New to area - questions about cycling

[SavoyV]

Hello all,

First, I'm excited see that there's a vibrant community of cyclists in the San Marcos area and I look forward to going on some road and mountain bike rides in the fall with some new folks.  Anyways, I just jumped on this message board b/c I'm about to move from the midwest to start a job at CSU San Marcos in the August and I'm curious about the cycling in the area, specifically in regards to bike commuting.  How do the drivers treat cyclists? I'm coming from a university town in the middle of Illinois but I also have a lot of experience riding in a city like Chicago.

Also, google maps keeps on routing any bike commutes through the Inland Rail Trail but I can't find any info on it that describes what that trail is like. Is it a dedicate bike trail? A multi-modal trail? Is it a bike lane or a sharrow?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. I'll actually be in San Marcos tomorrow (July 4th) until Thurs morning looking for housing.  If anyone would be so kind and willing to lend me a bike and join me for a short ride on Tues evening or Wed, I'd greatly appreciate it. Also any warnings about apartment complexes would also be appreciated

Best,
Vincent

[Paul Nevins]

Google Woodland Park in San Marcos. Check out our 4th of July party. Take a look at our roadies ride board.

[John Wellwood]

Hi Vincent,
Saturdays, leaving from Via Veracruz and San Marcos Blvd, is the most active scheduled riding for our club. Three distinct rides are posted. These can, and do, break into smaller groups. These rides leave at 8:00 AM. A more relaxed group leaves at 8:30.
NCCC has been active since 1986. Our membership is currently just below 150.
Our MTB group is also active. Their rides leave from a variety locations in SD county. We have a spot for every bike enthusiast.
I rode several years with the IVW and Vitesse clubs in Peoria and Bloomington. I can vouch that California drivers are more aware of cyclists rights. 
John Wellwood, President
fascat01@msn.com