C is for Cycling! Celebrate National Bike Month
April (and all the winter months prior!) showers brought us flowers, so now's the prime time to enjoy the blooms with some fresh-air fun. In honor of May being National Bike Month, we put together 10 ways to get into the riding spirit all month long (and beyond) for every interest and skill level. Try just one thing from our list or set a goal to tackle them all!
CHECK OUT A NEW-TO-YOU TRAIL
Explore the heart of Lincoln on the easy four-mile Rock Island Trail; challenge yourself with Roseville’s Secret Ravine Trail, a moderate and often less crowded 4.6-mile journey that includes a 154-foot elevation gain; check out Pheasant Trail in Auburn’s Hidden Falls Regional Park for a half-mile point-to-point route; or venture to Folsom Lake’s Pioneer Express Trail if you’re seeking a moderately challenging 14.1-mile adventure. Wherever you are, and whatever length or level of difficulty you’re looking for, visit alltrails.com to find the best spots.
Explore the heart of Lincoln on the easy four-mile Rock Island Trail; challenge yourself with Roseville’s Secret Ravine Trail, a moderate and often less crowded 4.6-mile journey that includes a 154-foot elevation gain; check out Pheasant Trail in Auburn’s Hidden Falls Regional Park for a half-mile point-to-point route; or venture to Folsom Lake’s Pioneer Express Trail if you’re seeking a moderately challenging 14.1-mile adventure. Wherever you are, and whatever length or level of difficulty you’re looking for, visit alltrails.com to find the best spots.
Roseville’s Secret Ravine Trail
SIGN UP FOR A RACE (OR JUST JOIN THE AFTER-PARTY)
Serious bike riders are invited to race in Mother Lode Epic (clippedinforlife.org/our-races/mother-lode-epic)—an endurance race on June 17 that spans California’s gold discovery route from Magnolia Ranch Trailhead in Coloma all the way to Historic Folsom (with a boat transfer across Folsom Lake between the last two stages!). If that’s not your speed, buddy up for the two-person relay or simply celebrate with participants afterward at the post-race party, where promises of a beer garden, live music, and an award ceremony await at Zittel Family Amphitheater.
Serious bike riders are invited to race in Mother Lode Epic (clippedinforlife.org/our-races/mother-lode-epic)—an endurance race on June 17 that spans California’s gold discovery route from Magnolia Ranch Trailhead in Coloma all the way to Historic Folsom (with a boat transfer across Folsom Lake between the last two stages!). If that’s not your speed, buddy up for the two-person relay or simply celebrate with participants afterward at the post-race party, where promises of a beer garden, live music, and an award ceremony await at Zittel Family Amphitheater.
GO CAR-FREE FOR A DAY
It may be National Bike Month, but did you know May 19 is specifically National Bike to Work Day? Join in on the adventure and pedal to your destination instead of driving. If you work from home—as many do these days—challenge yourself to run your errands using two wheels instead of four, or cycle with your kiddos to school. The date falls on a Friday, so perhaps you’ve earned a ride to happy hour, too!
It may be National Bike Month, but did you know May 19 is specifically National Bike to Work Day? Join in on the adventure and pedal to your destination instead of driving. If you work from home—as many do these days—challenge yourself to run your errands using two wheels instead of four, or cycle with your kiddos to school. The date falls on a Friday, so perhaps you’ve earned a ride to happy hour, too!
Go car free
JOIN A COMMUNITY GROUP RIDE
Biking is often easier and more enjoyable with motivation and friends! At the Sierra Foothills Cycling Club (sfcyclists.org), you’ll find all the above. Various group rides are offered on a weekly basis. No matter your skill level—from expert racer to “I just purchased my first bike”—there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Biking is often easier and more enjoyable with motivation and friends! At the Sierra Foothills Cycling Club (sfcyclists.org), you’ll find all the above. Various group rides are offered on a weekly basis. No matter your skill level—from expert racer to “I just purchased my first bike”—there’s sure to be something for everyone.
new threads from Mike’s Bikes
RIDE IN STYLE
The right clothing, accessories, and gear can make all the difference in your cycling experience. Look the part with some new threads from Mike’s Bikes (mikesbikes.com), which has local outposts in Folsom, Roseville, and Sacramento. Explore tons of brands like Yeti Cycles, Specialized, Pearl Izumi, Velocio, Fox Racing, and more. With something for every style of riding (mountain, road, etc.) and everyone (men, women, and kids), you can get the entire crew geared up!
The right clothing, accessories, and gear can make all the difference in your cycling experience. Look the part with some new threads from Mike’s Bikes (mikesbikes.com), which has local outposts in Folsom, Roseville, and Sacramento. Explore tons of brands like Yeti Cycles, Specialized, Pearl Izumi, Velocio, Fox Racing, and more. With something for every style of riding (mountain, road, etc.) and everyone (men, women, and kids), you can get the entire crew geared up!
LISTEN TO A PEDAL-FRIENDLY PODCAST
For those who enjoy a good podcast, get into the biking spirit with Bike Minded (apple.co/3Jd3CrS). Roseville resident Nicky Bradwell and East Coast-to-Orangevale transplant Matt LaPrade get together weekly to chat all things cycling, from digging deep mid-race to the importance of bike fittings—all with an entertaining, relaxed vibe (they’re pals, after all). Occasional guests from the cycling world pop on, too.
For those who enjoy a good podcast, get into the biking spirit with Bike Minded (apple.co/3Jd3CrS). Roseville resident Nicky Bradwell and East Coast-to-Orangevale transplant Matt LaPrade get together weekly to chat all things cycling, from digging deep mid-race to the importance of bike fittings—all with an entertaining, relaxed vibe (they’re pals, after all). Occasional guests from the cycling world pop on, too.
RENT AN E-BIKE
For only $25 an hour or $125 for a full day, head to Practical Cycle (practicalcycle.com) in Historic Folsom and take on the American River Parkway in style (and increased speed). You can choose if you’d like to pedal or not, which is a super fun feeling on a bike if you’ve never experienced it. Rentals come with helmets and locks. For just a little extra cash, you can also rent a tandem e-bike!
For only $25 an hour or $125 for a full day, head to Practical Cycle (practicalcycle.com) in Historic Folsom and take on the American River Parkway in style (and increased speed). You can choose if you’d like to pedal or not, which is a super fun feeling on a bike if you’ve never experienced it. Rentals come with helmets and locks. For just a little extra cash, you can also rent a tandem e-bike!
Rent a bike
WILL BIKE FOR BEER (OR WINE)
If you’re looking to balance weekend treats with some exercise, load your bikes in the car and head to the Placer Wine & Ale Trail (visitplacer.com/wine-and-ale-trail). Spanning from Roseville all the way to Meadow Vista, the area has multiple tap rooms, wine bars, wineries, craft breweries, restaurants, and even a craft distillery. Scope out areas that are bike-friendly ahead of time and remember to ride (and imbibe!) responsibly.
If you’re looking to balance weekend treats with some exercise, load your bikes in the car and head to the Placer Wine & Ale Trail (visitplacer.com/wine-and-ale-trail). Spanning from Roseville all the way to Meadow Vista, the area has multiple tap rooms, wine bars, wineries, craft breweries, restaurants, and even a craft distillery. Scope out areas that are bike-friendly ahead of time and remember to ride (and imbibe!) responsibly.
TAKE A SPIN CLASS
Is biking indoors more your speed? Enjoy some cool A/C and less allergies while you pedal at Folsom’s TrueNorth Cycle + Strength (truenorthcycle.com). You’ll get a major cardio workout while jamming to upbeat music, and you’re sure to break a sweat in under an hour. BYO riding shoes or rent them at the studio for just $3.50. Bonus: Your first class is currently free!
Is biking indoors more your speed? Enjoy some cool A/C and less allergies while you pedal at Folsom’s TrueNorth Cycle + Strength (truenorthcycle.com). You’ll get a major cardio workout while jamming to upbeat music, and you’re sure to break a sweat in under an hour. BYO riding shoes or rent them at the studio for just $3.50. Bonus: Your first class is currently free!
Folsom’s TrueNorth Cycle + Strength
BRUSH UP ON SAFETY
On June 3, the City of Roseville is hosting their 30th annual Roseville BikeFest (roseville.ca.us/bikefest). From 9 a.m.-noon, head to Vernon Street Town Square for helmet fittings, bicycle safety checks, obstacle courses, riding demonstrations, and prizes for the kids—including a bike giveaway—all free of charge.
On June 3, the City of Roseville is hosting their 30th annual Roseville BikeFest (roseville.ca.us/bikefest). From 9 a.m.-noon, head to Vernon Street Town Square for helmet fittings, bicycle safety checks, obstacle courses, riding demonstrations, and prizes for the kids—including a bike giveaway—all free of charge.
Bike safety
by Caitlin McCulloch
Check Out a New-to-You Trail photo by Erik Bergen, Visit Placer. Sign Up for a Race photo by Bixxel Media. Go Car Free photo courtesy of the City of Roseville. Ride in Style photo by Dave Trumpore @davetrumporephoto. Take a Spin Class photo by Amber Felts, Shoop’s Photography. Rent an E-Bike photo courtesy of Pedego Electric Bikes LLC. Other photos courtesy of their repsective companies or organizations.