People who know me know that there is more to my life than software and gardening. In the warmer months, I try to go on daily bike rides! On days that I can, I’ll schedule my bike rides when the temperature outside is a comfortable 70 to 82 degrees out. Since I live 1.5 miles away from William B Pond, I usually go bike riding along the American River Parkway. On days when I don’t have a huge amount of time for a long bike ride, or in the spring when it’s been many months since I’ve been able to go on bike rides, I’ll limit my rides to a total of about 12 miles.
I first enter the American River Parkway at William B. Pond. From there, I typically go eastbound (upriver), towards Lake Folsom. There is a lot more wildlife in this direction with a lot more views of the river itself. One of my most favorite views is where I usually see the most people standing: on the bridge between William B. Pond (in Carmichael) and River Bend (in Rancho Cordova). This particular photo is taken from the bridge, viewing downstream (westbound).
Another spectacular view along the river is right across the bike path from Goethe Park, in Rancho Cordova. This is the view of the river itself for about a quarter of a mile. Often, bikes have to slow down along this portion due to lots of pedestrian traffic going along the bike path and crossing the bike path. On popular weekends, down that cliff, you’ll see people climbing up and down this hill to sit along the river bank itself, with kids playing in the river! I’ve even smelled people BBQing down there and bringing small inflatable boats!
Since there are no natural loops (until you hit over a 30-mile ride), my halfway/stopping point is at the James C. Mullaney Memorial Oak Grove. This grove is located right by a spot called “Clay Banks”. The grove itself isn’t a whole lot: a parking lot and a large grass field with many trees. Just on the other side of the bike path, there are four different spots with picnic tables and secluded views of the river itself. This is one of them.
At the far end of this grove, you can find a placard. Though, this placard is so old, you can barely read it! It took me squinting and… just to figure out what it says:
Dedicated to Jim Mullaney, key founding president of the Save The American River Association for his commitment to the creation of the American River Parkway and the preservation of its natural environment for the future generations to use and enjoy. 1983
There are many more impressive spots along this 4.5-mile stretch of the American River Parkway: too many for me to put scrolling down the page. Enjoy the slideshow below!