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06.26.08

Working on the Rail-Roll

A good roll can be hard to find. So we've gotta hand it to Rails-to-Trails; this savvy non-profit turns old railroad grades into multi-use paths, including these three bike-friendly rambles.  

Bike Sonoma Valley

Sonoma Wine Flight

One of Sonoma's lesser-known and oh-so-ripe attractions is its half-mile of rail-trail, part of a longer route that features vineyards and wine tasting along the way. Bring your own bike or rent from Sonoma Valley Cyclery, just off Sonoma square; they include a detailed map with directions to wineries en route. A favorite stop is Ravenswood, where the pours are plentiful and the attitude is friendly. Be sure to taste their proud new release, Icon: velvety and mmmmm-good. Pedal on to Bartholomew Park Winery, the perfect place for a summer picnic with its Frisbee-worthy lawn and big oak trees. Want to extend the pedal and go for 13 miles? No problem. Roll on to Gundlach Bundschu—at 150 years, it's the oldest family-run winery in California. And they're celebrating all summer. For an added treat, take the appointment-only Cave Tour into their immense 420-foot-long barrel cave—a refreshingly cool pause on a hot day.

TIP: Before the journey, grab a deli sandwich and other lunch treats in the enticing Cheese Factory at the northern end of Sonoma square.

Sonoma Valley Cyclery, 20093 Broadway (at Newcomb St.), Sonoma; 707-935-3377. Bike rentals start at $25 for the day. For Sonoma Valley Cyclery's handwritten map of the winery route, click here. Taste with grace. Please be responsible about wine intake while operating your two-wheeler!

Activity
Bike
Region
North Bay
Bike Alum Rock Park

Rock and Roll

Wheel to one of California's original health spas: Alum Rock Park, a small canyon in the foothills of the Diablo Range, just outside of San Jose. Back at the turn of the century, Alum Rock was a health resort with 27 natural mineral springs. Visitors flocked to the spa in epic numbers on the Alum Rock Steam Railroad. Today there's a rail-trail, but you can still smell the…er…natural scents wafting near the park's visitor center. This place gets piping hot in summer, but shady sycamores, oaks, and alders have you covered. Start this gentle ride on the Creek Trail anywhere in the park. Squirrels are everywhere on the mostly flat path, which runs about 2 miles one way and parallels Pentencia Creek the entire route. Picnic tables line the trail. If you're up for a bike-and-hike adventure, go all the way to the east end of the Creek Trail, lock your bike, and head up the South Rim Trail. This switchback rises for about a mile, but the ridge rewards with huge views from San Jose to the coastal range.

Due to high fire danger, the park may be closed; call ahead to check (408-277-4539). Directions to Alum Rock Park: from I-680 in San Jose, exit McKee Rd. and go east about 1.5 miles. Turn left on Toyon Ave. and go 1 mile. Turn right onto Pentencia Creek Rd. and follow it into the park.

Activity
Bike
Region
Peninsula & South Bay
Bike Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail

Monterey Meander

With 18 miles of car-free coastal beauty, the Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail is a flagship of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The converted railroad track passes eucalyptus forests, sand dunes, and a montage of Monterey classics. It's easy to spend a day biking and exploring iconic spots like Steinbeck's Cannery Row or the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. (Who knew jelly fish could be so hypnotic?) Back on the bike, keep an eye out for flirtatious sea otters swimming with kayakers. And if the mood strikes you right, Lover's Point provides a poetic overlook you should be sure not to overlook.

BONUS: If you want to overnight it, grab a room at the historic Asilomar in Pacific Grove.

The Monterey Recreation Trail starts at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove, or 18 miles north at the junction of Del Monte Blvd. and Lapis Rd. in the town of Marina. Bike rentals are available from Bay Bikes near the aquarium.

Activity
Bike
Region
Points Beyond
Les Stroud

Les Marks the SPOT

Where in the world is Survivorman Les Stroud? Win a trip for two and find out. SPOT the world's first satellite messenger, is giving away seven prizes—including an all-expenses-paid trip for two to visit Les Stroud on location filming Survivorman. Les travels to some of the most exotic (and extreme) places in the world. And now's your chance for you and a friend to join him at a secret North American location. Entering also makes you eligible for six other prizes, including a SPOT satellite messenger and a free year of service. Enter now to win SPOT'S trip-for-two of a lifetime. Be on the SPOT with Survivorman.

A common-sense tool for the outdoors, SPOT is small, easy to pack, and works where cell phones don't. It comes in handy for a variety of normal outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, kayaking, driving, and trekking. Stay connected with family and friends while you're exploring. Take along your SPOT.

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