So I went for two rides in the three days that I was in Bakersfield. They were both quite refreshing since I didn't push the pace at all. Just explored some unmapped territory (to me anyway). Though I grew up and lived in Bakersfield most of my life, I only rode on the Kern River Parkway Bike Trail once and that was when I was well... riding a single speed 16 inch wheeled bike with training wheels pedaling a mile a minute to keep up with my Dad and older brother. The bike path since then I believe has grown quite a bit along with the city. I believe it boasts something like 30 miles of traffic free riding!! But the bike path was saved for the second ride and this is about the first ride I took. I kept this ride relatively close to home which is ok because the only hilly part of Bakersfield is around where my parents live. The only nice part is that the AMGEN Tour of California has come through Bakersfield several times, most recently in 2012 where they held a Time Trial. It's cool that the race was held in Bakersfield, but what is even better is knowing that I was able to ride the same roads as professional cyclists like Tejay van Garderen. I didn't do the same course that they did, only part of it with the the biggest decent and acent.
Here's a video of the route they took. Even though I didn't do the whole route that they did I would like to the next time I'm in Bakersfield. I like taking existing routes and using them (as well as making up my own routes). Before my brother and I started riding last year we did a little research to see where the local races took and take place so we could get a taste for what we were getting in to. I would recommend this to everyone. Strava is a good place to do this, but it's also a good idea to look up races that have taken place in your area. I'm sure if you just search in google "cycling race in..(your area)" you'll come up with something. There is always a chance you don't come up with something but then you get to do some exploring, check out a map and go on an adventure. On this morning when I did this short 15 mile ride I found a new (to me) trail that I didn't know was there. When I was done I told my Dad about it and he in turn told me about part of the Kern River Parkway Bike Trail that I was unaware of. So the key here is research, get out, ride and have fun!
Here's a video of the route they took. Even though I didn't do the whole route that they did I would like to the next time I'm in Bakersfield. I like taking existing routes and using them (as well as making up my own routes). Before my brother and I started riding last year we did a little research to see where the local races took and take place so we could get a taste for what we were getting in to. I would recommend this to everyone. Strava is a good place to do this, but it's also a good idea to look up races that have taken place in your area. I'm sure if you just search in google "cycling race in..(your area)" you'll come up with something. There is always a chance you don't come up with something but then you get to do some exploring, check out a map and go on an adventure. On this morning when I did this short 15 mile ride I found a new (to me) trail that I didn't know was there. When I was done I told my Dad about it and he in turn told me about part of the Kern River Parkway Bike Trail that I was unaware of. So the key here is research, get out, ride and have fun!
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