The Dave Clark Riverfront Path in Albany is about a mile long. If you want, come along on a nice summer evening as I cruise along this path on my bike.
This took about 10 minutes. Riding a bike on this paved off-road trail, you have to take it slow.
There are walkers on this path. Dogs too. And sometimes cats. And people on boards, as you saw.
On this ride, I saw something unusual, which didn’t show up well in the video. An osprey was swooping in on a vacant lot to the right of the path. Then it flew off, having grabbed a two-foot stick to add to its nest.
The nests on top of the century-old railroad bridge are among the sights you can see from this path.
As for the river itself, you can’t see much of it along most of the path’s length. Bushes on the banks block your view. Trees too, of course.
If you want to see the Willamette from your bike on this riverfront path, you have to wait until winter, when the trees are bare.
Another good thing about winter bike riding on the Clark trail: Nobody else around to slow you down. Especially when it rains.
Until then, though: Ride slowly and give people notice well before you pass them. A bell on your bike is what you need. Ring it gently when others are on the path, especially when you approach them from the back. (hh)
Thanks, Hasso. I have never traveled the full length of the Dave Clark Path before. Enjoyed it. I’ve only used the part between Monteith Park and the back side of Albany Civic Theater.
I agree about the bell. It’s more friendly sounding then a “get out of my way”.
I also thank the people that make it easy to get by and am known to take a picture of those who won’t.
Do the wooden planks on the bridge at the 3:00 mark end up sometimes rotten or broken like on the wood bridge by Lowes?
I was just on this trail on my new used e-bike last Thursday afternoon. First time I’ve ridden the path since the Riverfront Project was finished as I don’t ride a lot towards downtown Albany. I live in East Albany and getting across, over or under, I-5 to ride towards downtown is always a challenge. I agree with Hasso, take it slow, especially on the blind corners, and ring your bell when overtaking or approaching. And be sure to say thank you to the pedestrians that yield to you. If you want to go fast, stay on the city streets and play Russian roulette with the four wheelers. Dodging the overhanging branches on this trail and on the bike paths around town is also a constant hazard, as Hasso well knows, and be sure to wear a helmet.