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I would like to take a three day mountain bike trip in the Northern California foothills between three towns.
The idea is a big loop on mostly dirt. A ride that represents a challenge. Something to write home about.
Here’s the criteria…[list:17pxffqh]
[*:17pxffqh]Trails that are legal for bikes[/*:m:17pxffqh]
[*:17pxffqh]15-50 miles distance per day depending on difficulty[/*:m:17pxffqh]
[*:17pxffqh]Restaurant and lodging at each stopping point. When I say lodging, I mean a warm bed, hot shower and toilet…preferably with music, dancing and a hot tub. This is not camping [i:17pxffqh](AKA sleeping in the dirt)[/i:17pxffqh].[/*:m:17pxffqh]
[*:17pxffqh]Lunch break spot along the way (if possible)[/*:m:17pxffqh][/list:u:17pxffqh]Does anyone know of such routes? Here’s an example…
Looking at Google Earth, there appears to be singletrack and fire road connecting Strawberry Lodge to the Kirkwood Inn. It’s only about 14 miles and I have no idea what the difficulty of those miles would be.
Could someone take a look and let us know if you have any experience with it.
Here’s the route (switch to hybrid view and you can zoom in to see the satellite photos)…
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/34325
Is that area under snow right now? How about Georgetown? Is there snow around there? I’m from the valley and I have no idea where there is and isn’t snow to deal with.
Looking for something like the Cascade Hut System or San Juan Hut System, only using motels and restaurants instead.Let’s find a route that we can all use! I’ll map it and provide links to the lodging and stuff. I just need a hand because I don’t know what’s out there.
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To me, i think it all sounds awesome and lots of fun. Im trying to plan one myself, from San Diego to Ind. Anywho.. if you are looking for info on trails up there or even in Cali give http://www.mountainbikebill.com/ a try. He has lots of good info and pics. Hope this can help you in your planning, and best of journey to ya.
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Out of all these users, only one person has an opinion? There must be something wrong with my question.
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Might want to re-post in the USA/West forum with a more specific title like "Looking for California Three Day MTB Trip Route."
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So do you want help with figuring out a ride, or do you want our opinion on your idea?
I voted "no" because I like to rough it, and do things on the cheap. Also, for a 3 day mtb trip 15-20 miles a day sounds sort of measly. My personal aim would be 30+ per day.
However, I think you should totally go for it, because you are not me. If that’s what you’re into, then totally go for it!
The only real advice that I can give:
I’d begin by buying some maps of the area you want to ride in (Trails Illustrated, if available, or USGS Quadrant maps.), sit there looking at them for a while, and then build a route that looks suitable. -
The Kirkwood area gets more snowfall than any other spot around Tahoe. You will want to wait until later in the summer to hit the trails around there. They usually ski well into April and May. If you were to head north of Lake Tahoe the elevations drop a bit and you could start a little earlier in the season. As for lodging, I would look around the North fork of the Feather River. There are a few lodges along the main highway that cuts through the area. You have Lake Almanor near by, with a couple towns surrounding it (the names slip me atm.)
I would also Look at the Biz Johnson Trail, which runs through the area, for some ideas.
I know that Max Jones (father of Flume trail) has huts built along the tahoe rim trail, along the East side by Spooner Lake,for Xcountry skiing, I think they are used for biking as well.
By the way Kirkwood is my favorite area in all of Tahoe, Dramatic peaks and lots of steep, so make sure you know what you are gettting into. If you look to go north from Kirkwood area you will head right into South Lake Tahoe (great lodging of course, just bring lots of money). Along the way you should be able to link some great trails, Look up Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride as one option. It start out South, and above Heavenly Ski Resort and South Lake.
Sorry I don’t have a difinitive answer for you, but I think planning is half the fun. Have a great time!
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It has what you want. Numerous trails, lodging and a big MTB culture.
You could shuttle the downhills, 5000′ descents. Then go over to the Lakes Basin and the South Yuba Trail.
Another option would be Tahoe. At South Lake Tahoe, you could stay in town and hit the Tahoe Rim Trail, Mr Toads Wild Ride and much more. -
"Goo" wrote
So do you want help with figuring out a ride, or do you want our opinion on your idea?
I voted "no" because I like to rough it, and do things on the cheap. Also, for a 3 day mtb trip 15-20 miles a day sounds sort of measly. My personal aim would be 30+ per day.
I want help figuring out a ride. It was 15-50 miles per day, depending on difficulty.
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"abegold" wrote
It has what you want. Numerous trails, lodging and a big MTB culture.
You could shuttle the downhills, 5000′ descents. Then go over to the Lakes Basin and the South Yuba Trail.
Another option would be Tahoe. At South Lake Tahoe, you could stay in town and hit the Tahoe Rim Trail, Mr Toads Wild Ride and much more.No single destination has what I want. Single destinations are everywhere. The idea is a trip where we travel to a [i:1ht43kbv]new [/i:1ht43kbv]destination each day like one of the hut systems, only with a hotel as the end of day destination. The journey adds a sense of adventure that you can never achieve by staying within walking distance of your home base.
The biggest issue I’m having is locating legal trails to use. There are trails all over the Eldorado Forest connecting suitable destinations, but most are not legal for bikes.
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"Inertia" wrote
I know that Max Jones (father of Flume trail) has huts built along the tahoe rim trail, along the East side by Spooner Lake,for Xcountry skiing, I think they are used for biking as well.
I searched for him with no results. Do you have contact info?
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Hear there’s a trail all the way around. 65 mile loop, 3200′ climbing.
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Lemme make some calls to friends in Reno, it’s been a while since I lived there. He has a Xcountry ski hut biz, at least that is what he was doing 10 years ago. I think it was called Spooner Lake Ski Huts, or Xcountry. I will see what I can find out.
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Backcountry bikes out of Truckee will also have info.
The Tahoe Rim Trail, east side (Nevada) is open to bikes although a couple sections only on even days.
Going south from Kirkwood will get you in the vicinity of Arnold, CA- great trails there and up the hill near Bear Valley (?). -
The snow should be melting soon. Does anyone want to help me establish some routes?
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