Lansing

Although not nearly as flat as downtown Ithaca, Lansing is considered to be the flatter region around Ithaca. The route still has a bunch of small bumps and false flats, but at least there are no major hills. This rare attribute makes this route perfect for those who are newer to cycling and don’t want to be challenged by the daunting hills quite yet.

Overview

At first, the route wiggles it’s way towards Fall Creek. The route will parallel the creek for a couple miles, allowing an occasional view of the water. Once the route turns onto Caswell Rd, the surroundings turn into a more typical Lansing landscape: mostly fields with an occasional patch of forest. The end of Caswell Rd and the beginning of Bone Plain Rd are the hilliest part of the route, but nothing too strenuous compared to the rest of the Ithaca region. Bone Plain Rd, despite it’s unfortunate name, is a very pleasant road with barely any traffic.

On your way back to Ithaca, on Snyder Rd, you will ride along the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport. If you’re lucky, you can even see planes depart and land. Soon after, you will face a nice descent on Freese Rd. The descent ends on a sharp switchback, so be sure to limit your speed. Part of the last stretch back to Ithaca uses Forest Home Dr, a beautifully forested road which provides some variety compared to the more open landscape in Lansing. On this road, you will also reunite with Fall Creek and follow it all the way back to Ithaca.

Traffic

There are a couple busy roads that are part of this route, so use extra caution, especially Route 366 and Warren Rd. Most other roads are smaller country roads with little traffic.

Scenery

The route is surrounded by a typical Lansing landscape: Mostly fields with occasional patches of forest.