Wilder Ranch, border line Davenport

It has been more than 2 years since I visited this California State park, along the Ocean. Last time was when I was rebuilding after an annoying hamstring tendon injury at the end of 2018, with a nice 20K run to kick 2024 off. Little did I knew that I was going to tear/break a meniscus 2 months later...

On January 1 2024 the, 80% of the trails of that park were closed after some heavy rain the week before. Agnès was off this past week so that was a great way to kick start her staycation. March has been so dry this year, a 100-year embarrassing record actually from a precipitation standpoint, nearing zero, I intended to explore the trail on the North of Highway 1, this time. Yet, I put on my road shoes (Launch) instead of trail (Pure Grit).

Although my plan was to explore the hills, I would still not want to miss the amazing ocean views you get on Ohlone Bluff Trail (besides, I can't miss something with Ohlone in its name!). At the crossing of the farms, I discovered a newly paved bike path and couldn't resist hoping on to it, oops, change of plans and direction!

The asphalt wasn't smelling anymore so it might have been spread a few days earlier but I'd say no more than a week or two. The smoothness of the asphalt gave me an urge to push the pace. I even clocked 7:01 for mile 8 when I was trying to keep up with a group of 8 cyclists.

Back to the title: border line because I didn't go quite to Davenport as Agnès was waiting for me at the car. Border line because the trail and bike path wasn't officially open. At least I wasn't the only user going through a few fences and "closed trail" signs. Border coast line with magnificent views of the ocean and secluded beaches. Last but not least, border an abandoned train line with the track still there but overtaken by vegetation.

As you can see, there are still a few miles of dirt so probably a few more months of road work ahead.

When extended and completed, this bike path is going to be quite a playground for the Santa Cruz athletes and triathletes to run long, and bike. Well, I hope the cyclists will accept to share the road. I say this because I was running on the left side, against the (forbidden) traffic and a few cyclists showed me they were upset. I have to wonder what the rules will be when the path is marked, finalized and opened. For information and maybe to the surprise of some, here is what I believe makes the most sense, the signage on a bike path on the Bay Trail, at the Ravenswood Preserve, near the Dumbarton Bridge.

More sense to me because, if a bike can't pass you when you face it, maybe if can run over you coming from behind...

15 miles overall, at an 7:37 average pace. Next time, I may run to Davenport then. Or the other trails in Wilder Ranch which I still have to explore...