As we plan our last summer getaway, consider taking your bikes
along and riding some of our nation’s best cycling trails.
As we plan our last summer getaway, consider taking your bikes along and riding some of our nation’s best cycling trails.
There are thousands of miles of recreational trails for cyclists to enjoy. To locate one near your next vacation destination try www.trailink.com.
One of my favorites is the Bizz Johnson Trail near Mt. Lassen. The trail is named after former Congressman Harold T. ‘Bizz’ Johnson who was instrumental in establishing the Rails to Trails program that converts abandoned rail lines into community trails.
This trail is used by cyclists, equestrians, hikers and by cross-country skiers in the winter. Mountain bikers can enjoy 30 miles of packed gravel rail bed that follow the gentle grade of the Fernley and Lassen Railroad through the Susan River Canyon.
The trail crosses the river eleven times and through two train tunnels. My favorite section is all down hill from Devil’s Corral to Susanville, where it terminates at a railroad museum.
If you plan on staying home, you can visit our local 12-mile section of the Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail from San Juan Bautista to Salinas (suitable for mountain bikes). This is a small piece of Juan De Anza’s historic journey from 1775 to 1776 that stretched from Mexico through Nogales, Ariz. to San Francisco’s Mission Dolores. The trail has a lot of shade but can get steep.
Then there is the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail that goes from Castroville to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Another is the trail that runs from Anderson Reservoir in Morgan Hill to Hellyer Park in San Jose (both are suitable for all bikes).
Remember to share the trail with others and to be courteous. When crossing paths with horses try to be quiet and slow, staying downhill from the horse.
Wherever you are headed this summer, there should be a trail for you and your family to enjoy on bicycles. Remember to wear your helmets and to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Kevin Carter is the co-owner of Off the Chain Bikes in Hollister and can be reached at (831) 636-0802.
