It's a quick downhill from the ride start in Carmichael to the American River Parkway Bike Trail. 

In winter I often start before dawn in order to complete the 116 miles during the shortened day; accordingly I frequently see a frosty landscape (photo left), nocturnal animals, and sunrise as I head east.  Often more joggers than bicyclists are seen at this hour

After re-crossing the American River,  you will pass Nimbus Dam, where you may see fishermen out in the cold water (photo right).

Biking along Lake Natoma (photo below) always is a visual treat.

Shortly after biking under Folsom's Rainbow Bridge and just beyond the Folsom Historic Truss Bridge, turn left and soon you will head north on Santa Juanita Avenue and Barton Road. 

At Eureka Road, the 42 mile riders will turn right, heading for Beales Point, Folsom, and the return to Carmichael along the Parkway. 

79 and 116 mile riders will enjoy the quiet roads of the Loomis basin (photo right) as they head north for Rest Stop #1 in Newcastle.

 

The "climb" to Newcastle is so gradual you hardly will notice it.  

 

Just beyond Newcastle, however, you will enjoy a rapid, curvy descent down Ridge Road and, if it isn't hazy, you will enjoy views of the valley below (the only vertical vista on the course). 

At Fowler Road, 79 mile riders will turn south and head back to Eureka Road, Beales Point, and the return to Carmichael.  116 mile riders will head north and west toward the Sacramento Valley.

The next few miles are scenic:  quiet, gently curving roads along oak lined fields, pasturelands, and scattered farm houses (photo left - Garden Bar Road). 

 

 

 

Gradually the hills recede to the east as the course heads out into the valley. 

After Rest Stop #2 in Sheridan, roads will be very flat.  TAKE GREAT CARE as you cross Highway 65:  you will have to cross railroad tracks as well as contend with fast, sometimes heavy traffic.

Shortly beyond Sheridan you will be treated to Bear River Drive, my favorite road of the tour.  You will not see the Bear River, but you will be biking near and parallel to it.

In previous years Bear River Drive consisted entirely of orchards.  Now there is a mixture of orchards and rice fields (photos below).

After turning left onto Pleasant Grove Road, you will head south and will bike along more rice fields (photo right). 

In the fall you may see plumes of smoke from burning rice fields. 

Production of rice in this region has been increasing and is quite evident along Pleasant Grove Road and East and West Catlett Roads. 

The lush green rice fields provide a visually pleasant landscape.

It is not uncommon to see large flocks of birds in these fields.

BE CAUTIOUS as you cross double lane Highway 99; traffic is fast and can be heavy.  Soon you will arrive in Verona and Rest Stop #3.

 

 

 

 

 

Just beyond Verona there is a 3.2 mile, miserably rough section of the Garden Highway. 

Beyond this section you will enjoy the ride, with views of the Sacramento River on your right (photo right) and farmlands on your left. 

More than once I have encountered dogs after passing under I-5, so be alert.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may see airliners approaching Sacramento International Airport in the distance (photo left). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The course will lead you to Discovery Park and to the western end of the American River Parkway (photos below).  

Discovery Park can be flooded after heavy winter rains, in which case continue east on the Garden Highway, turn right on Northgate Blvd, and cross the American River on the bike trail bridge at the end of Northgate Blvd.

Follow the American River Parkway back to mile 13.5 and journey's end in Carmichael.