South Coast cyclists pedaled to a Modoc Road trailhead Thursday, where they celebrated the renaming of the bike, equestrian, jogging and hiking pathway there for a Santa Barbara couple who played a key role in its creation during the mid-1970s.

George and Vivian "Vie" Obern moved to the area in 1947 and helped to establish trails for cyclists, equestrians and hikers throughout California in the decades since.

The new Obern Trail, formerly known as the Coastal Route, runs to UCSB.

"They tell me over a thousand people a day use it, so it's been a really worthwhile project," Mrs. Obern said.

Santa Barbara County supervisors officially renamed the trail in February.

Nineteen signs were installed last week along its seven miles.

A 20th "Obern Trail" placard now hangs in the Oberns' Hope Ranch home.

"These are two of the most remarkable people I've met," said 2nd District Supervisor Susan Rose, who joined the Oberns in cutting a red ribbon strung across the pathway shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday.

"When they decide to do something, it happens. I'm so proud to have them in my district, and I love them dearly."

Mrs. Obern wore a medallion commemorating a 1776 colonizing expedition from Mexico led by Juan Bautista de Anza. The expedition passed through the Goleta Valley area where the Obern Trail now runs.

Married 62 years, the Oberns were also honored recently by Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, and Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, for years of trail and pathway contributions.

"George and Vie Obern's work led to the successful development of local trail and pathway projects, including the Maria Ygnacia Creek Bike Path, the Coastal Route bike path, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail and many others," according to an entry Mrs. Capps made in the Congressional Record on Feb. 10.

"During the 1970s, George and Vie Obern assumed a leadership role in the development of many bike paths and trails, working to bring consensus among local homeowners, special districts, Caltrans, the Southern Pacific Railroad and county government."

Mr. Obern joked that Thursday's festivities might be mistaken for an April Fool's Day joke.

"I told my kids we were in the Congressional Record and they said, 'What's that?' ''

Mr. Obern is a former UCSB public information officer. Mrs. Obern served on the California Recreational Trails Committee and is executive secretary of the Santa Barbara County Trails Council.

FRANK BOTT / NEWS-PRESS PHOTO

The Obern Trail stretches seven miles, from a Modoc Road trailhead to UCSB.