Cycling in Lawrence

Lawrence wears its bike-town credentials openly: a League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community whose signature ride is the Lawrence Loop, a paved trail that will circle the whole city at about 22 miles, with more than 18 miles already built. It strings together Kansas River levee stretches, wetlands, and neighborhood parks — easy, flat riding that works for families and spinners alike.

The hotel story here is unusually convenient: the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Iowa Street keeps complimentary bikes for guests, and the shared-use path that forms the Loop’s southern arc runs right behind the property, so you can pedal from the back door without touching a road.

For better hardware, Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop on Massachusetts Street rents Specialized mountain and gravel bikes with helmet and lock included, plus the local intel that matters — Lawrence’s dirty secret is genuinely good singletrack on the Lawrence River Trails and at Clinton Lake. Cloud of Goods will deliver a hybrid or cruiser straight to your hotel.

Spring and fall are prime; summer works too if you ride early, since the levee and prairie sections offer little shade.