We all remember our first bike. When you got your first two-wheeler, you realized that this was your door to a whole new world of bike trails. That bike opened opportunities for freedom and adventure. The feel of the wind at your face and the open road gave way to biking to a friend’s house after school. Your bike was more than just transportation; it was a part of you. It was an essential part of your life. Then the time came when you learned to drive, and that old bike was hung in the rafters of your garage. Has it been a while since your last bike ride? When you live in Redding, get ready to fall in love with bike riding all over again.

Bikes Are Back

In Redding, you’ll find over 80 miles of bike trails in some of the region’s most beautiful areas. These trails are designed to take advantage of our beautiful surroundings, cutting through majestic forested areas with views that will take your breath away.

It’s no surprise that biking is so popular in the North State. Everyone’s getting in on the trend, even the Redding Police Department. Redding police officers are now patrolling downtown Redding by bicycle a few days a week. This is allowing officers a hands-on approach to law enforcement, as well as a connection to the community.

What’s the Right Bike for You?

Bike styles have changed through the years. Lately, trends have come full circle, and bikes with a more nostalgic look are most popular with adults today. Serious riders tend to opt for bikes more tricked out with features, or for a simpler design that values durability over style.

Where to Ride

No matter what your skill level is, this isn’t just a ride around the neighborhood with your friends back in the day — you can find far more variety here. The bike trails accommodate all skill levels, from easy to difficult. Families can make a day of it and take even the youngest for an afternoon ride, while more skilled riders can challenge the trail and hone their expertise.

Redding.com has several maps available, along with testimonials from people who have actually ridden these trails and shared their experiences. Bike Redding provides a map that alerts riders of traffic trends (and even tells where bike shops may be found in case of a flat). Some trails of note:

• The Sacramento River Trail around the Sundial Bridge includes a view of the river’s edge, as well as the bridge itself.
• The Clover Creek Preserve Trail features a shorter, easy, slow-paced path and a dynamic view of Mt. Lassen.

Whether it’s a family outing or a ride down memory lane, there’s something for everyone on the picturesque bike trails of Redding, California. So, bring out “Old Blue” from the rafters and hit the road. It might take you a few tries but soon you’ll get that old feeling back and time will just slip away.

Image Source: Flickr

[cf]skyword_tracking_tag[/cf]