Bismarck Bike Trail reviews: Pebble Creek loop

Hay Creek crossing

Summary: One steep hill, a couple of pretty creek crossings. Otherwise some of the most boring landscape possible. May I suggest some art to doll it up?

Terrain: Paved

Equipment: Cheap hybrid bike, helmet.

Length: ~3 miles loop

Map: Pebble Creek loop and part of Hay Creek , http://www.bisparks.org/ParksAndTrails/map.asp

The first time I attempted this loop, I made it 1/4 mile down the trail and the skies darkened, rain fell, and then all the sirens in town went off–announcing an impending tornado.  So, that at least was interesting.

But honestly, there is no landscape more boring to me than a golf course. Tamed and combed over. Short of a dramatic weather event, few surprises await you on this loop. Throw in a busy intersection crossing at Century Avenue and some suburban sprawl neighborhood riding, and it’s completely unmemorable.

I guess there’s a good hill climb, if you’re trying to build up some endurance and leg strength. And that means there’s a good hill drop, which I’m always up for. Add part of the Hay Creek trail, and there are some pretty stream crossings and a nice pond to visit.

But I don’t mean to be all negative about this ride. I think there’s a great opportunity for some public art squirreled along this trail. For Bismarck that often means statues of bald eagles, but a little Banksy under the bridge would make this a whole different ride, IMO!

Banksy's Balloon Girl digitally added to Bismarck underpass.

Directions: Park at the end of Lilac Ln . Head east on the Hay Creek trail toward the pond (shown below) and under the I-94 underpass. When you reach the Pebble Creek loop, go clockwise for a longer, easier hill climb. Go counterclockwise to take your hill all at once.

Pond near parking area. Go after a rainstorm to avoid sounds of local lawn mowers.

Tips

• While Bismarck Stories is a big fan of good street art, she in no way condones defacing public property without permission…especially if you have nothing more striking to say than “420.”

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