The best road cycling routes around Cheney

Road cycling routes around Cheney primarily traverse the rolling Palouse Hills, with elevations typically ranging between 700 to 900 feet. You'll find a network of mostly paved surfaces, including sections of the Columbia Plateau State Park Trail. The terrain varies from scrubland and forests to picturesque lakes and meadows, offering diverse backdrops for your rides.

While the routes listed in this guide are generally moderate, Cheney offers various options for different skill levels. For easier rides, you can explore community-created routes like a 16.1km 'Bike loop from Cheney' or the 'Meadow Lake loop from Cheney' (18.9km), which are typically on mostly paved surfaces with minimal elevation.

Yes, for those seeking more demanding rides, the Cheney area provides options with greater distances and elevation gains. For example, the Silver Lake – Riverfront Park loop from Romine Conservation Area is a moderate 99.5 km path with significant elevation, connecting natural areas with urban parklands. Other community-created routes near Cheney can extend up to 96.6 km.

The Columbia Plateau State Park Trail is a 130-mile-long corridor built along an abandoned railway route. It offers a good surface trail immersed in natural beauty, suitable for speed without traffic concerns. While it's generally well-maintained, some sections might be better suited for hybrid or gravel bikes, but many road cyclists enjoy its paved or finely crushed gravel sections.

Absolutely. Many routes integrate picturesque natural features. For instance, the Washington State Normal School – Silver Lake loop from Cheney offers views of Silver Lake. Other areas like Heron Pond and Meadow Lake are also part of popular cycling loops, providing serene lakeside vistas and opportunities for birdwatching.

The best time for road cycling in Cheney is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and the routes are clear of snow and ice. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and allow you to fully enjoy the diverse landscapes and natural features of the region.

Winter conditions in Cheney can include snow and ice, making road cycling challenging or unsafe on many routes. It's advisable to check local weather and trail conditions before planning a winter ride. Some paved roads might be cleared, but dedicated bike trails may remain snow-covered or icy.

Parking availability varies by route. For trails like the Columbia Plateau State Park Trail and Fish Lake Trail, there are designated parking areas at various access points. For routes starting directly from Cheney, you can often find parking within the town or at local parks like Hagelin Park or Veterans Memorial Park, which provide good starting points for rides.

The Spokane Transit Authority (STA) serves the Cheney area, and many buses are equipped with bike racks, allowing you to combine public transport with your cycling adventures. This can be a convenient way to reach trailheads or extend your riding range without needing to drive.

While the routes in this guide are moderate, Cheney offers options suitable for families. Shorter, mostly paved loops with minimal elevation, such as the 16.1km 'Bike loop from Cheney' or the 18.9km 'Meadow Lake loop from Cheney', are excellent choices for families looking for an enjoyable ride together.

Cheney itself has various cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can refuel before or after your ride. While specific cafes directly on every route might be limited, routes that pass through or near towns like Medical Lake or connect to Spokane (e.g., via the Columbia Plateau Trail) will offer more options for refreshments. The Rocket Market Coffee Stop – Fish Lake Overlook loop, for example, suggests a coffee stop.

The Palouse Hills themselves offer panoramic views with their rolling landscapes. Routes around Silver Lake, Heron Pond, and Meadow Lake provide picturesque lakeside scenery. For wildlife viewing and breathtaking natural landscapes, the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, though not directly a cycling route, is a nearby gem that can be explored in conjunction with a ride.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Cheney are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Washington State Normal School – Silver Lake loop from Cheney and the Historic Red Barn – Silver Lake loop from Medical Lake, which are popular choices for their circular nature.