Mountain bike rooadtriiiip.. But I don’t know where to go.

Singletracks Mountain Bike News, Product Reviews, MTB Trails and Community Protected: Forums Mountain Bike Forum Mountain bike rooadtriiiip.. But I don’t know where to go.

Tagged: ,

Viewing 16 reply threads
  • Author
    Posts
    • #124754

      Hey Everyone.

      I’m real new to mountain biking but recently caught the bug. I love it. I finally got a real mountain bike and it’s substantially less terrifying than doing dirt on my road bike…

      But I’m still learning and sticking to easy terrain and am excited to have stumbled across this site to help pick out doable trails for me.

      Now I have a bigger puzzle, and am a little overwhelmed, and could REALLY use your help and knowledge of what’s awesome to help me choose my path smart.

      I have about 10 days in June to explore with a buddy and we’re bringing mountain bikes, and a puppy, and planning to camp and get rad. We’re in the Bay Area, and can theoretically go anywhere, but I’m drawn North so wondering what’s good, easy, stunning, that direction. Thinking of exploring Klamath area, Bend, and possibly up towards Washington too… but really have no idea whats up there and can only assume the mountain biking is fabulous, but not sure how accessible it is to beginners, or if dogs are allowed, or what trails to hit. I’d like to do it up, and really take advantage of this time off so planning on driving to at least a few good spots, and camping a couple nights wherever appropriate..

      Would reallly love any advice on what specific trails and loops might be super for a couple beginner babes to get better on.

      Let me know what’s good out there!! THANKS

      Lauren

    • #124755

      Well Lauren, I definitely recommend that you use our trail database to research trails in the places you’re interested in visiting: http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/trails.php

      Around you, there’s a ton of great riding with not too far of a drive! Downieville, CA is a fantastic destination, as is the Tahoe area. North in Oregon, I can also personally vouch for Bend and Oakridge. Both of those spots have incredible riding, that’s very diverse.

      In addition to the trail database, check out my articles from my Summer 2012 road trip (which came through your area) here: http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-tr … 012-recap/ and my Summer 2013 road trip (most of which was Bend and Oakridge) here: http://www.singletracks.com/channels/sy … -road-trip

      Happy trails!

      -Greg

    • #124756

      Thanks!

      Your pictures make me drool for this adventure. Can’t wait.

      You reaffirmed some of the specific general areas I’m targeting, and thanks for some trail breakdowns! stoked..

    • #124757
      "shready" wrote

      Thanks!

      Your pictures make me drool for this adventure. Can’t wait.

      You reaffirmed some of the specific general areas I’m targeting, and thanks for some trail breakdowns! stoked..

      Awesome, I hope you have a great time!

    • #124758

      Don’t forget to check out Downieville, plus there are some good rides in Auburn and Folsom, which is east of San Francisco.

      If you decide to go out that way, give me a pm and i can give some advice on local trails. I could probably even make a ride or two if you’re looking for someone to show you around.

    • #124759

      Thanks!

      I think for this particular adventure I got my eyes on Oregon so I’m probably going to skip Downieville/Auburn for now to concentrate on exploring a bit further out of town. Might stop for a day halfway around Redding/ Mt Shasta if there’s any trails to be had out there, otherwise I’ve heard that Bend is a mecca of mtn bikes, and will probably be spending the bulk of my time there.

      …BUT I got a cabins to visit in Foresthill and Truckee, so will be planning weekend trips there later on this summer! So I would totally still appreciate trail advice!! :-) I’ll hit you up when I’m closer to plotting that adventure.

      .. I want to go on all of the adventures… this weekend is pinecrest, the next I got a little alleycat race, but I might actually go up to Foresthill/Auburn the May 24 weekend if no other adventure tempts me… it’s really not that far…

    • #124760
      "shready" wrote

      Thanks!

      I think for this particular adventure I got my eyes on Oregon so I’m probably going to skip Downieville/Auburn for now to concentrate on exploring a bit further out of town. Might stop for a day halfway around Redding/ Mt Shasta if there’s any trails to be had out there, otherwise I’ve heard that Bend is a mecca of mtn bikes, and will probably be spending the bulk of my time there.

      …BUT I got a cabins to visit in Foresthill and Truckee, so will be planning weekend trips there later on this summer! So I would totally still appreciate trail advice!! :-) I’ll hit you up when I’m closer to plotting that adventure.

      .. I want to go on all of the adventures… this weekend is pinecrest, the next I got a little alleycat race, but I might actually go up to Foresthill/Auburn the May 24 weekend if no other adventure tempts me… it’s really not that far…

      I’ve always wanted to hit some of those Oregon trails, they do look awesome! Hit me up when you’re in the area, I can usually free up the weekend. Always looking for some excuse to get out of the non-biking honey-do’s…. 😆

    • #124761

      I love Downieville but I wouldn’t bring a dog there. The pace is far too fast on the big mountain descending trails. I ride with 2 dogs a lot. The more tech trails are better, that slows the rider making it a good dog pace.
      Always wanted to bring my dog on sections of the North Umpqua Trail. Think it’s open to dogs.

    • #124762

      Thanks! I do appreciate the pup consideration. It’s definitely trickier traveling with my best pup bud, but he’s worth it. Honestly though, if it’s too fast for dogs, it’s probably too fast for me! He’s a scrappy guy, some wild-mountain-dog/whippet/dingo looking thing and he’s FAAST. Has no problems keeping up with me on a galloping horse or mountain bike.

      On our mtn bike rides he’s mostly just panting with a big smile and waiting for me. ha.

      I’m still working on getting comfortable with speed/downhill, but am overly cautious cause I’m admittedly afraid to fall and I like my face a lot. I really did JUST get a mountain bike, so it’s a new feel for me and much different than my smooth sailing road rides, and I’ve got a lot of confidence to build. There are more parallels with horse-riding though, and I end up reminding myself the same things I yell at kids on ponies all day. (look where you wanna go! light hands! keep your forward! trust your steed but maintain a strong position ready for anything.)

      Anyway, let me know of any beginner rolling rides. Trying to avoid stupid steep stuff for now, happiest on technical singletrack turns without too much speed… just not there yet.

    • #124763

      I have an English Pointer, she’s very fast, can blow by me any time she wants. But a dogs loyalty and love will run itself to death. You have to keep the dog safe or you will kill it and that’s hard to live with. Mine hardly get run when it’s above 75 and I live in hot Tucson. At higher temps my dogs only get walks or a short run to a lake.
      One thing about my pointer, she’s figured out a local trail that loops a lot so well she can bisect it in may places so she can just trot while I ride full out as her route is much shorter. Of all the dogs I’ve had, 10 breeds, she’s the best trail dog. A hound I had much younger would have rivaled her. My rotti was too slow but a great companion, dingo did well but was stubborn, Samoyed was beautiful but didn’t care what anyone said, labs were always good but slow. My last pit mix was a strong runner but had to check out every smell. Most of the ride dogs shouldn’t be running full speed. Try to teach the dog to run at it’s own pace while you wait at any trail junction. Trails with water are best in summer. Belgian sheepdog is a great breed, but they want to be dominant with other dogs.

    • #124764

      Sure. Thanks for your concern, I keep him cool and hydrated, and he’s fit and runs 10-15 miles with me several days a week and couldn’t be happier. He’s really built for this stuff. He looks like a little brindle coyote.

      Also. I’m in the Bay Area, and our weather is much more mild.Today’s hot though! We’ll still be in the hills.

    • #124765

      Missed the dog part. I agree, Downieville is not a great place to ride with a dog, IMO.

    • #124766

      Sure.. thanks for your concern.

      It shouldn’t be a problem… since I wont be going there on this trip anyway. More focused on Oregon.. does anyone know what the trails in bend/oakridge are like for pups?

      But, seeing as it’s not pup friendly and ‘too fast’ I probably wont venture to downieville anyway, – that just doesn’t sound fun to me.

    • #124767
      "shready" wrote

      Sure.. thanks for your concern.

      It shouldn’t be a problem… since I wont be going there on this trip anyway. More focused on Oregon.. does anyone know what the trails in bend/oakridge are like for pups?

      But, seeing as it’s not pup friendly and ‘too fast’ I probably wont venture to downieville anyway, – that just doesn’t sound fun to me.

      I have spent a lot of time in Oakridge in my pre-MTB era. Huge lush national forest area with big climbs and descents, not many people. I think you would be fine with the dog there.

      I would think the Bend area would be drier and more people on the trails.

      Take some pics and share your adventure with us.

    • #124768

      Just got back. Probably the most epic trip I’ve ever organized, been on, and had the pleasure of shredding some beautiful trails with some rad friends. We took some photos…[url:2o5pnl78]https://flic.kr/p/o5vFhR[/url:2o5pnl78]

      ImageIMG_3483 by summitit, on Flickr

      ImageIMG_3502 by summitit, on Flickr

      ImageIMG_3563 by summitit, on Flickr

      ImageIMG_3555 by summitit, on Flickr

      ImageIMG_3623 by summitit, on Flickr

      ImageIMG_3640 by summitit, on Flickr

      https://www.flickr.com/photos/125624769@N08/

    • #124769

      Awesome pics. Looks like you caught quite a bit of seasonal Oregon weather, but rode on.

      Spent quite a bit of time in those hot springs back in the day. 😃

      Thanks for sharing!

    • #124770

      Great picts! I really need to get up that way sometime. Glad you enjoyed!

Viewing 16 reply threads

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.