Scenic Commuting

Motorcyclists know that following the river is a good way to find a good "motorcycle" road. Interstate highways cut across the land, flatten the high spots and fill in the low spots, and straighten the curves in order to make a smooth and straight way for traffic.

On the other hand, roads that follow the river twist and turn, go up and down to follow the contour of the land. These roads are more fun!

The "Follow the river" adage works in urban and suburban settings as well as rural.

Here are a couple of favorite rides that follow the river through urban or suburban areas, as a way of transforming a dull commute into a more enjoyable interlude.

• The Fall Creek Parkway ride
• The Geist Reservoir Route
• The Eagle Creek Route
  

Great Rides - Eagle Creek Reservoir

www.rideindiana.info has posted another great route through Indianapolis "side streets".


View Larger Map

Heading from Carmel to Clermont (or other points West) - instead of looping around I-465, try this route around Eagle Creek Reservoir.

Relax and enjoy.

The full story >>

Great Rides: Geist Reservoir

This route is another "Suburban Secret", like the Suburban-Indianapolis Fall Creek Parkway" route I recently posted.

This one explores the Geist Reservoir in Northeast Indianapolis. And I've laid out the route as a sort of "scenic detour" which lets you skip the busy interchange between I-465 and I-69.

If you're heading North, hop off I-465 and Shadeland/56th street. Turn right on Fall Creek Road, and follow it across Geist Reservoir. Pick up Olio Road and take that North to rejoin I-69 to continue your northbound trek.

If you're heading South, hop of I-69 and SR 238 and head south. Take Olio Road to 96th street and head east. Bear right on 96th Street to Fall Creek Road, and follow that over the reservoir, and along Fall Creek until the intersection with Shadeland. Take Shadeland Avenue south from Fall Creek to rejoin I-465 headed south.


View Larger Map

Next time you're passing through Indy on two wheels, instead of sticking to the megaslab, take a little scenic detour. You'll miss one of Indy's busiest interchanges, and you'll see some good motorcycle roads in the process.