There are many entries to the main trail but many of them I believe are paved further down into the folsom-sacramento region.  I read somewhere its part of the main bike trail which is 54 miles from Auburn to Discovery Park.

For this adventure we decided to take the trail starting from Rattlesnake Bar.

Pioneer express trail

I took the path to the right originally along the lake.  This had was overgrown in multiple areas, which  I might add being an Motorcycle rider... the bike's do help maintain trails... Just saying...

trees falling

we hiked through, found many spots where the trail had fallen into the cliffs below.  It was apparent that there used to be some type of water way.   It was a water delivery system that was developed in 1851 by Amos P. Catlin to supply water.  Interesting research Don Chaddock did in this regards located here; http://folsomtelegraph.com/detail/97143.html

waterway disappearing into the lake

The Natoma ditch disappearing in spots

Starting from Rattlesnake bar

Starting from Granite Bay

I believe the body bugg pedometer told us we did just under three miles.  Seemed further, the kids were ready for a Taylors milk shake for sure.

http://www.davidpbartels.com/pioneer-trial-slideshow2/
Click on Video

There are a couple of lakes in this immediate area. My favorite is Lake Natoma, this lake was created by the Nimbus Damn off of hazel. It doesn't allow gas motored boats so the lake usually isn't too busy on its busiest days.  The entire lake is 5 mph zone, so its perfect for sailing, kayaking etc.

During the week no one is there and it is a great way to just chill and relax with my wonderful wife.

Relaxing at Lake Natoma

River Areas

There are about 17 miles or so of trails around the area. The paved bike trails go from granite bay, all the way to discovery park which is pretty awesome.

Another thing I enjoy about this lake, is the respect folks tend to have for it... I would have to say that it might be because more locals use it then travelers? Not sure, but Folsom lake costs you 120 a year for a pass without boats, $10 each visit without, and they have so much trash during the main season it is just sad. We try not to even go to folsom lake during the summer.

Map of the Lake

Check out how still these waters are on a Friday afternoon

Click on Video *Still Waters*	Click on Video *Chillin*
No tresspassing sign folsom prison

We always run into quite a few Birds while we are out and about.
Just Chillin	Duck Duck Goose?	Ducks Nesting
Click on Video  *Ducks*

This time we even ran accross an elephant? Must have been a geocache or something?

What the ?!?

The organization is a non-profit and is starting up in many areas around the US

For more information you can go here...    http://www.hiphopcongress.com/chapters/

I also found a well written article on the organization here http://bananamoments.com/blog/wordpress/can-you-hear-me-hip-hop-congress-of-auburn-gives-the-voices-of-youth-a-legitmate-venue/

It is pretty hard for most people to stand up and speak in front of others, even fewer would have the plums to sing in front of a crowd at the fair.   Way to go Cartoon!

Here is another song from his friend Cory. Unfortunatly I can not remember the other persons name, but he did a great job out there as well.

Taking off

Ash is currently learning to use the clutch and getting better at it every time we take her out. It is always a new experience to use a clutch however I think it is an important thing to learn at any age.

Here we go

Here is Day One learning balance. She is going very slow very cautious.

Learning the Clutch

When teaching someone to ride a dirt bike, there are some basic fundamentals I think everyone should learn.

1. You will Crash - Period - As a person who rides dirtbikes, if you haven't crashed during the day you really didn't ride.

2. Learn to slow down - clutch, front brake 30% , back brake 22%

3. Not unlike snowboarding, Having some speed makes everything easier.

When teaching children I've found having a quiet bike that you can ride with them and talk over the top of it is a really nice way to teach them.

We can stop/start without much noise, I can give direction while riding next to her. I don't want to bring the DRZ400 out and spit rocks, that will turn someone off of riding right away. (as will jerks at public OHV parks) but that is another story.

Good bikes for learning off road

Following the DR200

Notice how she is able to watch me while she rides, I will over emphasize unloading the shocks, picking lines, etc.

I know many of us have learned "T-CLOCS" and other various methods while they are not terrible methods, they are more street bike based. The big key with dirt bikes, if you have the gear wear it. I've always thought the most important part of the apparel behind the helmet is the gloves. You have a tendency to put your hands down when things go sideways. Wear gloves.

Ashely on a motorcycle

A lot faster the next time round the track

Starting to push it now

This is building some cofidence in riding now.