Winding its way through the heart of Sacramento is the American River Bike Trail, also known as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, named after the first explorer to roam this area. Stretching 32 miles from Discovery Park on the banks of the confluence between the Sacramento and American Rivers to Beal's Point on Folsom Lake the trail is most popular for biking enthusiasts but hikers and horses are also known to take advantage of the out of the way solitude of the trail.
On Valentine's Day weekend I had the opportunity to ride this trail in its entirety with the Black Bear Patrol of Troop 136. Beginning at Discovery Park our plan was to ride the trail to the end where we had campsites waiting for us at Beal's Point. Under the guidance of Assistant Scoutmasters Tony Saniatan and Jerome Parra our small group set off into the unknown, unsure of what to expect. Tony and Jerome were both experienced cyclists but the rest of us were fairly new to the two-wheeled contraptions and unsure where the day would take us. The only bike riding I had done in the past few years was the stationary bike you find in the neighborhood gym.
Over the next six hours we would all see the hidden beauty of the American River Parkway, overcome our own doubts and fears, and feel that wonderful and fulfilling satisfaction of crossing the finish line with the inside knowledge that we are living life the way it is meant to be lived: to the limit and on the edge.
At Discovery Park, 8:30 in the morning. Ready to ride.
My trusty steed. My wife got this bike for me at Christmas three years before. Outside of a few nerve rattling laps around the block this was to be my first real ride.
My friend, confident, and fellow ASM Dean Mar. He would transport our camping gear to Beal's Point and assist my two sons, Austin and Gavin, in setting up our camp. Austin would be cooking dinner and breakfast for the adults on the trip and Gavin would be assisting the Black Bear Patrol Leader in program activities once we arrived.
Scouts complete their bike and gear checks.
Discovery Park. The bike trail begins around the corner to the right.
Final inspection and trip briefing.
Off we go! Tony takes the lead (in the red helmet). I was to take sweep, or the last position.
Three miles into the ride I stopped to snap this shot. The American River is just beyond those trees.
Until you are on the trail it is hard to understand just how isolated it is. We are only a few miles from the start and not a road or building in sight.
Crossing under Interstate 80 near Cal Expo.
We reach Cal Expo. It is hard to believe that on the other side of that tower is a bustling metropolis.
Passing Cal Expo. I know exactly where we are but it is hard to associate Exposition Blvd. and Arden Way with the wilderness area we are riding through.
A close-up of the tower. A few moments before I saw an owl flying out of a nearby tree.
The race track at Cal Expo. Again, it is hard for me to imagine that just beyond are the busy streets of Arden Way and Howe Ave. We are in a different world.
A glimpse of the American River. All around us are the sounds of honking geese and quacking ducks.
A quick stop near mile 7. We are across from the Campus Commons Golf Course off Howe Ave and near CSUS. Our first checkpoint is five miles further at William B. Pond at mile 13.
We reach the Guy West Bridge at CSUS.
This was a treat to find: A bicycle repair station. This was a Eagle Project completed by Scott McCuen of Troop 53.
We reach Watt Ave.
Snack and water break. We are at mile 10. Three more miles to go before reaching our first checkpoint. We are almost an hour ahead of schedule.
The American River under the Watt Ave bridge.
We are in the heart of Sacramento.
We reach our first checkpoint. Lunch time!
This was our first "bail-out" point for any of those that were having trouble. Everybody was ready to move on to the next checkpoint at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 10 miles away.
It is hard to believe that this is Sacramento in February.
Getting ready to head out.
By this point I had nicknamed my bike "Tango." Though my legs felt fine by nether regions were starting to feel the pressure of the tiny bike seat.
The scouts are ready for more.
Next stop, 10 miles...
Quick bathroom break. Jerome gets ready to saddle up for the next leg of the trip.
I tried to get more photos of these maps but usually when I came across one I was already going at a steady clip and didn't want to slow down.
We reach the next checkpoint: Nimbus Fish Hatchery, mile 23. We have 8 miles left before reaching our campsites.
This was the last point the scouts could bail out. The next leg would take us up and across the Hazel Ave bridge seen in the background. This would be the first of three long uphill sections between us and the end of the trail.
Across the bridge. Nimbus Fish Hatchery is in the background.
Looking across Hazel Ave at the Sacramento Aquatics Center.
The next leg takes us down this steep section and down along Nimbus Lake.
We reach Negro Bar, mile 27. We only have 4 miles left but most of it is uphill and I was too busy huffing and puffing up the 8% grade to take any photos. I will admit there were times I got off the bike and walked. I would rather hike sections of Mt Whitney than try to peddle my way up a slight ascent on a bike...
Beal's Point: the end of the ride. Jerome was a genius in picking our campsites, they are just off to the left.
Our final trip mileage: just over 31 miles.
Beal's Point.
Our campsites: 48 and 49. The bike trail runs behind the camp to the left.
My son Austin making dinner. Hawaiian Foil packets with chicken, green bell peppers, pineapple and sweet and sour sauce. He made an Asian flavored green salad to go along with the packet. He was doing this dinner for his Cooking Merit Badge requirement.
The packets on the coals.
Austin getting ready to serve dinner.
Dinner is served...
My set-up. The Black Bears decided this was to a be tent-less camping trip so we all slept outside. The weather was beautiful and the sky was nice and clear.
The benefits of no-tent camping: this was my view when I woke up in the morning.
A selfie while still in my hammock. I was afraid to move too much in case something was too sore. As it was my legs felt fine when I finally slipped out of my hammock.
A view of Folsom Lake, taken from my hammock at 6:30 in the morning on Sunday Feb. 15.
By 7 am Austin was up and starting to get breakfast ready. Bacon and eggs wrapped in a tortilla.
Enjoying my last few moments of peace before starting my day...
For more information on the American River Bike Trail:
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