[mynsbgr]

Im headed to Chico, CA on Friday and thinking of playing hookie during the day and riding somewhere along the way. Any suggestions of areas I can ride on the way to Chico? I live in the Bay Area. Thanks.

[Asmith]

You can ride alongside of the 99, but watch out for the Big trucks.

[Old Dude]

mynsbgr,
What route were you planning on travling, how much time do you have and what time frame are you talking about?
O.D.

[mynsbgr]

I wanted to get a few hours of riding in sometime either late morning or early afternoon. Im going to head up Hwy 80 to Hwy 505 to Hwy 5. Anyplace along the way I can ride without getting shot at by farmers?

[Old Dude]

Man, that is a tough one. Nothing that I know of right off the highway. Maybe some local guys have some place that they are familiar with.
You might try this ....

Black Butte Lake, 8 mi. west of City of Orland (I-5). For information, contact Corps of Engineers, Black Butte Lake. Mail: 19225 Newville Road, Orland, CA 95963-8901. Open from June to February. Riding area closes at sunset. (530) 865-4781. MC, ATV.

Hwy 32 runs from I-5 thru Orland right into Chico

Stonyford Ranger District, 5080 Ladoga-Stonyford, Stonyford, CA 95979, (530) 963-3128. MC, 4WD, ATV, DB.

Cleghorn Bar/Poker Flat/La Porte, Feather River Ranger District, 875 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville 6500. (530) 675-2462. MC, 4WD, ATV, DB, SMBL. Groomed snowmobile trails at La Porte.

Don't know how far off the highway you want to go but the above Ranger Districts might have some info for you as they are in that corridor.
Oroville naturally is east and south of Chico. All that area up there, from the coastal range east, looks to be great riding area if one had or if there is access.
Good luck, sorry I could not have had some more specific info for you.

[mynsbgr]

I think Im going to try Stonyford, Im assuming it is open all year round? Thanks so much for the suggestions.

[Reddog88]

Stonyford is a bit out of the way but do-able. Expect about a hour drive in and out depending on which way you go(maxwell or willows). Great riding there although this time of year it gets very hot up there, about the same temps as in the valley. Really thats the only riding area that is of any value through that area that I know of.