Mountain Bike Trail in Granite Bay
Mountain biking has become a very popular pastime in our area. There are many trails in the region, including one right here in Granite Bay. The Granite Bay Mountain Bike Trail is a 5.5-mile loop trail that sees moderate traffic. It features a gradual uphill and downhill and is rated as moderately difficult. The trail consists of sandy and dry ridges and hills. The trail is somewhat new and cyclists are looking forward to ground compaction after we get a bit of rain.
The singletrack trail climbs to a rest area with benches offering a view of Folsom Lake. On hot days, a cool breeze can often be enjoyed at this spot. The trail has banking corners and is well maintained, with few rocks which make downhills fun and fast. There are a couple of technical areas on the downhill (clockwise route) including some small rock gardens and granite slabs.
Adding Mileage to the Trail
You can increase your mileage to 12 miles by beginning at the south parking lot, which is located just inside the park gate, and including several trail loops that incorporate the water towers. The additional loops can be accessed at approximately mile 2.5 when you hit a four-way intersection. Instead of heading right down the hill, proceed straight through the intersection, and follow the trail uphill (very steep). The trail is an out-and-back so you will remain on the same washed-out road in both directions.
Watch the YouTube Video. MTB’ing Adventures posted a video of riding the trails in Granite Bay.
Respect the Multi-Use Trail
The Granite Bay Mountain Bike Trail is multi-use. It is used by horseback riders, walkers, runners, and hikers. There is less traffic in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Remember the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Rules of the Trail which were adopted in the late 80s to serve as pro-bicycle advocacy and to educate mountain bikers with that end in mind. They are rules for responsible bike riding and have been used by land-management agencies across the country. The IMBA asks riders to make the Pledge to ride keeping the following qualities in mind:
- Friendliness
- Preparedness
- Responsibility
- Tread Lightly
Respect the Land
Be a positive steward of the environment and respect your local trail builders. Stay on the trails and leave no trace. Do not ride muddy and wet trails which can cause a widening of the trail, along with rutting, and maintenance problems. Do not circumvent technical areas, instead ride or walk through them.
Trail Sharing Etiquette
Most trails are multi-use. Yield to horse traffic and people on foot. Descending riders should yield to ascending riders. This “yield triangle” has been utilized since the late 70s and is a large reason why mountain bike riders have been given access to trails. There are regional differences with regard to some rules so know the code in the area in which you are riding. Be nice and say hello to others on the trail.
Stick to Legal Trails
Poaching trails, adding unauthorized features, and building illegal singletrack trails can hurt bike access. Poorly-constructed features can lead to serious injuries for other trail users. If you feel there are too few available trails in your area, get involved in helping to gain more trail access.
Remain in Control While Riding
Trail conflict is often caused by inattentiveness, speed, and rudeness. When passing, slow down, announce your presence vocally or by ringing a bell. Use extra caution around unpredictable horses and when sight lines are poor.
Be Prepared
Be self-sufficient and prepared. Make sure you have the ability to remedy a flat tire and make minor bike repairs. Ride with a partner or let a friend know your location if you are riding solo. Have a map or GPS trail app on your mobile device.
Granite Bay Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Edward Smith, a bicycle accident attorney in Granite Bay. Since 1982, my law firm has been advocating on behalf of injured Granite Bay residents. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile or bicycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, reach out to our injury attorneys at (916) 921-6400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice. If you will be calling from outside the local area, dial our toll-free line at (800) 404-5400.
To learn more about the quality of our legal services, please take a look at our client reviews on Yelp, Avvo, and Google.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/action-adventure-bicycle-bicyclist-1839225/
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