Sacramento-Auburn, CA route advice please.

[Bclayden]

Hello.

Any Sacramento area riders out there?  Can anyone advise a good route from Old Sacramento to Auburn, CA?

 I know it's only about 40 miles but it ends a long day riding from the Bay Area so my day will be 140 miles...about 9 hours.  I am planning to ride Nov  22 and it gets dark at 5pm so I'm looking for a quick and efficient route through Sacramento.  Not particularly interested in the scenic American River trail, although it's very nice, it meanders too much and is slower than I would like.

Seems to me Folsom Blvd to pick up Auburn-Folsom Rd is a straight shot but what about riding conditions?  Anyone with a better idea?

Thanks in advance for your input.

[...neil...]

I actually think the AR bikeway is your best bet. Folsom Boulevard is indeed a straight shot, but with stoplights and such it will likely be slower. And a very long slog to Folsom. This time of year there is less ped/bike traffic on the bikeway, and it will be an altogether more pleasant experience.

Then, once you get to Folsom, Auburn-Folsom Road is a straight shot into Auburn with wide shoulder and good sight lines. There is a moderate climb into Auburn proper.

There are alternatives along the 80 corridor, but none of them pleasant. The riding does not get friendly until Roseville or so.

Sounds like a fun day!

[jolobike]

So which route did you take, and how was it?? We visit the area often.

[Bclayden]

...Neil ... 

Thanks for the advice.  The American River Trail was a good call.  Not usually a big fan of rec trails when trying to cover 30+ miles but the River Trail is a good route  Scenic of course and quiet in most places as you suggested.  Once a few miles from Sacramento and until a mile or so from Folsom little to no foot traffic perhaps due to the weather that day.  The day was VERY windy but riding among the trees along the river bank was only slightly breezy at ground level....until Folsom Reservoir and the exposed Auburn-Folsom Rd.   The road has a good shoulder though and the route is recommended.

Auburn has at least one excellent bike shop, Victory Velo.  Super nice guys...helpful and knowledgable too.  They helped me route my next day's ride to Tahoe City.