Link to Future

If a new bike, roller-blades, walking shoes--or even a pair of holly-bedecked athletic socks--awaits someone in your family Christmas morning, they’ll likely want to give them a whirl.

Here’s the place to go: the Ojai Valley Trail. Even if you’re an occasional visitor to this gem linking Ventura’s Foster Park to downtown Ojai, there’s something new to see.

Almost a mile of new trail was added this fall to the south end below Foster Park.

It’s the first leg of a long-awaited $4.6-million trail that will virtually link the paved Ojai trail with the sea, and then will hook up with the Omer Rains Trail along the coast.

Construction is to begin in mid-January on this addition along the rail bed that parallels the Ventura River.

It should wrap up in June, according to Rick Raives, a city engineer overseeing the project. When it’s done, not only will there be a new trail through this industrialized area, but eight or so pieces of art will have been installed along the way.

Trail users will cruise by everything from an iron totem pole made of wheels to a field of sunflowers and a windmill crafted from old train tracks. The $170,000-worth of art is being created by local artists to reflect the history of the area.

But for now, users will have to settle for the first short link in this planned trail.

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The new stretch below Foster Park still retains the wild feel of the nearby Ventura River, because the industrialized area is farther down. Though cattle graze on the hillsides, the sound of traffic on Highway 33 creates a constant buzz.

The new section has something for everyone: A 6-foot-wide strip of smooth, hard dirt is just for pedestrians, a 9-foot paved section is for bicycles and an 11-foot path, set off by a fence, is for equestrians.

If you park at Foster Park ($3), the new section is on the other side of Casitas Vista Road. You’ll likely want to tackle the old trail as well.

Whether you go all the way to Ojai or not, you’ll still see some interesting sights--not all of them scenic. From oak-canopied Foster Park, the trail parallels busy Highway 33 on one side and the wide Ventura River basin on the other.

But it meanders behind ridges that provide a quiet, secluded feel. Oak, pepper and sycamore trees line the route, and at this time of year the leaves are gold.

The trail passes rural backyards in Casitas Springs, and as you climb higher the view of the Ojai Valley and the majestic Topatopa Mountains is stunning. The climb isn’t too tough, even for children, and best of all, it’s separated from the highway. The route follows an old rail line once used by Southern Pacific to haul produce out of the valley, but a flood in 1969 wiped out the tracks.

Although the trail is generally off-road, the route does cross several roads, including California 150, where you must keep an eye out for cars. In Ojai, it adjoins Libbey Park, a shady place to picnic--or you can drop into a number of eateries a block away on the town’s main street.

(Foster Park is just off California 33, near Casitas Springs. Exit the highway at Casitas Vista Road.)

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If a mountain bike finds its way under your Christmas tree, and you--or your kid--want to brush up on your riding prowess, Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Assn. has a deal for you.

Association volunteers are offering a four-hour session, “Introduction to Mountain Bike Skills,” at 9 a.m. Jan. 2 at Malibu Creek State Park. The session not only gives riding tips, but covers maintenance, such as flat tires, and off-road emergencies, such as snake bites.

For novice riders, this park near Agoura is ideal, providing trail challenges and gentle dirt roads. It’s south of the Ventura Freeway near Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Road. For information on this free class, call 496-6053.

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Good news for kayakers and canoeists, especially those who really scored big Christmas morning. This fall, Lake Casitas gave these folks wide-open permission to cruise the waters.

A few years back, kayaks and canoes weren’t even allowed on the lake. Then they were OKd, but only for a restricted area at restricted times and only if their users were in wetsuits. All that is water over the dam now. Wetsuits are not required.

Kayaks and canoes have all the privileges given to boats. However, operators--for boats, kayaks or canoes--still are not allowed in the water. Launching is at the regular boat launch.

Families without kayaks or canoes who want to test these gentle crafts during vacation will find rentals available at the tackle shop.

The cost is $10 per hour, on top of the $6.50 vehicle fee at the lake. For information, call 649-2233.