Something about the arrival of March gets me thinking about non-snow-covered trails again. It can be dumping outside, and I can be skiing deep powder with a smile from ear to ear, but when March arrives I catch myself squeezing my bicycle tires in the garage to see if they still have air in them. I also try to sneak down to Auburn to do some early-season riding in balmy, or even warm, weather. The trails down there are great! If you would like a dirt fix, do a web search for Auburn State Recreation Area trails. There are many websites with maps and suggested routes. Trails in the Confluence area, and the Foresthill Divide Trails, are great for both hiking and mountain biking. The one ‘Oh, by the way’ I would add is the Confluence Trail is NOT fun to ride or hike in the uphill direction, as it receives heavy descending bicycle traffic, and has a lot of blind corners.
Recently a friend gave me an essay written for school by her 11-year-old daughter regarding trails, and sidewalks, in Truckee. With her permission I thought that it really belonged in this column as it not only speaks to walk- and bike-ability, but also to the connection with the community we can feel through walking and biking. Enjoy! (One note, this was written in May of last year when fuel prices were still quite high…)
Where the Sidewalk Ends
By Eliza McCullough (age 11), written May 28, 2008
Have you ever tried to walk around Truckee? Well if you have, you know how hard it is. That’s why I think Truckee needs more sidewalks and bike lanes. Walking and biking is not only healthier, but with gas prices this high it’s also a lot more affordable. In the summer we have such beautiful weather so why not go and walk the dog or ride your bike to the store?
Now you might be thinking, ‘Building all that would be way too much work!’ But actually I think it could turn into a really fun community project. Another problem you’re probably thinking of is ‘So where are we going to get all this money?’ But if we can raise enough money for our hospital and schools then we can surely raise enough money for this.
Nowadays kids are always inside on the computer or playing video games, and I think we’ve forgotten what it’s like to be outside exercising. Building bike lanes and sidewalks could help us remember. We’ll start wanting to go outside.
Right now Truckee is going through a lot of changes and we could use something to keep us all connected. A sidewalk/bike lane could solve this problem. Maybe once we got it all built we could have an Art and Food Walk on Fridays where local restaurants will give out snacks and local artists could auction off artwork on the sidewalks. This could really bring our community together.
Truckee is a beautiful place that everyone should be able to enjoy. Sidewalks and bike lanes would really help us get outside and feel more connected. This may be difficult to build, but Truckee would really benefit from it.
~ Discuss this article with the author. Email trails@moonshineink.com. John Svahn is the Stewardship (and trails) Director at the Truckee Donner Land Trust, and is on the Board of Directors at the Truckee Trails Foundation.
