Fact: The canals in Phoenix are less lame than expected.
Yes, I realize the whole "not lame" thing is coming out of nowhere, but I was actually surprised at how cool the canals in Phoenix are for working out.
Here's why.
There is a paved portion that goes for about 10 miles in each direction (starts around 18th Street) so that's a good 20 miles to practice changing gears and clipping in and out of your shoes.
You don't have to cross highways or streets as there are underpasses.
If you have a mountain bike (I have a road bike), you can bike farther on the gravel paths.
The scenery is a little interesting as you pass through various neighborhoods.
The cons:
Flat so no hill training.
You have joggers and families with little kids using the same path so you can't go too fast.
When you first enter the underpasses, you are blind for a millisecond while your eyes adjust to the darkness - a little scary when on a bike and you can't see what's ahead.