Iowa · United States
Cycling in Burlington
Best season: April–October
Burlington sits on the western bluffs of the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa, and its signature ride is straight up: Snake Alley, the switchbacked brick lane billed as the “crookedest street in the world,” with five tight turns and a 60-foot climb. Every Memorial Day weekend the Snake Alley Criterium — held annually since the 1980s, with the 42nd edition set for May 23, 2026 — races that wall in downtown Burlington, drawing category riders from across the Midwest for one of the most brutal short climbs in American criterium racing. Beyond the crit, the riding is classic river-country: rolling bluff roads, gravel out to surrounding farm towns, and the flat riverfront through Burlington’s historic downtown.
Burlington also has deep everyday cycling roots. Bike Burlington, founded in 1976, is one of Iowa’s oldest bike clubs and a longstanding RAGBRAI host organization, so the town is used to hosting large groups of touring cyclists each summer.
Bike-friendly lodging here is thin — no local hotel advertises a loaner or rental program. Most visiting riders base out of the Comfort Suites near West Burlington (closest to the area’s bike shop) or the larger FunCity/PZAZZ resort south of town, then drive the few miles to the downtown course. For rentals and service, Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness in West Burlington is the area’s full-service Trek/Electra dealer; rentals are reported but not confirmed on their site, so call ahead. Riders wanting a guaranteed rental fleet may need to bring their own bike.
Over Memorial Day weekend Burlington runs the Snake Alley Criterium, a May bike race up the town’s famously twisting brick Snake Alley — a short, punishing climb that draws riders and spectators alike.
Weather in Burlington
Live · NWSLoading current conditions…
Typical by month
avg high/low · 1991–2020 normals · BURLINGTON 2S- Jan 32° 15° 1.7"
- Feb 37° 19° 1.9"
- Mar 50° 30° 2.8"
- Apr 62° 40° 4.2"
- May 73° 52° 5.2"
- Jun 82° 62° 5.1"
- Jul 85° 66° 4.3"
- Aug 83° 64° 3.9"
- Sep 77° 55° 3.9"
- Oct 64° 43° 3.3"
- Nov 50° 31° 2.6"
- Dec 37° 21° 2.1"
Bike-friendly hotels
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Comfort Suites Burlington
All-suite Choice hotel in West Burlington with free breakfast, indoor pool and free parking; roughly 2 miles from Bickel's bike shop and about 3 miles from the downtown Snake Alley course. No formal bike program — a practical, spacious base for race weekend. Ask the desk about storing a bike in-suite.
From $110+/night
Before you book: No bicycle program advertised; location-only base. Confirm in-room/secure bike storage and the best route to the downtown Snake Alley Criterium course.
Bike program reported via source (2026-07-18)
FunCity Resort (PZAZZ)
Large resort complex on Winegard Drive south of Burlington near the Catfish Bend Casino and Fun City waterpark, with indoor pool, restaurants and ample parking. Not on the riverfront and no bike program — listed as a full-service base for families and groups attending the race, roughly 4 miles from downtown.
From $109+/night
Before you book: No bicycle program advertised; location-only base. Confirm secure bike storage and current distance/route to the downtown Snake Alley course.
Bike program reported via source (2026-07-18)
Where to stay in Burlington
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Where to rent or borrow a bike
Bickel's Cycling & Fitness
Rates by phone
The area's full-service bike shop at 305 E Agency Rd in West Burlington — Trek and Electra dealer, complete repair and maintenance, and a RAGBRAI support fixture. Third-party listings mention rentals; the shop's own site details sales and service but not rentals, so call before relying on a rental.
Call ahead: Rentals are reported on Yelp but not stated on Bickel's own website. Confirm whether they rent bikes, what models (road/gravel/hybrid), pricing, and any waiver.
Reported via source (2026-07-18)
Guided bike tours
Snake Alley Criterium
Snake Alley Criterium / Bike Burlington · 6h
Memorial Day weekend criterium (May 23, 2026 for the 42nd edition) raced up the brick switchbacks of Snake Alley in downtown Burlington — free to spectate, with online registration for racers across categories. One of the hardest short climbs in U.S. crit racing.
Where these are on the map Burlington
Hotels Rentals & loaners · 3 of this destination's listings located · © OpenStreetMap contributors