[Ster1016]

Possible relocation late spring to Norcal from panhandle of Texas. (until last month, I thought I would be in Denver suburb, so this is a new wrench) Opportunity is in Woodland, so looking at proximity to there. That would be from Rocklin to the east, Elk Grove to the South, Vacaville to SW. Doesnt look like much to the west...and maybe Arbuckle the north. Probably don't want to be in Sacramento proper.

Of all that- does anything offer close proximity to decent singletrack? Or is it all farther out? Also, what about beginner stuff for my 12 & 8 yr old. Something that is more than a bike path, but not much more. Finally- what about trail/path systems for entire family? Any of those better than average... or places that don't offer much to stay away from?

Family is pretty disappointed about not headed to the Rockies, but in this economy, being asked to move to Northern California is probably something I should appreciate.
Thanks for the help.

 

[Empty_Beer]

This has been a well covered topic, if you use the search function.

I don't know of any riding in Woodland proper (flat). From Rocklin, you have pretty quick car access to Auburn for XC and some DH. You're also not too far from Folsom Lake trails. The American River Parkway is very family friendly and goes from Sac to Granite Bay.

Also, from Sac, you're close to trails in the Bay Area, Downieville, Tahoe, Chico, etc. Not a bad place to land... but being based in Rocklin, you'll most likely be driving to most trailheads.

I'd pass on Elk Grove. Vacaville has Rockville right there... and proximity to Skyline (Napa) and other stuff in the wine country.

G'luck.

 

[rangerbait]

I'd shoot for a reverse-commute, which means heading east in the morning. Western Fairfield (Green Valley) is a reasonable distance from Woodland, and is quite a bit cooler than Vacaville in the summer. It's also close to Rockville (riding distance), Pena Adobe, and Napa Skyline, all fun places to ride.

Looking south to Green Valley/Cordelia from Rockville:

 

[jeng]

You should call me and I'll help you relocate.
The MTB Real Estate agent
Justin
707 436-7300

 

[HarryCallahan]

How flat is the Texas panhandle? I ask, because the Sacramento valley is flat. Lots of great secondary roads for road biking. Mostly, you'll have to travel to the valley edges for mountain biking, as the valley is farm field or urban, and not much else. the whole region is hot in the summer, foggy and damp in the winter

Davis, 10 miles south of Woodland, is a big bike mecca. Nice public schools, too. there's a UC campus there, so pretty liberal town, but in a really nice, middle class, well run sort of way. Miles of greenbelt and bike paths. Expensive compared to other towns in the region. Even if you don't live there, its fun to hit the town to ride the bike paths with your kids.

I've got some friends live on the western edge of Woodland. Nice house, nice neighborhood. West of Woodland and Davis, there's some rural, ranchette sort of areas - houses on a few acres sort of thing. Woodland is a more generic small town; it once was prosperous, went through some hard times, but has rebounded.

Winters is a cute little town, but I have no idea about schools, and you'll have to leave town to buy almost everything except gas, beer, and local produce.

West Sacramento has kind of a rough, seedy reputation. They do have a nice AAA baseball stadium. Sacramento has good and bad neighborhoods.

If I were you, I'd try to get out for a recon visit soon. And think about your overall time and commute every day.

 

[Ster1016]

Thanks for the information- We will be traveling there after the holidays to do recon and see what area might fit if we decide to accept.

Texas panhandle is indeed flat minus a few features. Right now, real mtb riding is at least 80 miles. Its more of where we were looking up until last month. Thought we would be within riding distance of foothills of rockies and 45 min drive to any number of fly fishing locales.

Position would still be traveling around quite a bit (through the valley... agricultural from Redding down through Fresno area) Even though the company is in Woodland... daily commute is not a 9-5 thing. Thus- we are exploring all areas for their pros/cons and how they fit our situation. One thing we do want is decent proximity to outdoor recreation & good schools. Right now we are pretty rural. Town is 7,000 people with next town 20 miles away and nothing in between. Closest major city (major is a stretch) is Amarillo - 90 miles. We are ready for closer to amenities of larger locale and bigger city... but not urban.

We will definitely be taking this and any other information into account as we do our recon/familiarization trip next month. No matter how you look at it.... its a big jump for us.

 

[sactojesse]

Probably don't want to be in Sacramento proper

Why not? IMO, the best neighborhoods are in the City of Sacramento, e.g., East Sacramento, Land Park, Curtis Park.

 

[norcalchico]

Chico is a great place and we have some nice trails and are close to other great area's.
What type of job are you getting into out here? That makes a huge differance on where you want to live.

 

[Renovatio]

I would like to say that Arbuckle isn't a great idea and the only "cities" north of sac-town are Redding and Chico...My vote would go to Rocklin or towards the bay.