DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

Our statewide self-isolation started days after the beginning of spring. Before we knew it, spring has come and gone with some, if not most of us confined to our homes unable to enjoy the various blooms of the year.  Granted, there are several people who would feel grateful that allergy season was replaced with indoor activities with family – which is a pleasant relief to the sinuses.  A favorite or popular indoor activity included reading.   Be it inspirational, educational, comical, or other such relief, this has been a great outlet to achieving continued mental wellness.  We find ourselves caught up on all our reading lists, Netflix series of shows or movies, or enjoying the simpler things in life like a walk through the eyes of Tommy.  If you missed it last week, take a few minutes to read and enjoy some much-needed laughter, suitable for all ages.  Click here for “It’s a Dogs World.”

However, you have been spending your quarantine days these past couple of months, one thing is certain, there is some excitement about phasing out of self-isolation as we slowly see restaurants and other businesses begin to open back up.  Thankfully, our beloved Trail has never had to shut down.  For those that maintained their social distancing with face coverings to enjoy walking on the Pacific Electric Trail whenever possible, we thank you for doing so safely.  We saw you on your bikes, pushing strollers, walking with your pets proudly wearing your face coverings.  From biking to running or walking, the Trail has been our constant companion through it all and will continue to always be there for us.  We look forward to continuing to see you with those face coverings until we are completely rid of COVID-19.

For the times between our visits to our Trail, we would like to acknowledge that “stay at home” has been an interesting exploration of things we thought we already knew so well.  Our kids, our roommates, and or our pets for instance have existed before we started self-isolating, yet with so much time together, we’re finding a more intimate understanding of adapting to what these changes mean to each of us.

Those of us that have been working from home, have had the added pleasure of navigating through staying healthy while adjusting to the different dynamics at home.  If working from home means to work, then it quickly revealed dealing with the new co-workers and the many interruptions to live meetings from curious faces (kids/pets) peering into our screen and the like.  Even though these new changes, we have adjusted and perhaps will have more stories to look back on fondly.

It is in this spirit of new memories that the theme of Tommy, our furry, four-legged friend and coworker that we would like you to take a moment to capture and honor these doggie days of summer.  Saturday, June 20^th may be the first official day of summer, but we have already gone through a few doggie days of summer, heatwaves, and all.  Let’s face it, heatwave or not, our pets will get their walk in.  It just means that we will have to start earlier in the morning or wait for the cool of the evening.

For the month of June, we would like to hear about all the fun, quirky, uplifting, interesting habits, and/or personal traits of your puppy’s adventures on the Pacific Electric Trail.  Is your dog a diva or a lizard chaser?  Tell us all about it.  Submit your story about your walking buddy and the best story will be featured and highlighted as a blog in the last week of June.  We ask that you take as many pictures relevant to both your story, and the Trail and remember to include their favorite parts of the Trail.  The last day to submit a story with pictures is Sunday, June 21, 2020, at noon.  All submissions to dennis.jones@petrail.org will be reviewed and placed on Facebook for voting.  Looking forward to some amazing stories to kick off the start of summer.

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-Nina Mohammed
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BICYCLE EVOLUTION 150 YEAR LEGACY

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

Bike month 2020 was a year for the history books.  The month that so many look forward to celebrating with other cyclists, turned into settling for virtual events experienced from the safety of our homes due to the COVID-19 crisis.  I was looking forward to participating in local community rides with other cycling enthusiasts in celebration of Bike month.  My bike is always at the ready to whisk me off on neighborhood adventures for a little fresh air, exercise, and sunshine.  I especially miss the connectivity and social benefits of riding with groups of people who enjoy cycling as much as I do.

Recently, I stumbled upon an outstanding and informative documentary about the humble beginnings of the bicycle and I cancelled my plans then and there to learn about the sport that is so dear to my heart.  The invention of the bicycle originated in Coventry, England in 1871 with the Penny Farthing.  This first bicycle was designed for athletic men who had the strength to peddle these heavy human powered machines, not to mention that they were expensive so that only the elite could afford such an extravagance.

By the mid 1880s, the first modern bicycle was invented for comfort which is the basic bicycle frame which was known at the time as the “safety bicycle” that is still popular today.  This redesigned model transformed personal mobility for the masses and provided personal transportation to exist outside one’s own village on into the countryside and neighboring villages.  The social impact was an increased gene pool and an affordable way to obtain employment. Cycling made it possible for single women to venture out of their home un-escorted for the first time.  The bicycle represented freedom and affordable transportation.

After WWII, bicycles were being manufactured for the masses and were more affordable than ever.  Folks that could afford an automobile were few and carpooling was as common as gas rationing.  Work weeks were reduced to just five days a week which allowed for more leisure time for recreation on the weekends.  By the end of the 1950s, wages increased and the perception of people riding bicycles was that of a poor man’s means of transportation.  The automobile industry pressured lawmakers to prioritize the motorways plan, which left little room or consideration for cyclists.

Cities were built for automobile transportation consideration as suburbs sprouted up across the nation.  This was a setback for cyclists who still needed a safe place to ride their bikes.  Motorists did not want to share the road with cyclists and there was not a collective voice for the cycling community.  Then the tipping point appeared in 1973 with the Saudi Oil Embargo that produced long gas lines, gas price wars, and enormous frustration. Many of us remember sitting in our cars waiting to fill up while watching more and more cyclists passing by. People saw the immediate cost savings and simplicity of bike riding as bike sales sky-rocketed.  The world demand for bicycles surpassed the demand for automobiles.  Lawmakers realized that cycling has the potential to change the world.  Cycle Bag was born as a cycling campaign to reduce the number of cars on the road and raise awareness of cycling as a viable mode of transportation.

In Bristol, England, Cycle Bag organization proposed transforming an abandoned railway from Bristol to Bath into a dedicated bike trail.  They surveyed the five mile stretch of railway and designed a beautiful bike trail that avoided hills but provided picturesque countryside to enjoy.  They only had $10,000.00 to begin the project but quickly mobilized to gain community support.  This famous bike trail now carries more people than the rail line ever did.  This destination bike trail has transformed the towns of Bristol and Bath and neighboring communities.

Fast-forward to 1980s with the popularity of the BMX bike that was fashionable but designed for racing.  Next evolution in cycling was the ever-popular mountain bike that was designed with heavier tires, shocks, and a more comfortable ride, perfect for wilderness rides on urban trails.  By the mid-1980’s cycling is hotter than ever with time trials gaining in popularity but it’s still a solitary sport and it’s not organized.  Mike Burroughs, the mad genius, eccentric, brilliant designer, wanted to transform cycling for anyone who was seeking a sense of adventure on two wheels.  For over 100 years, the bicycle was constructed with a steel frame that was heavy and Mike along with other cyclists wanted more people to discover the joy of cycling.  He changed the materials from steel to carbon fiber which reduces the weight of the frame and is stronger than steel.

In 1992 at the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, the first Veledrome event produced the first gold medal winner from the UK, Chris Boredman.  Then SUSTRANS UK, the National Cycling Network enters the cycling world with a 43 million dollar grant to connect all short trails in England.  Simultaneously, cycling is part of the everyday life in the Netherlands as a viable mode of transportation and caters to all.  The planning and design for safe streets is factored into the business plan when it comes to active transportation for the Dutch.

In the summer, some ski lifts utilize their recreation space for bikes.  E-bikes are the latest to join the party and are popular in many metropolitan areas.  Folding bikes are also popular because of the ease of use, comfortable ride, and compact ability. 

Whatever bike you enjoy riding is up to you.  Bike Month 2020 might turn out to be the perfect time to dust off your old bike, strap on your helmet and re-discover the joy of cycling again.   If a mere 10 – 20% of local trips were on bicycles, there would be a significant reduction of car trips, cleaner air, and healthier people.  Bike sales continue to soar and for many, they are discovering what we have always known, riding your bike is fun!

Let us know what kind of bike you enjoy riding in the comments below. Whatever bike you decide on, do yourself and the earth a favor and get your ride on. 

 

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

 - Victoria Jones Friend of the Pacific Electric Trail

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IT’S A DOGS WORLD

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

                                           
“It’s TIME! Let’s get our walk on, Dude!  Seems like every time you reach for my leash, I hear your phone ring and I gotta wait, yet again, for one of my long-awaited daily Trail walks.” 

I’m Tommy (918.tommy) and I’ve lived in Rancho for a few years now.  I’m from Fontana, but my family is originally from Mexico (I’m a Chihuahua, silly!).  I’m about 5, that is 35 in dog years, single, with a roommate.  My roommate says I’m “fixed”, but I don’t think there was ever anything broken - I don’t know about him sometimes.  Everyone wants to smother me with kisses and hugs, little kids seem to gravitate to me, and I get tagged in lots of pictures...must be my charming good looks. LOL

I LOVE taking walks around Rancho. I am way too handsome to spend the day inside - all the real action is out on the PE Trail.  That’s my favorite place to chill with my buddies, meet new friends, and it’s where all the cuties are, just waiting for me to brighten up their days.  I’m not picky... I like ‘em all: short, tall, shaggy, skinny, chubby, with or without outfits, dolled up or au-natural, just as long as they are single like me.  Of course, there are hundreds of light poles along the Trail and I think I’ve tagged ‘em all, and my nose tells me that I am not the only one who’s visited.

Before cruising the Trail, I like to stop and see my friends Margita and Ericka at Circle K. They are awesome and they kinda adopted me...I’m pretty much ALWAYS the Employee of the Month, and I cannot wait to waltz in and go directly to my bag of beef jerky treats behind the counter.

Next stop on our walk is a drop-in at the CW Feed store for more Scooby snacks and a quick couple gulps from the water bowl they always keep fresh.   Being so popular with so many store owners is grreeaat, but the downside is that I’ve sort of gained a few extra pounds.  Guess I will have to increase my daily walks to get back in shape hahaha (hint, roommate!).

It’s always been a little weird when my roommate saves my “deposits” in baggies, but

lately things have been even crazier around town.  My roommate and the other neighbors escorting my pals must have done something wrong because they are all wearing muzzles and masks. What is that all about? Is it Halloween again?

For me, it's still business as usual..just sniffin’ my way down the PETrail.  I can’t figure out how my roomie communicates with all the cars, but he somehow let’s all the cars know that I’m at the crosswalk and that they have to stop for me to safely cross the street.  In the summer, when the days heat up, I really wish there were more trees along the Trail for me to rest my paws and cool down. 

My roommate has been home more than ever before, so I’ve been spending more time training him.  He takes me for rides in his car; sometimes we head over to the breweries, sometimes it’s a longer ride out to LA to visit my friends.  My roomie feeds me, baths me and sometimes - if he has really been a good boy - he lets me sleep at the end of his bed.  He is my best friend and I think he knows it, but I don’t want him getting spoiled!

Well, that’s a little about me. I’ll be blogging more about my adventures...feel free to Follow Me on IG, or look for me on the PE Trail!

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Tommy

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Thinking Outside The Box

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Photo by Pixabay

We are all still experiencing fear from being exposed to the COVID-19 virus when we venture out of our homes to pick up groceries.  While many are wearing face coverings and stores require face coverings to enter their stores, there are still those who risk their health and the health of others by refusing to don a mask.  We are in unprecedented times and just because the holiday weekend is here, does not negate the need to honor safe distancing and wear face masks.  Although these small sacrifices are required to help slow down the curve and save lives, I do miss the days when we paid a visit to our local Japanese restaurant for sushi, or decide if that night’s dinner out would be Mexican, Italian or Thai.

Restaurants and businesses are awaiting readiness criteria from their local jurisdictions on how to re-open with COVID-19 compliant safety practices: seating capacities, face coverings, social distancing, and sanitation.  The Food Industry employs 1.4 million food service workers who have been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many restaurants are scrambling to re-tool their dining rooms and update their best practices to be prepared for the official authorization to open from the Governor. Restaurants that reopen at only 40-50% dining capacity will struggle to remain profitable at best because each and every seat counts.

Photo by zoe pappas from Pexels

Now, more than ever, cities will need to think outside the box and embrace new or perhaps proven strategies that will successfully allow struggling restaurants to hire back their staff and re-open their doors for business. Many cities in the Bay Area such as Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Redwood City, San Carlos, and San Mateo, are open to new ideas on how to safely spur the recovery of businesses in their downtown areas.¹  Some cities are embracing the idea of closing streets so that restaurants can expand their open-air seating.  This suggestion to expand the dining experience to the street would allow for a greater capacity and still have enough room to honor safe distancing.

Courtesy of Pexels

The city of San Jose is considering “Al Fresco San Jose Program” and the San Mateo city council has asked staff to come up with specifics on how to close two streets for restaurants and businesses. In San Francisco, the restaurant lobbying group “Golden Gate Restaurant Association (GGRA) has petitioned legislators to adopt a proposal, allowing restaurants to take over spaces around their businesses, including parking spaces and adjacent alleyways but are concerned with the lengthy bureaucracy slowing down any results.  A prime consideration will be access for fire and emergency vehicles. In Berkeley, Vice Mayor Sophie Hahn introduced the Berkeley Plan that would completely close dedicated streets during restaurant operation hours, allowing residents to return to local restaurants and still be safe.

Courtesy of pxfuel

This concept is not new in Europe as the many open-air plazas have operated this way for decades.  In America, we may have balconies, decks and patios to dine on at restaurants and bars, but expanding to the streets will require examining all the necessary requirements to be in place, ensuring the safety of employees as well as the patrons and emergency access.

Pasadena is also considering this idea by closing a few streets and alleys in Old Town to allow for an open-air dining experience.  Old Town Pasadena is a pedestrian friendly shopping and dining destination with abundant parking in nearby lots.  If this solution is successful, it might very well be the new business plan that remains long after the COVID-19 crisis is over. 

Hopefully when the city planners and business owners develop this new concept, they will remember to include bike racks for those who like to ride to dinner instead of driving.  All cities need to be approached about installing new and or increasing the number of existing bike racks to shopping and dining establishments.  Any business that has bulky goods for sale will have to ensure that there is a workable plan for pick-up and delivery from the rear of their business establishment.  Restaurants contribute to the local economy and reopening in a new and creative way can be a win win for the tax base and employees going back to work.  In another beach community, the city of Long Beach installed parklets adjacent to restaurants and businesses downtown.  For each parking stall that is converted to bike parking, 10 bikes can fit into this available space which increases the number of patrons who can easily ride, shop, and dine.

Photo by Lee Coursey

Over fifty years ago, one such community had the vision to transform their downtown area to keep their commercial core viable.  That vision was born in Boulder, Colorado.  Historic Downtown Boulder is just a short 30 miles from Denver and its surrounded by the Flatiron Mountains and nearby Boulder Creek.  In 1970, the then Governor, John A. Love signed the “Public Mall Act, officially paving the way for Boulder and other Colorado cities to close streets for the construction of pedestrian malls.  At the center of Downtown Boulder is the Pearl Street Mall, a four block long pedestrian mall that celebrated its 40^th anniversary in 2017.  When visiting Boulder, a visit to the Pearl Street Mall is a must, with over 1000 businesses which has something for everyone to enjoy.  It has become a mecca that visitors plan return to annually.

Downtown Boulder had the vision a half century ago to transform their historic section of town for their residents and is a destination for many travelers worldwide.  Not all cities have a well-defined downtown area in which to convert into open air plazas for dining, but time will tell if our city leaders and planners can gain inspiration from successful cities like Downtown Boulder and see what is possible.  Anything is possible when we partner together and  collectively develop solutions that will successfully reopen businesses across the nation.

Leave your comments below.  Until next time, “See you on the Trail.”

1. by Elena Kadvany / Palo Alto Weekly

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 - Victoria Jones Friend of the Pacific Electric Trail

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THE JOYS OF TOURING ON MY BIKE

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 With the resurgence of bike riding across the country, many are discovering the adventures that can be enjoyed while cycling in town or on vacation.  Often, we forget the treasures that await discovery, sometimes right in our own backyard. On a recent vacation to Colorado, we visited the stunning town of Boulder that sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains.  Boulder is not only a college town but a bike friendly destination city that supports cycling through a vibrant Active Transportation Plan.  Boulder has an active bike community that benefits from bike lanes, bike parking, bike trails, etc.  Bike shops were abundant and electric bikes were available to rent for those who enjoy the convenience of commuting by bike but do not presently own one, yet. We witnessed for ourselves how charming the city is when you slow down to a comfortable pace and enjoy it while cycling.  Everywhere we went, there were people commuting on bikes.

Photo by Andre Furtado from Pexels

Touring by bicycle is not exclusive to just vacations.  You can take a bike tour in your own community if you remember to see it like a visitor.  Several months ago, we decided to entertain our cousin who was visiting us from Oregon.  We jumped on the Pacific Electric Trail at Vineyard and pointed out the John Rains Museum adjacent to the Trail.  I am constantly surprised when I meet residents who do not know that there is a county museum right next to the PE Trail.  Fortunately, there is a rich historical history here that needs to be preserved.

The Cucamonga Rancho

The name "Cucamonga" may have been derived from a Shoshone word meaning "sandy place." The area, watered from mountain streams, was the site of a Native American settlement. The Mission San Gabriel established the Rancho Cucamonga as a site for grazing their cattle. In 1839, the 13,000-acre rancho was granted by the Mexican governor of California to Tiburcio Tapia, a wealthy Los Angeles merchant. Tapia transferred his cattle to Cucamonga and built a fort-like adobe house on Red Hill. The Rancho extended easterly from San Antonio Creek to what is now Turner Avenue, and from today’s Eighth Street to the mountains.
The Rancho Cucamonga lay along the route of the Old Spanish Trail from Cajon Pass and the road from the Pueblo of Los Angeles and Mission San Gabriel to San Bernardino. Each followed the Mojave Trail. Cucamonga welcomed travelers including Native Americans, padres, explorers, mountain men, pack trains, wagon trains, and stage lines.

The Rains House

Courtesy John Rains Museum

"The Cucamonga Rancho was sold in 1858 to John Rains by Tapia’s daughter, Maria Merced Tapia de Prudhomme, and her husband Leon Victor Prudhomme. Rains in 1856 had married Maria Merced Williams, the daughter of Chino Rancho owner Isaac Williams and granddaughter of Don Antonio Maria Lugo, owner of the San Bernardino Rancho. Maria was thus a wealthy heiress, and Rains invested in three ranchos and the Bella Union Hotel in Los Angeles. He purchased Rancho Cucamonga for $16,500 and constructed a burned brick building on the property at a cost of about $18,000. The Rains House was built in 1860 by Ohio brick masons from bricks made by Joseph Mullaly from the red clay on the site. Its flat roof was waterproofed by tar from the Brea pits in Los Angeles. An open flume carried water from springs through the kitchen, into the patio, and under the house to the orchard, thereby providing cooling for the structure. The original house had an entry hall, a parlor, and three bedrooms in the front, with a patio area flanked by a dining room, a kitchen, a padre’s room, and two guest rooms.

Courtesy of John Rains Museum

John and Maria Merced moved from Chino to the new brick house with their three children in the spring of 1861. By that time, Rains (a former cattle driver) was recognized as a rich and politically influential man, generous and well-liked, who provided abundant hospitality at his strategically located Cucamonga home.
John Rains planted 160 acres of vines in 1859. Wine and brandy made at Cucamonga gained wide popularity. An earlier small vineyard and winery is said to date back to 1839, thus establishing the claim that Cucamonga has the oldest commercial winery in the state."
- Courtesy San Bernardino County Website

Courtesy of the Sycamore Inn

We headed west past the Route 66 Trailhead that was busy with runners and cyclists and crossed over the Foothill pedestrian bridge and rode past the Sycamore Inn that was established in 1848.  The main idea that day was to stop and eat at our favorite spots along the Trail.  We headed into Upland for breakfast at our first stop; Molly’s Souper.  Molly’s caters to pet owners who regularly bring their pups with them and provide ample bike racks for the regulars who ride there. Molly’s is a popular spot because she treats all her customers like family.  If you wear your pajamas to Molly’s each December, she will serve you a free hot chocolate!

Courtesy of Molly's Souper

There was so much more to see along the way and when you glance up at the mountain range, you can see Cucamonga Peak, Mt. Baldy, Mt. Harwood, and Telegraph Peak.  We got back on our bikes and continued to travel west through Upland past Montclair and arrived at our next stop in Claremont, Casa Moreno for lunch with more friends.  Casa Moreno is another regular stop for cyclists who enjoy a delicious meal after riding.  After lunch, we all hopped on the Metrolink in Claremont with our bikes West-bound toward Los Angeles.  We spotted a large group of cyclists heading southwest on the popular San Gabriel River Bike Trail that parallels the 605 freeway all the way to the beach.  It is always a treat to see how many folks take their bikes with them on the train.  As we walked through Union Station, we enjoyed musicians taking turns playing the piano in the main lobby.  

Courtesy of Union Station LA

Across the street from Union Station is Olvera Street and of course we had to make a quick stop for cervezas and taquitos.  We did not want to overeat because the next stop was just around the corner, Chinatown for Asian fusion fare.  Visiting Chinatown never disappoints with the many pagoda style buildings with red lanterns, dim sum houses and bakeries to sample. 

Postcard: 1948

The entire bike tour provided us with easy transportation access and a variety of restaurants to choose from.  We met other travelers with bikes on Metrolink and on the return trip we reviewed the pictures we took of our bike tour to share with our friends.  After a day full of eating, sight-seeing, eating on our bike tour, posing for pictures, more eating, riding, eating and more riding, it was a relief to eventually get off our feet and enjoy a comfortable ride home on the train.  There was a full moon in the eastern sky that evening as we enjoyed the final leg of our tour on our bikes. My cousin enjoyed our bike adventure and asked us if we could discover other areas on her return trip next year.  She helped us remember the treasures we have right here in Southern California.

Biking has been under the spotlight lately with thousands of folks eager to get some exercise and enjoy the almost empty streets due to the shelter in place mandate.  For some who previously used public transportation to commute to work, many do not feel that the busses and subways are safe, so riding their bikes is a great option.  Bike stores have inventory on back order and there is a waiting list for those who just want to tune up their old bikes and start riding again.  It's encouraging to witness this bike popularity making a strong presence today. 

Share your story, tell us how you're sheltering in place in the comments below.
 Until next time, “See you on the Trail.”

Friends of the Pacific Trail

 - Victoria Jones Friend of the Pacific Electric Trail

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BIKE TO WORK WEEK 2020 TAKES ON A NEW MEANING

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

Photo by Dennis Jones 

Celebrating Bike to Work week each May is something I look forward to every year. However, riding my bike to work is different this year because like so many others, I am working from home, so this year’s commute is especially short and private.  Just because I am working from home does not exclude me from the joy of celebrating Bike Month.  This year my solo ride is in sharp contrast to previous Bike Week rides with our colleagues at Caltrans, who celebrated by riding their bikes to work.  For the staff that wanted to participate but did not own a bike, Cyclery USA in Redlands generously loaned a truck full of bikes to borrow that morning.  Ride marshals joined in for safety and the 3-mile early morning ride in downtown San Bernardino was a blast. 

  

Photo by Dennis Jones

To get in the swing of this year’s Bike to Work Week, we jumped on the PE Trail and enjoyed the cool morning temperature as we headed for Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga.  The Trail was brimming with walkers, runners and yes of course cyclists.  I look forward to riding my bike on the PE trail for physical exercise and as a mental health stress reliever. The City installed safety technology at the street crossings that detect when a cyclist is present.   We rode on and met up with Bob who is an avid cyclist and regularly invites his niece from Ontario to join him for a ride on the PE Trail.  We continued to meet up with so many residents who enjoy running and walking with their dogs.  Dogs and their owners are a familiar sight on the Trail, and it is always a treat to stop to say hello.  More people are adopting pets for companionship especially during the current shelter in place mandate.  Animal shelters are empty as the number of lost dogs has diminished because we are home with our pets to keep them company. 

Photo by Dennis Jones

Here are a few of the folks we met on the Trail this week. We rode past the Prison City Roller Derby Team, ladies who roll down the PE Trail together having way too much fun.  We also met Chase and his dog “Bailey”, Bob and his dog “Ringo Star”, Katy, Vera and their pet “Abigale”, Dario and his dog “Nala”, Jack and his pooch “Roxy”, Enrique, Mason and their puppies “Bella” and “Cash”, Vincent, Fiera and their dog “Nia”, Christina and Lee and their pooches “Pepper” and “Indy”.  We are looking forward to boarding our two favorite four legged friends, “Lady” and her companion and playmate, “Myrtle” next week and taking them for a walk on the Trail.

Photo by Victoria Jones

Half of the folks we stopped to talk with raved about how much they appreciate the Trail and how many want the open space to remain open at Central Park in lieu of being developed.  They shared that the open space is natural, quiet, and home for many hummingbirds, rabbits, butterflies, etc.  Some natural fauna in the open space include Russian thistle (future tumbleweeds), varieties of cactus, buckwheat, mug wart, and some wild growth grapevines that could be descendants of plantings by Segundo Guasti.  Taking in nature while you are enjoying your regular bike ride is like getting two for one.

Photo by Dennis Jones

If you are working from home, you can enjoy the simple pleasures of a neighborhood bike ride. Your ride does not have to be mapped out, just explore streets that you may never have ridden before and enjoy yourself.  Every block opens a door to new adventure. What you may have driven numerous times becomes entirely different when slowed down and viewed from two wheels. Riding around your neighborhood, even just around the block, can provide what a lot of us need right now — a much-needed break. Simultaneously keeping our bodies and minds healthy and active, you might be surprised at how much a short ride can improve your day.  

2020 will go down in the history books as the year we held our breath waiting for testing for the COVID-19 virus and a proven vaccine to help save lives.  2020 also marks the thousands of students who did not get to celebrate together in graduation ceremonies.  This year forced us to re-examine our numerous blessings and tested our endurance for patience and understanding with each other.  I am hoping that Bike Month 2021 will be bigger and better than ever.  If you have a story to share about how you navigated sheltering in place, or what you learned from this shared experience, please use #MYTRAILSTORY, until then, “See you on the Trail”. Some people we met on the trail this weekend were on bikes, and some were walking their dogs. Who is your trail buddy? Let us know in the comment section  below.

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 - Victoria Jones Friend of the Pacific Electric Trail

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