Bicycling in Silicon Valley - High Tech Style
Bicycling in Silicon Valley could easily be viewed as bicycling in the future. Looking back just a mere 15 years ago nobody would have imagined the tools available to view potential off road bicycle trails, bicycle paths and their respective levels of difficulty. Silicon Valley, lush with city parks, urban landscape and foothills provides a wide variety of scenery and difficulty levels for just about any bicyclist. And finding new areas to venture out to can be done with the click of a mouse.
I often do a lot of research online before I embark on a new bicycling journey. There are online tools I use aren't even geared specifically towards bicycling. One that I highly recommend is Google Maps [http://maps.google.com]. I'll start by keying in a particular path name. With Google Maps you can utilize the satellite view and navigate to your trail, offering a birds eye view of the entire terrain - thus enabling you to better prepare for the conditions that you may encounter.
There are a handful of factors I take in to consideration while inspecting a trail in Google Maps.
I consider all these factors when scoping out a new trail to explore. Fortunately I live near a handful to trails that I can simply ride to. If you have children or less experienced bicyclists you may not want to brave riding the city streets to your preferred bike path. Portable bike racks are a great way to transport your bikes. You can really pick them up cheap if you try. I found a brand name Hollywood Rack someone was selling on Craigslist for $15 and I've been using it for over a year already. It will transport up to 3 large bicycles safely. They attach to the back of your car with lttle effort and can easily be stowed when not in use. These are a great alternative to expensive permanent bike rack installations.
Some of my favorite trails to ride in Silicon Valley, which provide plenty of riding space are
Coyote Creek Parkway
Ride the trail along the winding Coyote Creek along 15 miles of scenery. The northern section is a paved multi-use trail is popular amongst bicyclers, rollerblader, hikers and bicyclists alike. At Metcalf Road and South an equestrian trail runs parallel to the paved portion.
Simply go to Google maps and key in Coyote Creek Parkway for an overview of the trail and to find entry and exit points. This trail is also accessible by public transit.
For more information see the Coyote Hellyer County Park page or the Anderson Lake County Park page - search at Google.com.
Los Gatos Creek Trail
Enjoy 7.4 miles of scenery in this multi-use paved trail. The Los Gatos Creek Trail is utilized by several people and can be crowded when the weather is nice. You'll see walkers, joggers, other bicyclists, skaters, non-motorized scooters and nature lovers. The trail has a dog run area where owners can let there canine companions mingle.
There are large ponds where you will see many fisherman relaxing with their bait and tackle boxes. This trail is paved throughout, however you can find small off path sections for mountain biking enthusiasts that parallel the paved pathway.
The Los Gatos Creek Trail has several entry and exit points and can be reached by the VTA at the Hamilton Station Exit. The trail begins at Meridian Avenue in Willow Glen and ends in Los Gatos, adjacent to the Lexington Reservoir unpaved trail. You will pass several other interesting places as you travel this trail. Pass through a beautiful grassy meadow near Vasona Park filled with Geese and other wildlife. Simply punch in Los Gatos Creek Trail in to Google Maps to analyze and find an entry point for this wonderuful trail.
Those are 2 of my personal favorites but I encourage you to find your own hidden gem in Silicon Valley. We are so fortunate to live in such an area that offers the convenience of living in a city accompanied by several scenic trails and parks right within reach.
One of my favorite high tech bicycling trips!
One day my wife and I decided to venture out and take the bicycles on the VTA and get off downtown. We quickly escaped the city streets ducking in to Guadalupe River Park. In Guadalupe river park you will find skycraper lined urban paths alongside a calm stream with lots of overgrowth. Note that during the rainy season, this stream can be full of water as it serves as part of the Santa Clara County flood control system. We started to ride north all the way up to the Airport and watched the planes land and take off for a while. Many flew directly over our heads. While riding on this trail that parallels the Guadalupe River and Downtown San Jose there are many exit points where one can lock up their bikes or ride on the streets through Downtown San Jose. On our way back from the Airport we decided to exit at Santa Clara St. and look for something to eat. I pulled out my Blackberry to load up Google Maps. I punched in brewery, and found directions to the Mission Ale House, a short 10 block bike ride from the park. We rode up there, locked up the bikes and had enjoyed lunch while watching soccer on the TV. About two hours later, we hopped back on the saddles and rode back to the trail. We proceeded to the Childrens Discovery Museum where we used the same blackberry to shoot photos of the fascinating architechture. We exited the park thereand hopped on the Light Rail (VTA) back to our neighborhood and went home. A great day of bicycling mixed with technology.
Bicycling in Silicon Valley could easily be viewed as bicycling in the future. Looking back just a mere 15 years ago nobody would have imagined the tools available to view potential off road bicycle trails, bicycle paths and their respective levels of difficulty. Silicon Valley, lush with city parks, urban landscape and foothills provides a wide variety of scenery and difficulty levels for just about any bicyclist. And finding new areas to venture out to can be done with the click of a mouse.
I often do a lot of research online before I embark on a new bicycling journey. There are online tools I use aren't even geared specifically towards bicycling. One that I highly recommend is Google Maps [http://maps.google.com]. I'll start by keying in a particular path name. With Google Maps you can utilize the satellite view and navigate to your trail, offering a birds eye view of the entire terrain - thus enabling you to better prepare for the conditions that you may encounter.
There are a handful of factors I take in to consideration while inspecting a trail in Google Maps.
- Are there many trees on the trail or is it open space.
- This will help me determine if I will need to pack some sunscreen and bring sunglasses.
- How long is this trail and what sights can you stop off and see?
- Does the trail have public park areas attached to it?
- Areas near public parks will require extra caution dealing with non cyclists and unattended children.
- Public parks often have water fountains where you can refill your bottle.
- Does the trail go through unincorporated areas, if so?
- Bring a patch kit in case you get a flat and you are far from any help. (i learned this lesson from personal experience - no fun at all)
- Bring some handy snacks that can be easily stored
I consider all these factors when scoping out a new trail to explore. Fortunately I live near a handful to trails that I can simply ride to. If you have children or less experienced bicyclists you may not want to brave riding the city streets to your preferred bike path. Portable bike racks are a great way to transport your bikes. You can really pick them up cheap if you try. I found a brand name Hollywood Rack someone was selling on Craigslist for $15 and I've been using it for over a year already. It will transport up to 3 large bicycles safely. They attach to the back of your car with lttle effort and can easily be stowed when not in use. These are a great alternative to expensive permanent bike rack installations.
Some of my favorite trails to ride in Silicon Valley, which provide plenty of riding space are
Coyote Creek Parkway
Ride the trail along the winding Coyote Creek along 15 miles of scenery. The northern section is a paved multi-use trail is popular amongst bicyclers, rollerblader, hikers and bicyclists alike. At Metcalf Road and South an equestrian trail runs parallel to the paved portion.
Simply go to Google maps and key in Coyote Creek Parkway for an overview of the trail and to find entry and exit points. This trail is also accessible by public transit.
For more information see the Coyote Hellyer County Park page or the Anderson Lake County Park page - search at Google.com.
Los Gatos Creek Trail
Enjoy 7.4 miles of scenery in this multi-use paved trail. The Los Gatos Creek Trail is utilized by several people and can be crowded when the weather is nice. You'll see walkers, joggers, other bicyclists, skaters, non-motorized scooters and nature lovers. The trail has a dog run area where owners can let there canine companions mingle.
There are large ponds where you will see many fisherman relaxing with their bait and tackle boxes. This trail is paved throughout, however you can find small off path sections for mountain biking enthusiasts that parallel the paved pathway.
The Los Gatos Creek Trail has several entry and exit points and can be reached by the VTA at the Hamilton Station Exit. The trail begins at Meridian Avenue in Willow Glen and ends in Los Gatos, adjacent to the Lexington Reservoir unpaved trail. You will pass several other interesting places as you travel this trail. Pass through a beautiful grassy meadow near Vasona Park filled with Geese and other wildlife. Simply punch in Los Gatos Creek Trail in to Google Maps to analyze and find an entry point for this wonderuful trail.
Those are 2 of my personal favorites but I encourage you to find your own hidden gem in Silicon Valley. We are so fortunate to live in such an area that offers the convenience of living in a city accompanied by several scenic trails and parks right within reach.
One of my favorite high tech bicycling trips!
One day my wife and I decided to venture out and take the bicycles on the VTA and get off downtown. We quickly escaped the city streets ducking in to Guadalupe River Park. In Guadalupe river park you will find skycraper lined urban paths alongside a calm stream with lots of overgrowth. Note that during the rainy season, this stream can be full of water as it serves as part of the Santa Clara County flood control system. We started to ride north all the way up to the Airport and watched the planes land and take off for a while. Many flew directly over our heads. While riding on this trail that parallels the Guadalupe River and Downtown San Jose there are many exit points where one can lock up their bikes or ride on the streets through Downtown San Jose. On our way back from the Airport we decided to exit at Santa Clara St. and look for something to eat. I pulled out my Blackberry to load up Google Maps. I punched in brewery, and found directions to the Mission Ale House, a short 10 block bike ride from the park. We rode up there, locked up the bikes and had enjoyed lunch while watching soccer on the TV. About two hours later, we hopped back on the saddles and rode back to the trail. We proceeded to the Childrens Discovery Museum where we used the same blackberry to shoot photos of the fascinating architechture. We exited the park thereand hopped on the Light Rail (VTA) back to our neighborhood and went home. A great day of bicycling mixed with technology.