Explore Yolo County on Two Wheels During National Bike Month
May is National Bike Month, a time to celebrate the many benefits of bicycling! Established in 1956, it encourages communities across the nation to host events and programs designed to promote biking. The celebration includes National Ride a Bike Day on May 7 and Bike to Work Week May 15–21.
Bicycling is one of the best ways to explore Yolo County! Whether you’re a casual cruiser or a serious cycler, Yolo County has a route for you. You can roll past bucolic country landscapes, scenic riverside locations, or quaint historic towns. Following are some of the best bike rides in Yolo County.
Davis
It’s no secret that Yolo County is a hotbed for cycling. In fact, the City of Davis is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States. It was the nation’s first city to construct a dedicated bike lane, and today, it boasts more than 100 miles of bike lanes and more than 4,000 bike racks. There are many bike shops throughout town, and several Davis hotels offer bike rentals for their guests.
Davis has a self-guided historic bike tour that takes you past some of the most notable buildings and heritage homes in the city. It’s home to the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame, which depicts the history of cycling in the country and showcases antique and vintage bicycles. The Davis Bike Loop is an easily navigable 12-mile route that passes through greenbelts, residential areas and farmland. There are plenty of other bike routes near Davis, ranging in length and difficulty.
West Sacramento
West Sacramento is another urban area in Yolo County that calls for exploration on two wheels. The West Sacramento River Walk Trail is short — less than three miles — but it offers great views of the water and Sacramento skyline. Best of all, it runs through the Bridge District, where you can stop for a bite to eat (or drink!) at Franquette, a French-inspired café and wine bar. Or, you can make an afternoon of it by visiting Drakes The Barn, featuring beer, wine, food and live music. West Sacramento is also home to Sutter Health Park, so you can catch a River Cats baseball game. There is also lodging in West Sacramento, if you’d like to make a weekend of it.
Winters
If you’re looking to take in some spectacular country scenery, consider a bike ride through the backroads of Winters. This ride, created by the Davis Bike Club, makes a 22-mile loop through rolling countryside and scenic farmland. It begins and ends in downtown Winters, so you can fuel up with coffee and small bites at Steady Eddy’s — a popular spot for cyclists — before heading out. Afterwards, you can unwind at one of several tasting rooms in town, including Berryessa Gap Vineyards, Hooby’s Brewing, or Patio 29 Sprits Company. There are also plenty of restaurants in Winters to recharge, and if you’re beat from a long ride, you can rest your head at several hotels in Winters.
Yolo Countryside
Prefer a wine country background to your cycling adventures? Consider a ride through Clarksburg wine country. The picturesque roads that wend their way through Clarksburg near the Sacramento River are perfect for serious riders. Clocking in at 44 miles, the Clarksburg and Bogle Winery route begins in West Sacramento and continues along rural roads, culminating at Bogle Family Vineyards.
All that riding has no doubt left you a bit beat. If you’d prefer to rest up before heading home, take advantage of the many Yolo County lodging specials. There are options to suit every taste and budget, from quaint historic inns to modern facilities with swimming pools and free breakfast.