrastinate’” – I feel these were worthy words , possibly, to base your training on or to motivate you to attack this monster hill!

At this point, you face a mile long ascension where you’ll be climbing at a crawl. Ride along the road to the top where you’ll hit a small “bowl” before you reach the Bountiful LDS Temple. The rest of the course is relatively easy from this point on. As you go along, the name of the street will change from 400 North to Bountiful Boulevard, and then again to Eagleridge Drive. You’ll be high up enough to see the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island so don’t forget to look around and enjoy the scenery. This part of the ride is about eight and a half miles long and has some small hills and short descents. You’ll pass by two golf courses (Bountiful Ridge and Eaglewood), which are set in beautiful neighborhoods. After going by Eagleridge Golf Course you are in for a major downhill because what goes up must come down. This part of the ride is as steep as 12 percent grade in parts for over a mile and a half on a winding road. Please use caution as you complete this portion of the ride! The speed limit posted is 25 mps for a reason. Since you’re riding through a neighborhood, cars will be parked on the street and possibly backing out of driveways. So stay in control and focus on what’s ahead. At the bottom of the hill, take a right turn onto Orchard Drive at the yield sign. Then ride south and take a left turn at the traffic light onto Center Street. At this point, you’ll be heading east. Pass by a traffic light, stop light, and train tracks until you reach 400 West onto which you’ll take a right turn, going north. This is an industrial road and is very wide. Ride it for a little over a mile until you reach 1100 North. Ride across 1100 North into the Woods Cross neighborhood leaving North Salt Lake.

At this point you’ll ride north from 400 West and go past 1100 North in to the neighborhood. Then take a right onto 2550 South. After a bit, turn left onto 1400 West, then turn right onto 2400 South and turn left again onto 1350 West. Before reaching 1975 South there is a sidewalk on the right hand side of the road heading east, which leads to a walk way. Take a left heading north onto this walk way, which will lead you back to Mills Park, the start of your ride. Then you’re finished!

This is one of my favorite “hometown” rides which provides me with a great climbing workout while honing my descending skills and rewarding me with some great overviews of the valley. Ride smart, be safe, and enjoy!

Mick M.

slamkablam@yahoo.com

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