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There are so many reasons I love to cycle. I love being outside. I love seeing things that you probably wouldn’t notice in a car. I love being a part of the cycling community. And I love enjoying nature and seeing wildlife.

I know quite a few people that want to ride but are nervous about riding on the streets (a valid concern) and have heard about trails but don’t know where to go to get on the trail or where the trail takes you. Or if it is even safe.

First of all, it is safe. As a woman I understand the concern, but there are usually enough bikes on the trail that I rarely feel alone. Of course it’s always safer to ride with a friend…but not always possible.

For my Southern California readers I posted a map below of a convenient place to park and get on the Santa Ana River Trail. It is on Rampart St in Anaheim off the 57 and Orangewood. From that point it is 12 miles to the beach ending between Newport and Huntington Beach. From there you can go towards Newport and have breakfast at Newport Burgers (my preference) or towards Huntington and have a bite to eat at Main Street. If you go north you can ride almost 100 miles to San Bernardino. I like to ride north when the temperatures are cooler since this can be a roaster in the summer.

Update since writing this post…the Santa Ana river bed is no longer safe to ride due to the homeless encampments along the riverbed for miles running through Santa Ana, Orange and Anaheim. The cities are attempting to relocate these people but it’s a long slow process.

For more info on entry points and parking for the Santa Ana River Trail  click  here or here .

The San Gabriel River Trail is another option. It is 38 miles long from Seal Beach to Azusa. I have only gone as far as Norwalk, where I got a little nervous and turned around. The day I rode there was minimal bike traffic and I started to feel slightly unsafe. I suggest women ride with a friend.

Click here for more info.

West Irvine Trail/Peters Canyon Bikeway is a definite favorite bike trail. I like to get on the trail in Irvine and take Bryan to the Peters Canyon Trail and Bikeway. This trail is mostly flat and goes all the way to Back Bay, Newport Beach.

Click here for more info.

A few tips to remember when riding:

• Always carry your I.D. and some cash. You never know what might happen.
• Carry a spare tube, a can of CO2 and levers in case you get a flat. (If you don’t know how to change a flat, you should. You can take a class at your local bike shop. Or watch a YouTube video)
• Bring water and a snack. And have water and a snack in your car for the ride home…you’ll thank me later 🙂

Things you need to stay safe and comfortable:

• Helmet
• Gloves
• Padded bike shorts (very important)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

Extras:

• Bike computer (gives you distance, cadence, speed, time)
• LED rear light (a must if riding on the street, not so much if you stay on trails)

I hope this information helps and gives you what you need to get on your bike.

Happy riding my friends!

Thanks for reading.