Best Places To Go Cycling In Sacramento
Whether you are an avid cycler or a weekend bicycling warrior, the Sacramento area has some great areas to ride. The area is becoming known for its bike-friendly trails and the International Cycling Museum is just a stone's throw down the road to Davis. Here are some of the best bike trails and rides in Sacramento.
Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail
Also known as the American River Bike Trail
Map of the Trail
Beginning at Discovery Park near Old Sacramento, the paved trail follows the American River for 32 miles to Folsom Dam. Each mile is
marked and water fountains and restrooms are available periodically along the often flat, scenic route.
The paved trail is designated as a multi-use trail, meaning it's available for cyclists, walkers, runners and inline skaters. Motor
vehicles are prohibited. Several shorter well-traveled routes are ideal as training routes with access points along many areas of the
trail for varying route lengths. There is also a parallel dirt trail for much of way, which is ideal for mountain biking where permitted.
Portions of the same dirt trail are open to equestrians. The paved trail is posted with a 15 mph limit.
Sacramento to Davis (14 miles)
Starts on the East side of the Sacramento River at the Tower Bridge and progresses to West Capitol Ave. for 3.8 miles to the bike path across the street from the Granada Inn. Turn right on bike path and follow it toward Davis. Turn left on Road 105 (unmarked). Continue across the railroad tracks, then immediately turn left on Road 32A. Advance across Mace Blvd. where the road is renamed 2nd Street. It continues into Davis. Advance on 2nd Street for 2.2 miles where the street ends. Turn right on L Street ride one block and turn left on 3rd Street. Ride four blocks and arrive at the Amtrak Station.
Sacramento Wheelmen Rides
Established more than 30 years and featuring more than 600 members, the diverse group offers varying group rides through the week for cyclists of all abilities. The group organizers the annual Sierra Century (100-mile ride), among the most well known ultra-distance
rides in Northern California.
The majority of club's rides are for road bikes, but it also offers mountain bike rides and self-contained tours. Non-members and guests are welcome.
Sacramento Bee Hikers
As the Sacramento area's oldest continually active bicycle club, the Bike Hikers offer year-round rides, from summer evening rides to
weekday commuting routes. It also organizes one of the area's most well known events, the annual Party Pardee Century.
The club's focus is on touring and recreational cycling and it's open to cyclists of all abilities and interests. The club began in 1968 and has monthly meetings often including guest speakers involved in the cycling community.
Northern California Nevada Cycling Association (NCNCA)
Road to track, cyclo cross to mountain biking, this is the umbrella organization for all things organized cycling. Its contacts list, organized rides, race and group ride calendars and result compilations are extensive.
- James Raia is a freelance journalist living in Sacramento. His work can be found at byjamesraia.com.
