You're reading: Don't put away that bike – 'tis the season for mountain biking

Autumn makes for cooler, more comfortable bike ride, great trails and spectacular foliage

y all traces of summer. Many take that as a sign that it’s time to hang the bicycle in the balcony, cover it with plastic and wait for skiing to begin.

They are wrong.

Autumn is actually the best time of year to get out and explore some of the great trails that abound in the parks, forests and villages in and around the city.

Cooler temperatures make a more comfortable ride. There is some spectacular foliage to see. And generally, Kyiv’s most popular routes are less crowded this time of year.

Those who think of Kyiv as a snarl of traffic and ill-tempered drivers need only get out and find the nooks and crannies of the city where exhaust-spewing Ladas never venture. Kyiv actually has a great selection of cycling routes that offer everything from the challenging to the simple, dirt trails to concrete paths, city locations to way out of town. Below is a sampling of what’s out there within an hour of the center.

Babn Yar/Repyarkhiv Yar:

Take Velyka Zhytomyrska to Artema and then veer right onto Melnykova for about three kilometers until you reach Oleny Teligy. This puts you at the western edge of the park. You can ride the park on rutted concrete walking paths, but it’s better to venture into the forest, where you’ll find some decent hilly trails. If you follow the forest paths that line the western edge of the two parks, there’s a nice view of the city and some challenging ups and downs. It’s actually possible to stay within the park areas (although occasionally crossing roads) all the way to Podil simply by heading southeast.

Trukhaniv Island:

Go to Naberezhno-Khreshchatyka and take the walking bridge across the Dnipro to Trukhaniv island. Ride the asphalt road north or go either right or left into the woods. There are numerous trails in the forested area skirting the Dnipro and Desna rivers on either side of the island, but some are deep sand and require a good mountain bike and a fair amount of skill.

Once you get to Moskovsky bridge, go under the bridge, heading north on the road until you reach Druzhby Narodiv Park.

From the park, there are numerous options. Veer to the right and there will be plenty of wide-open spaces. When you’ve gone far enough, you can turn left through fields and go back along the Dnipro. Or stay to the far right and ride along the Desna River. It’s possible to ride all the way to the northern tip of the island, where there is a baza otdykha (recreation camp). At the tip of the island you can see the Obolon and Minsky regions to the southwest. To get back, return through the park or take a bridge from the island to left bank. That main road will eventually lead back to Moskovsky bridge, which will put you back on the island.

Hydropark:

Kyiv’s favorite summer playground is also a great place for a short ride. The island is not that big, so you can’t get lost. Take the metro bridge over the Dnipro and exit on the off-ramp immediately after you cross the river. Start your ride on the northwest tip of the island and ride east along the bank, through Hydropark central and past the miniature golf course until you are relatively free of civilization. This is where the fun starts. From the northeast tip of the island, plunge into the woods and follow the trails. You should be able to circle the island clockwise by sticking next to the river, although if you go inland, you’ll find some nice lakes and meadows. Some trails lead to forbidden zones, which will force you to turn around or face the wrath of some nasty guard dogs. But this route can’t be beat for it’s hard dirt paths, gorgeous setting and proximity to downtown.

Holosiyivsky Park to Pyrohovo

By far Kyiv’s best cycling area – if you can find your way. To get to Holosiyivsky Park, take Prospect 40 Richa Zhovtnya south to Holosiyivska ploshcha – stay left until you see a park area near a lake on the left side of the street. This is the beginning of Holosiyivskiy Park. It appears as a huge green diamond on any map. Take the road on the east side of the lake. Once you get past the lake, detour into the forest above the concrete path and you’ll find a plethora of single-track trails with some easy and some challenging roller-coaster routes. 

If you stick to the west side of the park, you can meander along paths that skirt lakes and fields. Eventually, you end up near the national exhibition center. South of the center, there are some trails that pass through deep woods that lead to the northernmost tip of Pyrohovo. Unfortunately, these trails are difficult to find in the maze of the woods, so it’s better to go with someone who knows the way. Contact the local bike club (see info box) for information on upcoming trips to this area.

What you need

Water: Just because it’s colder, doesn’t mean you don’t need plenty of water.

Dry, warm clothing: Carry lightweight rain and wind gear (jacket and pants). Avoid wearing cotton underneath, especially if your rain gear is ultra-waterproof, such as coated nylon or Gortex. Non-breathable fabrics will cause your cotton T-shirts to be soaked quicker than standing in a downpour.

Helmet: Whether you prefer to rip through the single tracks in the forests or cycle along the highways, a helmet is a necessary piece of equipment.

Repair kit: The essentials include a basic bike tool and a wrench to tighten and adjust; a spare tire and patch kit; a chain repair tool.

Who to contact: The Kyiv bike club can be reached by leaving your e-mail address at www.velocity.kiev.ua.