The 7: In time for Spokefest, a cyclist picks his favorite rides

This weekend will mark the longest bike ride many locals will take all year.

Spokefest is a time to dust off that chain, don a helmet and work those legs. Though it comes at the end of summer, the event is a good way to start a cycling habit. There’s no better time than fall to ride, with its cool temperatures and turning leaves.

With that in mind, here are 7 of our favorite rides in the area, in no particular order.

East Central to West Central. This 6-mile route connects the city’s central neighborhoods on paved trails that barely touch traffic. Start on the Ben Burr Trail near the intersection of Thor Street and East Hills Court, and head west. After passing below East Sprague, connect to the newly paved Martin Luther King Jr. Way and head through the University District to connect with the Centennial Trail. Follow the path through Riverfront Park and Kendall Yards to end at the intersection of Summit Boulevard and Boone Avenue.

Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Perhaps the best kept cycling secret in the Inland Northwest, this trail follows the Coeur d’Alene River past Lake Coeur d’Alene and through rolling farmlands in the Idaho panhandle. It’s entire stretch is 72 miles, from Plummer to Mullan, Idaho. But for a day trip to beat all day trips, start at Heyburn State Park and ride to Harrison for lunch, ice cream, live music in the park and maybe some wine tasting.

The Rocket Ride. Start in Mission Park in the Logan neighborhood and head northeast along the Centennial Trail section that follows Upriver Drive and the Spokane River. The meandering, 6.6-mile river route shifts between bike lanes and paved trails, but takes you straight to Argonne Road. A quick jaunt across the river takes you to the Rocket Bakery in Millwood, where you can refuel on coffee and cookies. For an extra adventure, ride back on Euclid and Rutter avenues to Felts Field and race the small aircraft as they land and taxi.

Fish Lake Trail. A great family ride on a former railroad track. Paved and flat, the trail takes cyclists through the Latah Valley, by active rail lines and along rural fence posts. Bring water, food and binoculars for the many picturesque stopping points. Begin the ride at the Fish Lake Trailhead, near the intersection of Lindeke Street and Ninth Avenue, and ride more than seven miles to the trail’s intersection with Scribner Road. Bonus points if you continue an extra couple of miles to the trail’s terminus alongside Queen Lucas Lake.

Nine Mile Stretch. Part of the Centennial Trail that doesn’t get a lot of love lies between Seven Mile Road and the Deep Creek Canyon area of Riverside State Park. Only about 3 miles along, the route rolls through forested hills and horse farms. Don’t miss the well-marked spur to the Deep Creek Canyon Overlook for a little climb and fantastic view.

Hangman Valley Loop. A popular ride among cyclists, it’s definitely not for inexperienced riders. But if you’re up for some hilly fun on skinny backcountry roads, get on it. Start near 57th Avenue and Regal Street and head to the Palouse Highway. Enjoy the Palouse as it reveals itself, but don’t miss the right-hand turn on Valley Chapel Road. Turn right again on Hangman Valley Road for the return trip to town. End by riding up the shoulder-less, and harrowing, Hatch Road.

West Drive. Go west, rider, to the Sunset Hills for a pleasant jaunt around Indian Canyon Golf Course. The rolling ride takes you past Indian Canyon Mystic Falls, the last homestead of Spokane Garry, where you definitely should stop for a view of the little-known waterfall. Grab a beverage at the golf course. And enjoy the smooth, quiet joy of West Drive. This ride is easily accessible from the Fish Lake Trailhead. Just ride on the trail above Interstate 90 and turn off on 13th Avenue and follow Rosamund Avenue to the northwest.

Have fun on two wheels, and always remember to wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road.