Bicycling, as well as walking/hiking for pleasure, has boomed during the 14 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The combination of fresh air, easy access to biking options and that many families already had bikes, even if infrequently used, has led to a huge increase in cycling by Americans and certainly San Joaquin County residents. Another big plus is that cyclists gain a fair amount of exercise in addition to the scenic pay-back.
The county is blessed by relatively safe, quiet places to pedal, graced by a year-round cycling climate, and flat to rolling terrain. If you have some experience and want to increase your mileage from 5 to 10 miles and more, the San Joaquin Bike Coalition and the Stockton Bike Club offer group rides, including many that pedal into wine country and the Sierra foothills. With National Bike Month coming in May, here are suggestions from local cyclists as to where, when and how to enjoy the sights outside your back door, from the seat of your bike.