Bay Area: Niles Canyon Train Station

[rdprdp01]

Today, I set aside time to ride my CB1100 to the Niles Canyon Train Station in Sunol, CA.

Here is a brief history of the Niles Canyon Train Station:

• The first railroad construction through Niles Canyon was started by the Western Pacific Railroad Company in 1866.
  
• The Central Pacific completed the transcontinental link to the San Francisco Bay via the Canyon in September 1869.
  
• This line was the final segment connecting the San Francisco Bay Area to the rest of the United States and was considered a major engineering feat upon completion.
  
• The rail line running through Niles Canyon was the primary route for overland traffic to and from the San Francisco Bay.
  
• The decline in San Francisco's status as a port and the advent of Interstate highways left the railroad through Niles Canyon with little business.
  
• In 1984, Union Pacific deeded the remaining tracks, locomotive, rail cars, and depots to Alameda County. All had been neglected during the slow death of the railway.
  
• The Pacific Locomotive Association (PLA) leased the right of way from the County and began working to reconstruct the track in 1987 to build a "living" museum.
  
• All work is done by volunteers and funded through donations.
  
• Diesel and Steam Power Locomotives operate throughout the year, carrying passengers from Sunol to Fremont. PLA continues to work on restoration of the track with hopes of extending the line to Pleasanton.
  

From my home in California, it is 20 miles round trip to the Station:



I have ridden to the Train Station on my CB1100 and my Bianca Road Bike many times. With each mile logged, I travel back in time. The two-lane, twisty-road is smooth and has little traffic. The views are breathtaking:


















Wildlife magically appears no matter the season. Today, eagles greeted me at the Train Station:





And playful alpacas bid me farewell on my return home:







It was a wonderful ride. I hope this Thread does it justice. Enjoy your weekend. Happy Thanksgiving.