Snow and Bridges

We're at that time of year when the weather can fluctuate between winter and summer. I had already stowed my winter gear for the season, but had to pull it out again for yesterday's ride. We surfed the edge of the storm as we traveled through the foothills at lunch. The snow never made it to town, but was clearly visible not too far from us. It had rained the previous night, and the dirt conditions were reminiscent of early spring. Traction in the deep sand and slippery corners was awesome.

The weather after work was actually more pleasant. The cold wind was gone, and riding well into the evening was quite enjoyable. We did a couple loops on the new trail and I got to use the bridges for the first time. Bridges are a funny thing when riding across them. While not a technical challenge really, they can be visually challenging. The sight of the rushing creek below the bridge psyched me out. It might as well have been liquid hot magma down there. The guys smoothed out the transition from trail to bridge, and I was able to get the nerve to go for it. As expected it was quite easy. Looking across the bridge to the other side where you want to go is very important too. Focusing on the bridge itself or the rushing water below will surely drag you to where you are looking!

Ash Creek Trail

Last night we rode the Ash Creek trail. This used to be one of our favorite trails before the Waterfall Fire of 2004, but sadly the fire destroyed it. The good news is that the trail is back and better than before! The trail snakes through the high grass, thick bushes, and lots of trees. It makes you feel like you are far away from the city.

As devastating as the Waterfall Fire was, I think it has actually improved this area. Before the fire, the brush was too thick for a good route through the canyon. The area is a bit more open now, and there are many natural obstacles that provide challenges along the way.

Jeff P. and I rode the trail once, and then we ran into Keith and Josh. We rode back up and did the trail again! We had planned to hit the Ride of Silence in downtown Carson City after the ride, but a couple mechanical problems tied us up for a bit. Josh suffered a broken chain, and I had a flat tire. It was also the first time I got to run the Postal Route. I didn't want the guys to come back up the hill looking for me after I had my flat, so I ran down the trail to what is sometimes a checkpoint on the trail. Unfortunately, the guys had ridden down the whole trail, and didn't know what had become of me. They were riding back up the trail just as I was finishing my tube change. Oh well...they got to ride the Jackrabbit trail again. I don't feel too sorry for them!

El Dorado Canyon

El Dorado Canyon was the destination of this week's Wednesday after work ride. I was excited to check out this remote canyon, just east of Carson City in Lyon County. The last time I was up there I had 12 inches of suspension travel and a 40 hp motor. This would be the first time on a bicycle. To get to the trail head, we drove east of Carson City to the town of Dayton. We parked at the Rodeo Fair Grounds, and Jeff P. and I began the ride there.

The remoteness of El Dorado Canyon is not so much because of its distance away from civilization, but because of its ruggedness. The road up the canyon is very smooth and enjoyable in many spots, but when it's bad, it's very bad. It's a popular route with jeeps because of the challenging creek and boulder crossings. I rode my hard tail for this trip. And while it was fine most of the time, the frequent boulder crossings were wearing me out on the way back. Next time I plan to bring the full suspension bike.

The canyon is quite beautiful, and is probably a geologist's dream. There are all sorts of interesting rock formations, and each rock outcropping seems to be a different type of rock. This also adds to the many colors of the canyon.

When we reached the mouth of Sullivan Canyon, we followed a single track up a pleasant grade. The climb is smooth and narrow, and is a nice break from the rocks back in El Dorado Canyon. Once near the top of Sullivan Canyon, we climbed up onto a hill above Bull Run Spring. Looking at the topo map, it looks like we did about 1,500 feet of climbing at this high point in the ride. It was now time for the payoff from all the climbing.

The descent back to El Dorado Canyon is perhaps one of my favorite to date. The single track is tight in the trees, and swoops all around like a roller coaster. You only have to pedal here and there to get over little hills before once again descending wildly. There's a real steep drop into the Bull Run Spring canyon. It's free of rocks, but quite slippery. It feels like the brakes aren't doing a bit of good, but then you regain control and get on the single track heading down Bull Run Spring canyon.

It was just starting to get dark as we once again reached El Dorado Canyon. Unfortunately I pinch flatted the front tire when I nearly endoed on one of the creek boulders. The nocturnal wildlife was starting to wake up. Frogs, crickets, and quail started making their music. We quickly fixed the flat, and finished the trek out of the canyon. The boulder crossings were starting to get to me at this point, and I was wishing for my full suspension bike. We finally got back to the car at 8:30, and it was officially dark. I'm looking forward to riding this trail again soon, and will day dream of that cool downhill often!

More pictures from the ride HERE.

Here's an article in the Nevada Appeal about El Dorado Canyon.

Wednesday Night Ride

By the time we got off work Wednesday night, the skies had clouded up, making it a lot darker than it should have been. I met up with Jeff P., and he suggested we go up the Hobart road, and loop back down into Timberline. I hadn't done this climb since the early 90's, and Kathy and Sandie did it back in November. My memory and stories of the ride brought up visions of a painful climb. Not wanting to appear a sissy in Jeff P.'s eyes, I said, "Sure! Let's do it!".

When we finished the asphalt climb and were about to begin the real climb, I shot an energy gel. Man those things work good! We began the first gear grinder climb, and were both pleased that the sand was a bit wet. Jeff P. tells me we would've been pushing the bikes in some sections otherwise. We were able to ride the whole climb, only stopping for a couple pictures and rest breaks for me.

The downhill was a steep single track, that had a few downed logs laying across it. The single track ended at a fire road that was crazy steep. I'm glad we were going down it, and grateful for the fresh tire I had just put on the back. The fresh tread saved my butt a couple times when trying to avoid some deep ruts. We dropped down quite a ways to a road I was familiar with. From here it was another 1,000 foot descent back to town. We finished up around 8:00, and it was getting pretty dark. Just enough time to drive home, eat, and go to bed!