Challenging New Bike Trails Open in Monterey County
by Anonymous

Monterey County, CA June 24, 2004 -- Competitive cyclists know Monterey County, California, has some of the country's top bike trails, which attract thousands each year for the Sea Otter Classic, Wildflower Triathlon, Big Sur Ride and more. After the recent opening of additional mountain bike trails on the former Fort Ord military base, thrill-seekers now have another reason to bring their bike to Monterey.

With some 7,200 acres and 86.5 miles of trails and roads, the public lands on Fort Ord are a must-ride for both beginning bicyclists and longtime trail riders. The newest 3.5 miles include steep runs over rocky terrain.

"These new trails are rugged and steep, following challenging paths over really rocky soil," said Eric Morgan, Fort Ord project manager. "A lot of the locals call new Trail 93 'Little Moab,' because it’s like riding the great rocks in Moab, Utah."

Riders at all levels can enjoy the mountain bike trails, dirt tracks, and gravel and paved roads throughout Fort Ord. Trails vary in steepness from 5-40% grade – and with names such as Hurt Hill Trail, Lombard Trail, and Staircase Trail, cyclists are sure to face some challenges. Additional flat tracks winding around ponds and forests allow for more mellow rides, complete with views of wildflowers, wildlife and the scenic Salinas Valley. Fort Ord trail maps are available at several trailhead entrances along Highway 68 and Reservation Road, from the Bureau of Land Management at 831-394-8314, or online at www.ca.blm.gov/hollister/trail_map_fo.html.

For other mountain biking adventures in Monterey County, riders should try the hillside trails of Toro Park, along Highway 68, and Garland Ranch Regional Park in the Carmel Valley. The Cooper Ranch section of Garland has a flat, one-mile dirt loop; five miles of more challenging trails cross the Kahn Ranch portion of the park, providing hilltop views of the Carmel Valley. Pick up trail maps at the Garland Park entrance; permits, available at no charge, are required for Kahn Ranch trails (visit www.mprpd.org for information).

The Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a complete source of information on recreation, attractions, accommodations, and events. For visitor assistance, call 888-221-1010 or visit www.montereyinfo.org.




This article courtesy of http://www.theexercise-bike.com. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.

Submit Your Article