Explore Boise by Bike

Stretching about 25 miles along the beautiful Boise River waterfront, the Boise River Greenbelt offers pretty, mellow riding suitable for all setups. Challenge the kids to a trainingwheels trip to Lucky 13 ($; 3662 S. Eckert Rd., 6 flat miles from downtown; 208/344-6967) for pizza on the patio, or cruise about 5.5 miles farther to Lucky Peak Reservoir―and beyond, if you’re up for a climb. Pull over for a play Tucked into a nature preserve just off the Greenbelt bike path, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s Elizabethan-style amphitheater is one of Boise’s cultural icons. Tickets from $26; 5657 Warm Springs Ave.

Skip the hassle of bike transport and trust the techs at Idaho Mountain Touring to fix you up. The shop’s revamped rental section has more bikes than ever, from cruisers to high-end mountain- and roadbike options. Rentals from $25 for 4 hours; 1310 W. Main St.

Start the day in Boise’s lively Linen District, where Big City Coffee serves big breakfasts and killer caffeine. If it's on the menu, try the beef tamale, served with eggs fluffed with the espresso machine’s steam wand, and grab a massive Sunrise muffin to stuff in your bike jersey. $; 1416 W. Grove St.

Long before PowerBar, there was Idaho Spud Bar, a calorie-packed, potato-shaped mound of chocolate marshmallow coated with dark chocolate and dusted with coconut, first made by the Idaho Candy Company nearly a century ago. After a long ride, you’ve earned it. Pick ’em up at Boise grocers, or order at idahospud.com