On Saturday, October 6, 2012, Friends of El Dorado Trail and the El Dorado Western Railroad are partnering to support the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) eighth- annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day! Each year, IMBA encourages communities around the world to share their passion for pedaling with kids on the first Saturday of October. This year, El Dorado County is getting on board and invites you to join in the festivities along the El Dorado Trail and at the El Dorado Train Park from 9am to 4pm. Friends of El Dorado Trail suggests several rides: • An easy out and back ride beginning and ending at the El Dorado Train Park at the end of Oriental St. (across from th

On September 22, INALLIANCE will change the way we think about people with developmental disabilities. Later this month, hundreds of Californians will gather on the El Dorado Trail for the 4th Annual Gold Rush Fun Run to raise awareness of people with disabilities, and increase understanding of the vital programs INALLIANCE provides to the greater Sacramento area. INALLIANCE is a nonprofit organization that supports the independence, health and safety of people with developmental disabilities through community based programs. “We chose to host a fun run, because it brings together people from all walks of life in an inclusive activity,” says Executive Director of INALLIANCE Diana DeRodeff

Registration is now open for the Gold Rush Fun Run in El Dorado County on Saturday, September 22, 2012. The event features a series of races through the Sierra Nevada Foothills along the El Dorado Trail, which was once the historic Southern Pacific Railway line, and now features picturesque scenery and an abundance of wildlife for trail goers. The Gold Rush Fun Run hosts runners and walkers from across Northern California for a 10 mile run, 10K run, 5K run/walk and a 1 mile stroll. All races culminate in a finish line celebration where participants enjoy refreshments, music, raffle prizes and awards ceremony. Synergy Race Timing will chip time the 10K, 10 mile and 5K races, and medals w

El Dorado County Supervisors held firm to a 2011 decision to support the Shingle Plan Compromise at a County Board meeting on January 24, 2012. The plan divides use of the Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor (SPTC) into two distinct segments. The area from Shingle Springs up to Diamond Springs has been allotted for the development of a heritage railroad. From Shingle Springs down to the Western El Dorado County line, development will focus on establishing a community trail that will serve local residents and connect to Folsom, thereby expanding our regional trail system. Trail and train supporters have been at odds for years over use of the SPTC, but the Supervisor's recent de

For the next few months, running enthusiasts will have the opportunity to participate in a number of fantastic races across California. The Sacramento region in particular is full of events for people of all ages, skill levels and interests. Whether you are an avid runner or just looking for a healthy way to support the community, consider joining in a local 5K or 10K race. Most races benefit a nonprofit organization, so you will be benefiting your body, mind and spirit! Here are some upcoming events to consider: Gold Rush Fun Run & Walk October 8, 2011, Placerville, CA This family and dog friendly event features 10 Mile, 10K, 5K, and 1 mile race courses along the El Dorado Trail, plus r

The El Dorado Trail stretches from South Lake Tahoe to the western El Dorado county line and runs along the Sacramento Placerville Train Corridor (SPTC) from Placerville West. This trail is partially developed (witness the newest, very heavily used, section from Forni Road to Missouri Flat Road) and could eventually be a hiking, biking, equestrian connection of South Lake Tahoe to Folsom. From Folsom the American River Parkway connects to Davis and eventually to San Francisco. The people of El Dorado County purchased the rights to the El Dorado county portion of the SPTC in 1995 under the auspices of the 1983 National Trail System act (better known as the “Rails to Trails” act). This act

Runners, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts will take to the trails on Saturday, October 8, 2011 when local nonprofit InAlliance hosts the 3rd Annual Gold Rush Fun Run & Walk fundraiser on the El Dorado Trail beginning in Placerville. Participants will weave their way through the Sierra Nevada Foothills in 10 mile, 10K, 5K and 1 mile races along what used to be the Michigan California Lumber Company railway corridor. Following the races, guests will enjoy a Finish Line Celebration featuring refreshments, music, vendors, raffle prizes and awards ceremony. The races will all be chip timed by Synergy Race Timing and all race winners will receive custom medals. The event is an annual benefit for