By Josh Church, BTCEB Director-at-Large
If you’ve ever attempted to introduce a new local rider to dirt, you’ve probably had the realization that there’s just not a whole lot of appropriate off-pavement spaces for new cyclists to find their dirt-stoke nearby. To get the most out of a ride, the best situation provides a combination of relatively safe speeds over limited grades, and a positive and memorable experience. China Camp State Park (North Bay) has the technically ideal, but often crowded, Shoreline Trail – a narrower undulating trail frequented by KOM chasers. Closer to home, Wildcat Creek Trail in (Wildcat Canyon and Tilden parks) offers a few miles of uninterrupted extra-wide fireroad. A few other parks and trails nearby get nods online as suitable places to bring new riders as well. While all of these spots offer the appropriate level of difficulty, they’re not the most interesting places to spend time. Granted, new riders who are aerobically fit can certainly enjoy more challenging locations and longer rides without necessarily taking on greater risk (Marin Headlands for example), by practicing NSIW (no shame in walking). But to find a memorable, enjoyable experience for your newest rider, consider instead a trip to Eden Landing Ecological Preserve.
Eden Landing Ecological Preserve is essentially a 4600-acre mudflat wetland divided by a few miles of pancake-flat, gravel levee roads that meander out from Hayward towards the bay, just south of the foot of the San Mateo Bridge. For many East Bay folk, it might be close to an hour away, so why make the trip? While it’s not mountain biking, it is unpaved. It’s also interesting and beautiful, and can provide that critical sense of escape that keeps many of us returning to our bikes.
Prior to the state taking ownership in 1996, the site was an active salt farm dating back to the late 1800s. The Cargill Salt Company ceased operations there in 1972 and the facilities were left to the elements, and remnants of the structures still stand out of the flats and water. A few interpretive signs offer an interesting glimpse into the area’s history and ecology.
The ecological preservation efforts started in 1996, and have helped restore the habitat for many native species of plants and animals, many of which can be seen by bicycle: Ibis, killdeer, snowy plovers, various raptors and other birds inhabit the area. Visitors might spot hare, snakes, and even rays or leopard sharks in the shallow waters just off of the trail. Along the way and at the far point westward, you can find benches to pause and take in a snack, the bay views and fresh bay air.
Who should bring a bike to Eden Landing? Eden Landing itself is fairly small, yet hosts enough space for kids as young as 4 years old to earn a good night’s sleep. The gravel depth changes a bit from segment to segment, and green riders of any age can develop some subtle loose terrain control skills by riding here while enjoying the scenery. Additionally, it connects to the Bay Trail, allowing riders who want more saddle time to stretch their unpaved ride into double digit miles – some of which runs right at the bay’s edge, and passes by the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center (currently closed, but a great spot to stop when open).
Eden Landing (and the adjacent Bay Trail) is one of the East Bay’s best kept secret ride spots. If you’re hoping to turn someone on to cycling off of pavement, put this area on your short list of first rides. You just might find yourself returning for second, third, and fourth rides too.
