Every spring as cyclists get into riding shape while  burning out on the daily grind, conversation turns to V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N. Every text mailbox, forum, and facebook page echoes with the chatter of new adventure. Where is the tastiest weekend trail excursion that will totally blow the crew away?

Here is SF Urban Riders pick for Summer / Fall 2010.

FOREST CITY, CA   Located just a few miles from the legendary singletrack mecca of  Downieville, just over the ridge directly South of town, lies Forest City. It was founded during the Gold Rush and at its peak hosted a population of over 2500 people. Being an old mining town it is rich in  pikes, flumes, and ditches which are currently being restored into recreational trails. There is approximately 30 miles of singletrack around Forest City, and plans to connect up directly to the Downieville system via the Mexican Mine trail near Goodyears Bar. If it sounds amazing, it’s because it is. Its a genuine overnight success, that started in 1998 when a group of like minded cycling enthusiasts purchased  a large part of the town.

Zach Anderson of the Forest Trails Alliance was recently recognized as the Volunteer of the Month by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. Zach has also brought his crew to assist SFUR on Mount Sutro during the IMBA Trail Weekend on April 4th, 2009.

The trails around Forest City are far different than that of its famous neighbor. They are less steep, are less travelled (for now), and have a unique flavor to their design and trail feature construction. The best example of this is the 30′ Stone Arch Bridge that crosses the Oregon Creek drainage.

View the short documentary here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC_Lp0ePY5M

View Forest City Trail Features in Action Here:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJi1lcgGjDs&feature=related

More information visit or join the Forest Trails Alliance website: http://www.foresttrailsalliance.org/