Cycling around Lake Natoma

In my last article for the Telegraph I mentioned the subject of my baby-boomer status, and the fitness issues which go along with being part of that demographic. In keeping with that, there is another outdoor activity which is both a terrific belly-buster, for those who wish to shed the spread, and also a particularly smooth form of exercise, not at all jarring to the joints. That activity is (may I have a drum roll please) bicycling. There are a great variety of bicycle types - cruisers, road bikes, mountain bikes, urban, tandem, recumbent, etc., with the type owned and employed depending upon one's particular and favorite sort of cycling. Road bikes are ultra lightweight and have dropped handlebars so the riding stance cuts down wind resistance. Mountain bikes have straight handlebars, and usually incorporate suspension, either in the front fork (hardtail), or in both front and rear (full suspension), for negotiating rough terrain. Urban bikes are built with the mountain bike handlebar and frame geometry, but have fewer gears and forgo suspension. That's what mine is.For cycling enthusiasts the American River Parkway (also known as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Bike Trail, after the famous trapper) is a local treasure which deserves to be explored. Running for nearly 32 miles, from Beals Point at Folsom Lake all the way to Discovery Park in Sacramento, the trail is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors, taking in a number of natural and historical sights along the way. Although it has gotten a bit of bad press in recent times, with proper precautions it still is a ticket to smog-free, calorie-burning transportation and adventure.My daughter, Dana, and I decided to begin our exploration with the easy and beautiful 12-mile loop created by the Lake Natoma Trail, which embarks beneath Lake Natoma Crossing on the south shore of Lake Natoma. Public parking is available nearby. The loop is completed by re-crossing to the north shore of Lake Natoma at the Hazel Avenue Bridge, returning along a section of the American River Parkway proper, and re-crossing to the south shore by way of the old truss bridge, next to Rainbow Bridge.It was a Sunday and fine weather, so there were many people out walking and cycling on the trail. That didn't present a problem, because the trail is spacious, paved, and divided in the middle to help with traffic issues. As we made our way southward we enjoyed views of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, which is nicely wooded and includes running trails and picnic areas. One also gets fine views of the bluffs across the lake which are part of the Mehrten Formation, a series of volcanic mudflows millions of years old. One sees strips of cobbled granite in the cliff, part of the ancient riverbed. Geology, up close and personal.With the advent of the American River Parkway, an open-air natural history museum became easily available, abundant with plants, trees, and creatures. Majestic blue oak trees dot the hills, recognizable by their bluish hue, as well as pine, toyon, and buckbrush. Along the river there are willows and cottonwoods, and an ever-changing palette of wildflowers. In the spring the California poppy makes its appearance, the flower the Spanish explorers called "copa de oro," or cup of gold. John Muir, the father of conservation and patron saint of the outdoors, said: "It is a good thing...to make short excursions now and then...to learn something of what is going on in those out of the way places..." The American River Parkway's easy accessibility makes short excursions possible; and though it isn't "out of the way," it does give one the sense and experience of being "out there."Important ancillary gear for cycling includes: a safety helmet, riding gloves, riding shorts (the kind with a "chamois" or built in cushion), wicking apparel, water to stay hydrated, snacks to keep blood sugar up, sunscreen and sunglasses. Be sure to observe proper trail etiquette, staying on the right side of the trail and notifying hikers and other cyclers if you are passing by saying: "on your left," etc. If you don't own a bicycle, they may be rented at very reasonable rates at Bicycles Plus, 705 Gold Lake Drive, right next to the entrance to the Lake Natoma Trail, and helmets come at no extra charge. Michael Paul is an avid outdoorsman who lives in Auburn. He can be reached at michaelcurtispaul@yahoo.com.