Mountain Biking in the Quad Cities

Even though you’re sitting on a bicycle seat and pedaling, there are so many differences between riding on paths or roadways compared to mountain biking (MTB).  Mountain biking takes you directly into the woods on dirt trails over all types of terrain.   

While you’re riding through the trees, it’s beautiful…you see wildlife…you smell the flowers in bloom.  It is invigorating and calming all at the same time.   

Becky Bernard is an outdoor bicycling enthusiast and former board member of FORC (Friends of Off-Road Cycling).  She says, “it’s a great escape because mountain biking forces you to pay attention to riding.  Everyone is happy to be out riding and having fun.  It brings me joy.” 

You don’t need a mountain to go mountain biking.  The Quad Cities has plenty of hills and varied terrain to keep you busy.  FORC maintains nine trail systems in the QC region containing over 45 miles of singletrack. 

Where to Ride

“Our trail systems offer something for everyone,” says Bernard.  For newer riders, Becky suggested the trails at Westbrook Park in Dewitt, Iowa, or the green segments at Scott County Park in Iowa.  For people looking for more physically-demanding, hilly terrain, she suggested Sunderbruch Park in Davenport or Illiniwek Park in Hampton, Ill.  FORC coordinates group rides on a regular basis during the summer, and the ride information is posted on the Friends of Off-Road Cycling Facebook page and the Let’s Ride thread on their website forum.

“MTB is physically challenging as well as motivational,” Becky says.  As you try the different trails, you will find that they are all so different and offer unique features based upon natural terrain.   You may find yourself daydreaming about how to clear a particularly difficult section or how to ride a segment better or more cleanly. Some things you’ll encounter could be log crossings (biking over a log), ladder bridges (open spaces between boards), drops, and rooted and off-camber terrain (you ride on a slant).  Just like in anything, there’s some lingo to learn.  Don’t worry - you’ll catch on. 

Throughout all the trails, there are places to pull off and let others go through if they are riding faster than you.  You’ll hear somebody ask to pass behind you, and at the next place you can safely pull off, do so.  They’ll say “on your left” and continue on in front of you. 

What to Bring 

• Helmet 
• Safety glasses (you don’t want a tree branch to the eye) 
• Bug Spray (you are in the woods) 
• Water (Camelback works well) 
• Repair Kit (you are riding in the woods over rough terrain)
• Cycling shoes optional (the soles are designed to be more rigid and depending on the style of shoe, better grip the pedals) 

FORC is a group of dedicated volunteers on a mission to improve local mountain biking opportunities by building new trail, maintaining existing trail, hosting MTB related educational events, and building the mountain bike community right here in the QC.  They have spent thousands and thousands of hours building and maintaining our trails.  Consider joining them for one of their group rides if you’re interested in meeting other enthusiasts or learning more about MTB. 

Thanks to Quad Citizen Becky Bernard for her knowledge and enthusiasm on mountain biking in the QC.  Becky had a history of riding motocross before transitioning to mountain biking.  She loved it on her first day and hasn’t stopped since.