Summer Guide 2015 Sports & Recreation picks

Earn your beer calories

American River Bike trail to Folsom

I don’t care if you’re tired of me celebrating the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, or what everyone else calls the American River bike trail, as the city’s greatest amenity. How else can you cut loose on two wheels, burn a couple thousand calories—and then end up in Folsom drinking a cold American craft brew at Samuel Horne’s Tavern (719 Sutter Street)? If you want to get in shape but don’t know where to begin, hop on Craigslist or visit a local shop, purchase a bike, then hit rubber to trail and get pedaling! www.americanriverbiketrail.com. N.M.

Tree pose among the trees

Yoga in the Park

The yoga revolution is happening, and it will not be in an overpriced studio. Yoga in the Park started nearly a decade ago at McKinley Park, when the free classes outgrew founder Gina Garcia’s living room. Garcia recently handed the reigns to Zach Stahlecker, who also started a second YITP in Tahoe Park on Sundays. Yogis of all levels meet every weekend for free classes. Classes are indoors in the winter, but every spring they move outside into the fresh air. Join the thousands of people each year who plant their best tree pose in our public parks. Free; 9 a.m. Saturdays, behind the rose garden in McKinley Park, or 9 a.m. Sundays at 59th Street and 11th Avenue in Tahoe Park; www.yogaacrossamerica.org. B.C.

Free ticket to the State Fair

Sacramento Republic FC game in July

OK, so the MLS chose Minneapolis over Sacramento to be the home to the next expansion soccer team. But there are still 9,000 season ticket holders and a bunch of hardcore fans making Sacramento Republic FC home game atmospheres pretty memorable. Even better? The July 11 match versus L.A. Galaxy II will be held during the California State Fair. A ticket will get you into the fair for free, and the backdrop of the midway at night is magical. 1600 Exposition Boulevard; www.sacrepublicfc.com. J.M.

Olympics and beer

Pingpong at Der Biergarten

Is bocce a sport? Or cornhole? While excellent in bar settings, these are probably just games—though some serious bros might beg to differ. Pingpong, however, is definitely a sport. An Olympic sport, even. You can find tables inside quite a few dive bars and pool halls around town, but if you seek competition outdoors on a sunny afternoon with a cold brew, look to Der Biergarten. 2332 K Street, www.beergardensacramento.com. J.B.

No gifts required

Dinger’s birthday party

How does a River Cat party? Claws up, of course! Brandish those paws at Dinger’s birthday bash, when the River Cats take on the Tacoma Rainiers. Show up early for pregame autographs with the players, face painting and balloons. Dinger’s mascot friends have promised to make an appearance. (Now that the River Cats are affiliated with the Giants, can we hope for a visit from Lou Seal?) Stick around after the game for a chance to run the bases. $11.85-$67.85; 1:05 p.m. Sunday, June 7,Raley Field, 400 Ballpark Drive in West Sacramento; www.rivercats.com. B.C.

Cool off on the west side

West Sacramento Recreation Center

Want to cool off in style this summer? Visit the West Sacramento Aquatics Complex, where you’ll find a lap pool, water slide, recreation pool with a lazy river and a gradual incline for the kiddos. Wicked West Pizza provides organic, high-quality snacks. Inside, find a full gym with locker room, climbing wall and even childcare! There are also tennis courts and a varied schedule of classes, including water aerobics. You’ll pay less if you live in West Sac, but it’s all open to the public. 2801 Jefferson Boulevard in West Sacramento, www.cityofwestsacramento.org. AMR

Two-wheeled camping

Bike-packing with the Bicycle Business

Join the Bicycle Business on the last weekend of each month for their recently launched bike-packing trips. They’ll close shop early on Saturday and lead you and your gear-laden bike to a local campsite within about 25 miles. There, you’ll be treated to three meals sponsored by local businesses like the Veggie Trike, Bike Dog Brewery, Insight Coffee and Two Rivers Cider for only $10 per person. You’ll bike back the next day with SAG wagon support for those who just want to ride unburdened. The summer trips are set for May 30-31, June 27-28, July 25-26, August 29-30 and September 26-27. 3077 Freeport Boulevard; www.thebikebiz.com. AMR

River throwdown

Goon Media and skimboarding

If you’ve got a lot of patience, coordination, and aren’t daunted by a supersteep learning curve, it might be time to learn how to skimboard this summer. It’s a great way to cool off in the river while getting a fun but fast ride on a small board. If not, then just get inspired by the Goon Media skimboard crew throwing down tricks on the river and posting videos on their website. www.goonschism.com. J.M.