Barbara Anderson's Favorite Ride
It may be the so-called "Tour de Trash" but there's a lot to like.
Babz' Tour de Trash
14 mile loop from 6th and E Sts.
I've been doing this ride out past the Yolo County Landfill for several years. At some point, I dubbed it the Tour de Trash, which sounded more elegante than calling it the Dump Ride. The whole loop is just a tad under 14 miles starting from my house, and I can do it in slightly under an hour (unless there's a north wind, when it takessomewhat longer), which makes it a good ride on those days when I don't have a whole lot of time. I always do it as early as I can in the morning; I've seen all kinds of birds, a coyote, cows, horses and, other than on the brief stretch of Pole Line Road, very few cars.
The skies can be spectacular, especially after a storm. And the trash truck drivers are very considerate.
Here's my route; yours will vary, depending on your starting point,
but the objective is to get to Rd. 28H (aka, the Dump Road):
North on F St to Rd 29.
Right (east) on 29 to Pole Line (Rd. 102).
Left (north) on Pole Line to Rd. 28H (the Dump Road).
Right (east) on 28H to Rd. 105 (just for the heck of it, If you want
to add three-quarters of a mile, you can continue on 28H down to the
wastewater treatment plant and make a U-turn back to 105).
Go south on 105 to Rd. 30.
Turn right (west) on Rd. 30 and follow this kinda zig-zaggy road
through fields and end up at Covell very near its wide turn to the
east. Note: Rd. 30 is in terrible shape and getting worse; in some
places its more pothole than pavement, so don't plan on making a lot
of speed through this part. It's a pain, but I prefer it to the
alternate route (below), mostly because it's more interesting
visually. Up to you; caveat emptor.
At Covell, I turn left (south) and head back into Davis via Alhambra
Blvd or 2nd Street. Depending on where you live or where you want to
end up, options abound.
Alternate route: You can continue on Rd 105 down to 2nd Street, turn right, and head back toward Davis past Ikeda, Target, etc. Much better road surface. (Caution: the two farm dogs that live at the house on the left just past Rd. 30 are not fenced and, if outside, will give chase and not give up easily.)
