As winter sets in, Iowa bicyclists begin to shop for their dream Iowa bicycling vacation. This usually means researching a never-before-visited bike trail, a new bicycle event, or finding new roads perfect for bike rides. With some online research, you can find the perfect opportunity for your 2015 Iowa Bicycling Vacation.

1. Discover New Trails

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has been a leader in trail development for decades. Their online resources highlight all of the trails within Iowa, so you can know the length, surface, and communities connected.  And don't forget to download their Iowa By Trail app.  This handy app is available for iOS products now, but an Android launch is scheduled soon. 

2. Find New Bicycle Events

Bikeiowa.com has been the go-to resource for bike events. The website was created because there were just too many bike events to keep track of, so why not have an online database. The site has grown into a resource for news and happenings in the Iowa bicycling community.

3. Map New Roads

A new website has been launched to begin mapping the fabulous road bicycling routes around the state. Iowabikeways.com is a project of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. The group has begun to digitize many commonly used roadways that are perfect for bicycling. The routes are used by local bike clubs for rides and events.

4. Attend an Expo

The Iowa Bike Expo has become the must-attend event to shop for an Iowa bicycling vacation. This year’s expo will be held on January 24 at the Iowa Events Center HyVee Hall in Des Moines from 10 to 5 PM. Attendees can visit with over 100 vendors showing bicycles, gear, events, and destinations.

Finding your ideas for your next summer's bicycling vacation is not very hard if you start with online resources for trails, events, and road routes. Come visit with others at the Iowa Bike Expo and you can learn even more about where to bicycle in 2015.