Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Southern Sierras

First off we would like to thank Crazy Nate who is watching our pets and house. We love our cat and are happy to report that there are cat lovers here in Southern California, so keep your eyes peeled.

My co-pilot had to return home for family fun but left me with a boat load of good food from Trader Joes because she knows that when I am left to my own devices I will ride myself into the ground. The southern Sierras were recommended by a trusted source. It has never been on my radar but as many place turn out to be it has fantastic dirt biking.

Day 1: Still crippled from the Flenners, I figured a spin around the 8 mile up and down race course of the Keysville Classic would help me recover. The trails ranged from wide open to twisting through rocky sections. There were several roller coaster sections that kept me grinning while the sandy soil had me drifting on a few corners.

Day2: I wanted to link together several rides for an all day ride. Maps of fire roads were sketchy at best so I left loaded with food and drinks. It started with a middle-ring logging road climb that started in dry heat and ended with snow patches, sleet and clouds at the top. Most locals (of course this does not included The Cripplers) recommended shuttling the climb but I just do not feel right riding down if I cannot haul myself to the top. I am even considering shuttling to the bottom of climbs so when I get old and can no longer climb I have some free rides to the top in the bank.


The climb was worth it with a big mountain descent through giant sequoias, ponderosa pines then to digger pines and oaks. As lower elevations approached wild flowers were in bloom and the meadows were awesome. The trail had great berms and flow. It was like a big mountain version of Kessler Run in Fruita or Chutes in Colorado Springs. Those of you not familiar with those rides think of a water slide but instead of water and a mat a bike and soil. Soil. The soil was like none other I have ever ridden at the top, perfect. Tires stuck with unlimited traction. Point the bike, lean the bike and it went exactly where you wanted it.

Day 3: Another epic all day ride with lots of climbing and descending but on different trails.

Day 4: Crippled again but had to spin the trails one more time because no telling when I will make it back. However, if anyone out there wants to plan a trip count me in, I volunteer to cook and will happily act as a tour guide.

Here is a photo for Best of the Ecamper on the logging roads. One car has passed in the 3 days while I have been at the camp.

3 comments:

Arjuna said...

What roads did you climb to get to the trails? Did you go to kernville? Did you check out the Brewery. The cripplers would like to know

Cheers,
Arjuna

megan said...

You so need to formulate a research grant based on comparative soils and flickability. And you should totally let a generous tire company skew the results.

byron said...

Is that Mt. Pinos?