A Day in the Life of Arroyo Trabuco

County officials had hoped to open the long-awaited Arroyo Trabuco addition to O’Neill Regional Park early this year--that is, until the bankruptcy put plans on hold.

Encompassing about seven miles of dirt path along a picturesque, sycamore-lined canyon, the Arroyo Trabuco is coveted terrain for local outdoors enthusiasts.

Mountain bikers will get their second chance at a sneak peek in two years Saturday, when O’Neill is again the site for the Trails Awareness Fun Ride, and riders will get another chance to explore the arroyo.

With the help of two major sponsors, bike-component maker Shimano and outdoor shop REI, the costs of the event are entirely underwritten, so all money collected in admissions will go toward county parks, event organizer Patrick Henry said.

Because of the county’s fund crunch, Henry said, it is more important than ever to build individual and corporate support for parks. Many bike shops and other businesses that profit from the availability of trails, he pointed out, have yet to step forward.

Saturday’s event includes routes designed for a variety of experience and expertise levels, from routes wide and gentle for youngsters and parents towing trailers to lung-busting climbs.

The expert course is 15 miles, with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The advanced route is 12 miles with three climbs. The novice course is six to 10 miles, with some gentle climbs. Riders can take more than one loop and can join in the mass start or take a later, more leisurely launch.

At 10 a.m., there will be a 200-yard children’s course teaching safety and trail etiquette.

The 7:30 a.m. mass start for experts, paced by professional riders, will provide conditions akin to a race--although the event will not be timed.

The advanced route is challenging without the technical problems posed by the expert route.

The arroyo paths will close at 2:30 p.m., but the other park paths will remain open. Admission ($12.50 for adults) includes lunch. Registration opens at 7 a.m. Last year’s event drew about 350 riders.

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Sunday marks the return of the Bach Bay 8K and half marathon, a running tradition that is one of the most unusual and one of the loveliest events in the county. Live music by Bach will be played at the start and finish by a 12-piece ensemble with chorus; along the route, quartets will entertain.

Both courses will wind through the Upper Newport Bay area, but the half-marathon continues into Irvine before returning. The half-marathon begins at 8 a.m., the 8K at 8:15 a.m.

Cost for both runs is $25, including T-shirt. Information: (714) 776-7490.

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What: Trails Awareness Fun Ride.

When: Saturday. Registration is from 7 to 10 a.m. Start time for the expert course is any time after 7:30 a.m.; for the advanced route, 8:30 a.m., for novices, 9:30 a.m.

Where: O’Neill Regional Park.

Whereabouts: From Interstate 5, take El Toro Road east to Live Oak Canyon Road (at Cook’s Corner) and turn right. Follow the signs to O’Neill Park.

Wherewithal: $12.50 for adults 17 to 49, $10 for ages 50 and up, $5 for teens 13 to 16, $2.50 for children 12 and under.

Where to call: (714) 890-3925.