By Justine Santos

Sunshine, fresh air, singing birds, and sometimes bats. No matter where you take the two-wheeler in Austin, the view is tree-mendous. Not only is bike riding good for your health, it helps you slow down and appreciate the world around you.

Put down your smartphone and listen to the call of nature. Instead of live streaming, try biking by a stream or river. One huge perk of nature? No spam.

What to Look For

Austin’s residential areas like Hyde Park, North Loop, and Cherrywood are teeming with floral gardens and shrubbery sure to catch your eye. Don't race past beautiful native plants such as Texas sage, wisteria, and red yucca.

There's no better time to hit the trails than when the bluebonnets are blooming. With its bright blue-purple blooms, this wildflower grows everywhere. Indian paintbrush features tips of red, orange, and yellow. Black-eyed Susan is a daisy-like flower with yellow, reddish-orange petals and a dark conical center. Winecups look like, well, wine cups.

Driving past these blooms in a car, it's easy to miss the stunning colors. Even if you're biking to burn some calories, slow down and feel the fern. Cycling allows you to get a close-up view of the Mexican hats, prickly pear, and rain lilies that grow in this region.

After the neighborhood tour, it's time to branch out and head to the favorites.

Mount Bonnell

Spanning 5 acres in Covert Park, Mount Bonnell is the highest point in Austin. Overlooking the Colorado River, you can visit nearby waterfalls and trails. Yes, it's an uphill climb, but that's why some cyclists call it the "Mountain of Youth."

Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail

Wrapping around Lady Bird Lake is the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. You'll find 10 miles of dirt paths, bridges, and a sturdy boardwalk that handles more than 2 million biking and hiking visitors each year.

With many points of entry throughout the trail, you might hit the Holly Shores, where turtles come out to soak in the sunlight. In the evening, Pleasant Valley Road Bridge is the palace to watch the sun setting in vivid colors.

Barton Creek Greenbelt

The Barton Creek Greenbelt, featuring 12 miles of trails, is a must-cycle place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can enter at Zilker Park near downtown.

The first mile is relatively flat and wide, before the trail winds into forests covered with trees. Have a mountain bike? Head up to Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls, a few miles to the west.

Boggy Creek Greenbelt

Located across from Downs Mabson Fields and around East 12th Street is a stretch of land for biking, hiking, running, and picnicking. The trail spans 1.7 miles, rises 37 feet, and is noted for its greenery, birds, and small wildlife.

Country Club Creek Trail

With both natural and paved surfaces, the Country Club Creek Trail, off Grove Boulevard is a draw for biking. Enter through South Pleasant Valley or the Colorado River Metro Park. The entire trail is under construction, but you can still bike through many open sections.

Lance Armstrong Bikeway

Named for the famous cyclist, the Lance Armstrong Bikeway is a paved, 5-mile trail between East Austin and downtown. Scenic and shady, the trail rolls through downtown’s shopping, bar, and restaurant district, but with Lady Bird Lake to the south, you’ll see a bit of Austin’s natural beauty. The north side gives riders a look at the city’s skyline.

Things to Remember

Bike tours are great ways to explore the scenery of Austin and nearby areas. Map out a trail or just hit the road – having a GPS can keep you from getting lost.

Hilly areas can be a strain if you’re not used to riding for long. So take a break when needed, and pack lots of water and energy bars for those quick pick-me-ups.

If you don’t see any trash receptacles, store garbage in your backpack. May the forest be with you.

Justine Santos made her camping debut at 3 months. The nature habit stuck, and now she hikes and rides mountain bikes in as many natural areas as she can, often with her two children in tow.