The best road cycling routes around Marlborough

Road cycling around Marlborough is primarily characterized by urban greenways and riverside paths. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, offering consistent paved surfaces suitable for road bikes. You'll find a mix of dedicated greenway networks and urban park connectors.

Yes, Marlborough offers a wide selection of road cycling routes. There are over 90 routes available, catering to various preferences and skill levels.

For an easy and family-friendly ride, consider the Gravois Greenway and River des Peres Greenway Loop. This 22.3-mile route combines two popular greenways with continuous paved surfaces. Another great option is the Grant's Trail – Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park loop from Mackenzie, which is 17.4 miles and leads through pleasant greenway and park areas.

While many routes are easy to moderate, more experienced riders can find options with varied terrain and elevation changes. The Kirkwood Train Station – Kirkwood loop from Sunnen is a moderate 28.8-mile path featuring a mix of urban and suburban roads with some elevation. There are also a few more difficult routes among the 90+ available for those seeking a greater challenge.

Route lengths vary, but many popular options range from 17 to 29 miles. For example, the Gravois Greenway and River des Peres Greenway Loop is 22.3 miles and typically takes about 1 hour 33 minutes, while the Kirkwood Train Station – Kirkwood loop from Sunnen is 28.8 miles and takes around 2 hours.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Marlborough are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. Examples include the Gravois Greenway and River des Peres Greenway Loop and the Grant's Trail – Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park loop from Mackenzie.

Many routes pass through or near beautiful parks and natural areas. You can cycle past Forest Park, which features attractions like Post-Dispatch Lake and the Emerson Grand Basin. The River des Peres Greenway itself is a scenic highlight, offering pleasant riverside views.

The spring and fall months generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for road cycling in Marlborough. Summers can be warm, but routes along greenways and shaded areas remain popular. Winter cycling is possible, though conditions may vary, and some routes might be less accessible depending on weather.

Many routes in Marlborough pass through or near urban and suburban areas, providing opportunities to stop at local establishments. While specific pub stops aren't integrated into every route description, the proximity to towns like Kirkwood on routes such as the Kirkwood Train Station – Kirkwood loop from Sunnen makes it easy to find places for refreshments.

The road cycling routes in Marlborough are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the well-maintained greenway networks, the accessibility of routes, and the pleasant scenery found within urban and park settings.

While many routes are well-known, exploring the lesser-traveled sections of the extensive greenway system can reveal quieter, more secluded stretches. The River des Peres Greenway – Carondelet Connector Bike Path loop from Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 offers a great way to explore a significant portion of the greenway, potentially uncovering new favorite spots.

Many of the greenway routes have designated parking areas at their trailheads or along their length. For example, routes that start or pass through parks like Tower Grove Park or other public spaces often provide convenient parking facilities for cyclists.