After the American River Parkway Bike Trail, Rossmore Bar Park, and Rancho Cordova, enjoy the solitude of the Folsom South Canal (photos below).

Jackson Road (Hwy 16) then will take you through Sloughhouse & Rancho Murietta to Ione Road, on which you will continue your day's southward journey.

This ride is notable for many areas which appear to have been little disturbed over the years:  I would guess that, aside from the loss of the oak forests which used to blanket the Central Valley, many of these areas may have presented very similar appearances a century ago.  One such area is found on Ione Road (photo below).

 

 

Shortly you will turn left on Hwy 104, which will take you past Ione's most characteristic structure - Preston Castle (photo right).

 

Once in Ione, it will be time to refuel - Rest Stop #1.

 

 

 

 

Leaving Ione, Buena Vista Road will treat you to some attractive vineyards (photo below).

After crossing the Mokelumne River take S Camanche and Camanche Parkways to Burson.  If you might need additional food, Burson Market is your last chance for 33 miles!

Continuing south you will arrive at Milton Road, another isolated road which probably has changed little in appearance for many years (photo below).

NOTE: much of this entire ride offers little shade (use lots of sunscreen!). 

Probably you should avoid this ride in very hot weather!

The cattle in the photo left, however, seem to have found a shady spot!

At the end of Milton Road, head east on Hwy 4. 

CAUTION (!):  the first three miles of Hwy 4 offer little or no shoulder, and traffic is heavy; be very alert!  Then, thankfully, the shoulder widens very nicely, and the remainder of Hwy 4 is ok. 

Turn right on O'Byrnes Ferry Road, and enjoy Rest Stop #3 in Copperopolis.

Heading further south you will pass lovely Lake Tulloch (photos right & below), which arises almost magically out of this arid landscape.

Shortly later you will turn left on Hwy 108, and after only ten more miles, you will have arrived at your destination in downtown Sonora. (photo right).