Why Go to Sacramento?
American River Bike Trail!

I enjoy making train travel part of my unfolding journeys. I like that trains are kinder to the environment than are cars. Also, taking my folding bike onboard an Amtrak train is hassle-free, and the rhythmic motion of a train click-clacking down those steel rails is relaxing, even contemplative. This trip was perfect for rail travel. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor line passes through Fremont, where I caught the train (photo at left), then travels on to Hayward, Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, Richmond, Martinez, Fairfield and Davis before arriving in Sacramento. Bikes are welcome on the Capitol Corridor; in fact there are special bike signs on the train showing riders where to stow their trusty steeds. Once my bike was locked up, I climbed the stairs to the upper deck and settled in. We skirted San Pablo Bay, then made our way across the Suisun Valley where the landscape was dotted with wetlands and ample bird life. Passengers spent the time reading, listening to their iPods, or just gazing out the windows and taking in the passing scenery. One young family was immersed in card games: Slap, Old Maid, Black Jack. Was I glad I took the train instead of my car? Oh yeah!

This bike path is generally flat and straight in the beginning, giving way to curves and hills closer to Folsom. There are lots of of spots to pull off and check out the American River, with its attendant boaters and fishermen (and women). Happily, riders are generally courteous and friendly, and conflicts between novice riders and serious road cyclists are rare. Picnic spots abound!

There really is only one place where the route gets confusing; that's at the fish hatchery (22.5 miles from Historic Sacramento). What you don't want to do is bear right and go up to the busy road. If you head down towards the hatchery you'll curve around a bit and continue on the south (right hand) side of the river. Another option is to cross the bridge and ride along the north side of the river, although I think it's less confusing to wait until you get to Folsom to catch the north shore route.

My favorite part of the trail is from mile 18 to 25. You curve your way up, down and through pine oak woodlands. Shaded picnic tables along the way beckon. Eventually you go under a large bridge. If you hang a right and head up here you'll be a block or so away from Old Town Folsom. Check out the place, maybe buy an ice cream cone at Snook's, then head down through the parking lot to the bridge. Cross the bridge on the bike/pedestrian path and curve your way back down to the river. This section is fun because, unlike the trail along the south bank, this side gets you right down to the water. Continue until you see the fish hatchery, climb the steep hill, cross the bridge, and continue on the trail back the way you came. Around mile 3 you'll have a choice to make. You can either head towards Historic Sacramento or go on a trail that'll take you to downtown Sacramento. I took the latter. If you do the same just follow the bike route signs west, and then south until you hit "I" Street. Take "I" to the Amtrak station.