By SCOTT LINDLAW and ERICA WERNER SAN FRANCISCO -

The mighty river delta that supplies water to two-thirds of California's population and serves as one of the most important wildlife habitats on the West Coast is in worse shape than ever despite $4.7 billion in government spending.

WHEN Wyken resident Erica Werner accepted her boyfriend's invitation of a weekend bike ride, little did she know that she was committing herself to 400 miles in the saddle.