The American River Bike Trail

Sacramento, California is home of one of the great paved recreational bike trails, The American River Bike Trail. The trail offers great views of the American river, many local parks stretching over 30 miles throughout the Sacramento area, and you can also see many varieties of wild life as you ride your bike. The trail has inclines and declines throughout and is accessible through many parks and other access points. You will come across bridges and ride right along the side of the American River for long stretches. The trail is marked mile by mile and signs are also posted to inform riders where they are. With each park you will have an opportunity to rehydrate or relieve yourself. During the summer riders can watch people enjoying the river floating down it in rafts.

I seriously recommend seeing the entire bike trail, but this task is not something for beginners as the bike trail is over 30 miles and counting your ride back would total 60 miles. For those daring enough for the task you should pack a few snacks as your energy will need to be replenished and make sure not to push too hard. Take advantage of the parks you pass making sure to keep a good supply of water and always using the fountains to refill.

There are also mountain lions that inhabit the spaces around the trail, there have been encounters but no confrontations with the animals have been reported. You may want to bring a little insurance via a can of pepper spray just in case.

The bike trail is quite busy with other recreational bike riders which is quite reassuring that you will be safe. Don't worry about going to slow and holding other riders back just stay to the right of the lane and the upcoming rider will politely say "on your left" to make sure you are aware they will be passing you on your left hand side.

On the bike trail you will see everyone from serious riders, to families, to weekend warriors, and even pedestrians who use the trail as a bike freeway. Whatever your use I recommend giving the trail a test drive so you can observe how you handle the trail and what type of equipment and clothes to wear. Exploring the American River Bike Trail in Sacramento, California is a wonderful activity for the great outdoors and if you live in Sacramento you should really get out there and take advantage of something most cities do not offer.