spdzone

Hi,

Well for about 4yrs now I've been riding an MTB but I'm now getting into the road biking scene. About 5 miles from my house is the American River Trail which you guessed it runs along the American River. This past June me, my brother and one of our good friends decided to ride 50 miles on this trail. 50 miles on a MTB what the hell was I thinking. The first 25miles wasn't so bad but on the way back it was hell. I didnt' do much training for it, I didn't think I was that out of shape. While I was on the trail I kept getting passed by all of these other cyclists on road bikes. So I immediately thought, "damn, I have to get a new bike". From ebay I purchased an 05 Motobecane Super Mirage. No frills or anything for just under $300 I saw a perfect beginner road bike for me. Today I finally had it all together I just need to make some adjustments on the brakes. I have taken it for a ride though and I have to say, "OMG, why didn't I get one a these a long time ago". I couldn't believe how fast I was going with almost no effort. Now I can't wait to ride the trail again.

thanks

notfred

Hey, where'd you used to mountain bike near Sac? I recently started mountain biking and I live in Davis... which lacks any real mountains, so I'd love to hear any recommendations on trails nearby.

Thanks!

s2000raj

Hey, I"m getting into cycling too. I live in Natomas park, but there is a side trail that connects up to the ART. I'm in your boat. I was riding a MB and am trying to find a Road bike.

spdzone

notfred - I just recently moved to Natomas Park so I haven't done any MTB trails out here. I mostly rode in the eastbay like Wildcat or Briones(sp). I can't believe how flat it is out here. The local bike shop listed a few trails though for MTB. check it out, maybe one day we'll get a group.

https://www.natomasbikeshop.com/rides.html


s2000raj - Hey as I said to notfred I just moved here to Natomas Park as well. When my bro and our friend rode the ART we just went to the actual park we didn't ride to the path that connects to it. I barely know my way around here. I still commute to the bay area everyday to work. So on the weekends I keep my ass at home. Yeah I wanted a road bike really bad after the 50mile ride we did. I didn't want to spend $500 or $600 on a real expensive one so I sacrificed and got this steel frame one. It's an ok ride. No frills but it gets me going.

Going to start training for another 50mile ride. I plan to do this on saturday September 25th. Let me know if either of you want to tag a long with me.

ultra-g

Hi, I grew up in Carmichael and Rancho Cordova and use to bike on the American River bike trail when I was a kid.

How is the trail nowadays? I moved away from Sacramento in 1990 (my sister is still there).

I used to hang out at the river by the Goethe Bridge in junior high.

Exactly how long is the entire trail? I know it starts from Folsom River, but don't know where it ends.

spdzone

I thought the trail was sweet! No cars to worry about which is what i like. Everyone else on the trail is very courteous for others to pass. The entire trail is paved. We started out at the beginning of the trail off of HWY 5. We know it's the beginning because the mile marker said "1" hehe. One way it's 32 miles ending at the Folsom river, I believe. We only rode it up to 24/25 mile mark. Stopped at Taco Bell then rode back. At the end of the ride my computer said 51.??. So we did the trail and then some. Probably just around the parking lot to get warmed up. I highly suggest it for a good weekend ride. I read online somewhere that this guy rides the trail everyday to go to work. Along the trail there are other entrances other than where we started.