A FEW FAVORITES
Prospect Slough. The flat gravel road between the deepwater canal and Prospect Slough runs 23 miles along the levee with water on both sides and views of Mount Diablo. It’s the perfect scenic bike ride, especially because “there are beehive farms, and sheep grazing that are guarded by very protective Great Pyrenees mountain dogs that are huge.” Putah Creek Cafe. On a weekend, nothing beats pedaling from Davis and down Putah Creek to Winters to refuel with brunch at this popular family-run spot. “I like eggs, toast and bacon. Any place that has that makes me pretty happy. They do it well here, too.” 1 Main St., Winters, (530) 795-2682. www.putahcreekcafe.com.
Raley Field. It’s always a fun Saturday night when the Sacramento River Cats play. Don’t miss the fireworks show after the games. 400 Ballpark Dr., West Sacramento, (916) 376-4700. www.raleyfieldsite.wordpress.com. United States Bicycling Hall of Fame: This 8,000square-foot building is a trove of historic artifacts representing more than a century of American cycling history, including bicycles, photographs, awards and periodicals. If you arrive by bike, you can get a free train ticket back to Sacramento via the Bak2Sac program. 303 Third St., Davis, (530) 341- 3263. www.usbhof.org.
West Sacramento Cyclocross Grand Prix. Held Sept. 30-Oct. 1 at Riverwalk Park, this two-day race has to be seen to be believed. Professionals and amateurs from all over the world maneuver their bikes through grass, dirt, mud, gravel and sand, as well as around obstacles. The event includes live music, plenty of food trucks and lots of heckling. 651 Second St., West Sacramento. www.wscxgp.com
Devil May Care Ice Cream and Frozen Treats. Chef Jess Milbourn makes small-batch, handcrafted ice creams using local ingredients. Flavors may include peanut butter fudge, coffee and doughnuts, and cardamom Creamsicle. Smith may be biased, but his favorite flavor? “Bike Dog Brewing milk stout. Yes, it’s made from our beer. But they don’t always have it available on the menu.” 322 Third St., West Sacramento, (916) 572-0456. www.devilmaycareicecream.com. Yolo Brewing Co. and Jackrabbit Brewing Co. Create your own mini beer tour in West Sacramento by foot, bike or Uber. Start at Bike Dog Brewing, then walk four minutes to Yolo Brewing, followed by another four-minute trek to Jackrabbit Brewing. Both are dog- and kid-friendly. “I love that they are our neighbors. They all have solid beers. It makes for a nice community of beer makers.” Yolo Brewing Co. 1520 Terminal St., West Sacramento, (916) 379-7585. www.yolobrew.com. Jackrabbit Brewing Co., 1323 Terminal St., West Sacramento. www.jackrabbitbrewingcompany.com.