Wednesday, January 10, 2018

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This flat route takes you along the winding levee roads above the fallow autumn fields around the Sacramento River and sloughs. Slow down and watch for Sandhill Cranes and other migratory birds around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, on flooded farm fields, wetlands and marshy habitats on Staten Island and the Cosumnes River Preserve. The return includes a ride through the historic Locke Chinatown and along the Georgiana Slough and the Sacramento River on Andrus Island and Isleton Rds.

Meet up in the town of Isleton.

Head east on Main St through Isleton’s Old Town-Chinatown to H St.

Continue east on Hwy 160/River Rd.

Cut across Andrus Island through a residential neighborhood on W Tyler Island Bridge Rd to the bridge crossing over Georgiana Slough.

Head NE on Tyler Island Rd-the winding levee road travels along Georgiana Slough on the west edge of Tyler Island.

Tyler Island Rd curves right towards Race Track Rd.

Head north on Race Track Rd through the vineyards, farmlands, and ranches.

Cut across Tyler Island through the industrial area out to the strawberry fields and vineyards at the south edge of Walnut Grove on Walnut Grove-Thornton Rd.

Ride across the Walnut Grove truss bridge over Mokelumne River towards Staten Island.

Right turn onto Staten Island Rd, it’s a great viewing area for Sandhill Cranes and other migratory birds.

Sandhill Cranes!

Continue on Staten Island Rd.

Turn around where the pavement ends and retrace steps back out onto Walnut Grove Rd.

Turn right on Walnut Grove Rd and continue east through the farmlands and vineyards to the town of Thornton.

Head north on Thornton Rd past the country homes, ranches, vineyards, and orchards.

The road name changes to Franklin Blvd at the Sacramento County line on the bridge over Mokelumne River.

Lunch stop at Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center.

Continue north on Franklin Blvd for a stop at the bird viewing site at Lost Slough wetlands.

Enjoy the beautiful colorful waterfowls!

Stay on Franklin Blvd and continue north to Twin Cities Rd.

Head west on Twin Cities Rd through the pastoral ranch lands to the I-5 on-ramp.

Stay on Twin Cities Rd through vineyards and farmlands and cross the truss bridge over Snodgrass Slough.

Twin Cities Rd comes to T junction with River Rd/E13.

Head south along the Sacramento River on River Rd/E13 towards the town of Locke.

Turn left on Locke Rd for a short jaunt through Historic Locke on Main St.

Exit town on Levee Rd and continue on River Rd/E13 through Walnut Grove towards the south end of town.

Cross the Georgiana Slough for a scenic run along the east edge of Andrus Island. Turn left onto Andrus Island Rd, the winding levee road travels south along the west side of the slough with views of the delta vineyards and orchards.

The road continues past the scattered farmhouses and ranches before coming to a T junction at Isleton Rd.

Continue south on Isleton Rd, it runs along the east side of the Sacramento River to Isleton Bridge.

Go straight onto River Rd/Hwy 160 for the return to Isleton.

This is a wonderful variation of a classic ride around the islands and sloughs through the rich agricultural farmlands around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Slow down and enjoy the wildlife viewing pleasures from Staten Island out to Cosumnes River Preserve.

Garmin Stats:
40.71 Miles with 243′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 32′
Max grade: 6%
Terrain: Flat

Weather: Cloudy and cool. Temps ranged from the low-high 50’s with SW winds.

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: