Dust off those handlebars and pump up those tires — May is National Bike Month, and Yolo County is a great place to celebrate!
National Bike Month is a designation promoted by the League of American Bicyclists to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and to encourage newbies to give it a try. There are numerous ways to celebrate, including biking or riding on May 5, which is National Ride a Bike Day, or commuting via two wheels during Bike to Work Week, May 13–19. You can even log your rides via the Love to Ride App and use the hashtag @MakeEveryRideCount.
There are numerous benefits of bicycling. In fact, a simple 10-minute ride can have the following effects, according to the National Bike League:
- Boosts the immune system
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Increases longevity
- Improves mental health
- Decreases stress and anxiety
- Protects the planet by reducing carbon footprints
- Saves money on gas and car maintenance
The best way to celebrate National Bike Month is to simply hop on your bike and get out there! Yolo County is home to one of the most bike-friendly cities in the nation — Davis. Davis has miles and miles of dedicated bike paths and bike lanes, as well as bike racks and special crossings just for bikes. Davis even has several established bike routes for exploration, including the Davis Bike Loop, which passes through scenic greenbelts and has minimal auto traffic; the Davis Historic Bicycle Tour, which passes by historic structures in the city; and the newly established Davis Brewery Bike Loop, a monthly guided ride to the city’s craft breweries. Davis is also home to the Bicycling Hall of Fame, which showcases the history of cycling in the nation and has a collection of antique bicycles.
Davis also makes a good home base for exploring some of the most scenic rides in Yolo County. The Davis Bike Club offers suggestions for popular bike rides near Davis, including a 33-mile scenic bike ride to Winters and a 50-mile ride that heads up to the Capay Valley, passing bucolic farmlands and orchards along the way. It makes a pit stop at Road Trip Bar and Grill, where you can fuel up on hearty American pub fare like burgers and sandwiches. If you’re looking for a shorter route, you can roll along the U.C. Davis Arboretum Trail, which is under four miles and has trees, plants and flowers from across the globe.
But Davis isn’t the only spot in Yolo County with great bike routes. There are also many rides in and around the town of Winters. If you’re up for a challenge, check out the Cantelow loop, a 25-mile route that heads south toward Vacaville and loops back up to Winters. Or, you can take the Backroads of Winters route, a relatively flat ride that takes you past some peaceful country landscapes.
If you prefer something a bit more mellow, you can just cycle through town and explore the Winters Putah Creek Nature Park. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in Winters or unwind with a craft beer at Berryessa Brewing Company, Hooby’s Brewing, or Green River Tap Room, all of which have live music and food.
The Clarksburg area is another great part of Yolo County to explore on two wheels. You can ride along the scenic country roads, many of which have views of the Sacramento River and rolling vineyards. For a longer ride, consider a route from West Sacramento that includes a stop at Bogle Winery. Or, visit one of the many other wineries in Clarksburg or the Old Sugar Mill, which has 14 wineries under one roof and often has live music and food trucks.
Whether you prefer a casual stroll or a heart-pumping challenge, Yolo County has a bike ride for every type of rider. National Bike Month is a great excuse to get out and explore the countryside. If you’re looking to make a weekend of it, there are plenty of hotels in Davis and Winters that can serve as your base for a springtime ride. Or, take advantage of lodging specials in Yolo County and book your cycling getaway today!
