Mountain Bike Monday

COVID-19 Polices for Mountain Bike Mondays

The Sacramento Valley Conservancy invites you to explore Deer Creek Hills Preserve on your mountain bike every Monday night July – October. The self-guided trails are open exclusively to riders between 4:30pm-8:00pm. In observance with public health safety precautions, this offering is limited by a 50 person capacity, and is only made available to individuals who comply with the following guidelines:

• Review the most recent Sacramento County Public Health Order, the most up to date CDC recommendations and adhere to any other mandated directives for your place of residence.
• Pre-register, pay the recommended $10 donation* per person, and complete a liability waiver before arriving. No walk up, or same day registration is allowed.
• Registration must be completed by 6pm the evening prior.
• Liability waivers must be printed and completely filled out prior to arrival.
• Actively recreating groups of 5 or less, are cohabitating and self-isolating together. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Seniors and people with chronic health conditions are being asked to isolate themselves at home.
• No picnicking, no gathering recommendations.

*$10 donation is recommended for active recreation at the preserve. If you have a financial hardship you may waive the fee upon registration. If you would like to sponsor another rider, you have the option of paying it forward so another rider can ride.

If you plan to attend 5 or more Monday night rides this summer, consider purchasing a Season Pass for $50.

All visitors must maintain the 6ft social distancing guidelines and limit interaction with other riders.

If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) or have been in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID 19 or experiencing these symptoms, please stay home. Deer Creek Hills Preserve has been protected in perpetuity (FOREVER) and will be here for you to explore when you’re healthy.

Deer Creek Hills Terrain

The terrain at Deer Creek Hills is a mix of rolling savanna grasslands, dotted with dramatic blue oaks and open vistas overlooking Sacramento’s largest open space preserve. The trails include cross country style single track, rocky creek crossings, with some technical climbing sections. Deer Creek Hills serves as a working cattle ranch from November through May, as a result, the cattle have proven to be superb designers for creating flowy single track. SVC Docents will map and mark trails with cones for riders to explore.

This venue is ideal for experienced riders with knowledge of shifting to lower gears for climbing hills, and bicycle handling for rapidly changing terrain. This is not considered a beginner’s course.

What to Bring

Riders are responsible for bringing their own bike and personal riding equipment, including helmet, tire repair kits, spare tubes, and pumps, and must carry a cell phone when cycling on the property. No exceptions. Mountain bikes or CycloCross bikes with knobby tires are recommended. Road bikes or slick tires are not recommended. As the season progresses through summer, riders must bring emergency bike lights in case of being caught out in the dark.

Motorized access is restricted on Deer Creek Hills Preserve. In an effort to increase recreational opportunities, especially for those with physical limitations, low-speed electric bicycles defined as Class1 e-bikes, which are operated in the pedal assist mode, will be allowed on the preserve starting in the 2020 mountain bike season (per Cal. Veh. Code. § 312.5; § 21200 – 21212; § 21207.5; § 24016). The use of e-bikes during Mountain Bike Season must be disclosed to SVC staff upon check-in. Electric assisted bicycles are not to exceed 15 miles per hour while on the preserve. The use of e-bikes on the preserve is subject to change at any time. All cyclists must stay on the “pre-approved” trails. Any visitor who fails to follow the rules will be asked to leave, no refunds given and not allowed to return for the duration of the season.

Sandals and open toed shoes are not allowed. Please wear clothing appropriate for the weather conditions and mountain biking. Bring your signed Liability Form, water supply and high energy snacks, face covering and personal sanitizer. Portalets are available on site and serviced every Friday, but these are high-use areas so come prepared with your own hand sanitizer. There is no running water on the property. Arrive hydrated and bring plenty of drinking water. All visitors must practice Leave No Trace. Pack it in, pack it out. Smoking is prohibited.

Important Resources:

• Directions to Deer Creek Hills Preserve
• Adult Release of Liability – please print, complete, and bring with you
• Minor Release of Liability – only required if you are chaperoning minors of which you are NOT a legal guardian
• Visitor FAQ

Cancellation Policy

A National Weather Service heat index that puts staff and visitors in the Danger zone will close Deer Creek Hills. Registered riders will be notified via email if this ride must be cancelled, and given the option to transfer registration to any future ride that has not hit the 50 person capacity, or donate fees to stewardship & trail maintenance projects on the Preserve. Registration payments are not refundable. If you have extenuating circumstances or are unable to attend a ride, please contact us as soon as possible for assistance. Ticket transfer requests can be directed to Amy Rodrigues arodrigues@sacramentovalleyconservancy.org

If you have additional questions about mountain bike season at Deer Creek Hills, please contact SVC Program Coordinator, Carly Amatisto at (916) 612-3719 or outreach@sacramentovalleyconservancy.org