Chris Treadway: Restoration project planned for El Cerrito hillside

A once bare and steep hillside in El Cerrito that used to attract hundreds of motorcycle riders and spectators in the 1920s is going to be the focus of a restoration project in coming weekends that will reopen a long lost path for hiking.

In El Cerrito's early days, the sparsely populated hillside around what is now Potrero Avenue and Blake Street was used for hill-climbing competitions by motorcycle clubs that proved to be a major draw.

You can see photos of those days -- and get an idea of how difficult the climb up Motorcycle Hill actually was -- online at http://bit.ly/KKXfs2 and http://bit.ly/LIDSoj.

According to Dave Weinstein of the group El Cerrito Trail Trekkers, the hill later had a trail that was popular in the 1970s but has "since been overgrown with Scotch broom (and some poison oak) and its route (has) become unclear."

The Trekkers plan to restore the trail at work parties May 19, when volunteers will meet between 7701 and 7705 Potrero Ave., and May 27, meeting at Blake and Navellier streets, to curtail the overgrowth and remove the invasive plants.

A final work party meeting at Blake and Navellier to actually reestablish the lost trail is set for June 2, which is National Trails Day.

The group will have some tools available for the work, or volunteers can bring their own.

"Once Motorcycle Hill Trail is restored, it will increase the length of the current route which can be followed through the

The Trail Trekkers was formed two years ago "to improve, promote and enjoy El Cerrito's wonderful system of public trails, steps and pathways."

To volunteer, contact Jenny Hammer at 510-524-1590 or jhammer13@earthlink.net.

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Chris Treadway: Restoration project planned for El Cerrito hillside