Steve's Mountain Bike Page
Turlock, California

Auburn, California
March 22, 2008

Whenever someone asks where would be a good place to live for mountain biking, I always say "Auburn, California". Year 'round riding minutes away, and Tahoe, Downieville and other Sierra destinations close enough for day trips. I really like my job and until recently I have never considered retirement. However, if the new knees work as advertised, I figure I should get some miles on them before I die. So I am seriously considering retiring in Auburn in about seven years.

Today was the best day of the year so far, about 70 degrees, clear blue skies, and the trails in perfect condition. I did the 25 mile loop starting at The Confluence, up Clementine Trail, out the Connector Trail, around Forest Hill Divide Loop, back via the Connector Trail, and down the Culvert and Confluence Trails. For such a beautiful day there were virtually no hikers, and not enough bikers to disrupt the flow very much. I'm still gradually improving in both my skills and endurance, and by lowering my fork to reduce bouncing around, I finally made the last hold out climb I've never made, the very loose, steep, rocky section on the south side of The FHDL loop. Despite taking a few more stops than usual for photographs, I finished in a pretty good time.


The FHDL loop


The FHDL loop


The FHDL loop


The FHDL loop


The Connector


The Connector


The Connector


The Connector


Culvert Trail


Culvert Trail


Culvert Trail


The Confluence Trail


The Confluence Trail


The Confluence Trail


The Confluence Trail


The Confluence Trail


Obligatory bridge shot

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