Trail Blazers

Though I often make fun of the names of the many housing developments in my hometown (for example, is anyone under the impression that the European Village housing development is the least bit European...let alone a Village?), one thing that Clovis has done impressively well is the creation of local bike trails.

The boys and I have taken the trails several places this past week. We took one trail downtown to visit my old elementary school. That same trail led us the other direction and a few tunnels later delivered us to Sonic. The Dry Creek trail follows a local creek bed and heads northeast so that the Sierra Nevada mountains are in view as we ride along the meandering trail of the creek.

The trails wend their way through town, past orchards of fruit trees, neighborhoods, parks, schools, and a local botanical garden, with signs marking the mileage traveled and plenty of shady rest stops with water fountains. Trees have been carefully planted so that in coming years the trail will be well-shaded by crepe myrtles, cottonwoods, and eucalyptus. We saw plenty of people as we rode along. The paths were clean and well-maintained. On every ride that we've taken, I've seen generations of people enjoying their town, the outdoors, and one another. The trail is an investment in the future of this town as a vibrant, successful community.

Plus, it's really, really fun.