Love the Valley, Foothills, Farmlands and the Mountains!
Sacramento is actually a pretty great place to live. Its got every outdoor activity under the sun available within an hour and a half drive.
I have recently given up any impact related sport and gotten into cycling. I have found this area to be complete supportive to the up and coming rider. I am a competator at heart and have found many mentors and people to ride with. Its a great place to ride, between the flat farmland and the rolling foothills you get a little of everything.
I belong to small up and coming club called ikoncycles. Very supportive in any riding endevor you decide to do. Training support, mechanical support and just support period, it has been great!
www.ikoncycles.com
Please let me know if you have any more questions.