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What's Toads, Gnar-danelles and Flume like right now? Thinking of heading up there the weekend after the 4th of July.
In other news, the Dirty Aussie has discovered the joys of riding and the gauntlet is thrown down, Yes Greydon Clark you stinking single-speed riding, bike-getting-stolen Mission hippie I'm talkin' to you.
Who's up for some shizznit?
flume is good to go.
gnardenelles is good to go.
highmeadows to cold creek trail. (new one for me--good to go. although you won't like the climb, matter of fact lance wouldn't like the climb)
toads.... ja surf may know better than me but 'should' be good to go by 2 weeks from now, judging by his and others description of the snow line last week.
bench is good to go. don't think you have ever been on this one SuPu. it is an out and back technical test.
i wish i could join but i have committed to do this idiotic death ride. (peer pressure from shoelaces. ;) )
Pu, come up and help me heckle lph and hardrider during the death ride on Saturday the 9th. We can hit some laps during their sufferfest and then catch them while they're wheezing their way toward the finish...if they get that far...muahahahahahahaha!!!!!
Or we can just heckle them on Saturday and ride on Sunday. Either way, I want to be sitting on the side of the road in my beach chair drinking a Foster's mortar shell when they go by. :D
Thanks lph & Arty!
Can we lob empties at Shoe and lph? :D
The Dirty Aussie shares my intense dislike of climbs, so we're looking at shuttling Gnardanelles and anywhere else our lazy arses won't have to climb :D
Hmm, If I have all the parts of my bike back by then, I'm very interested in riding that weekend.
Hmmm… the man from down under told me he loves to climb…Quote:
Originally Posted by Superstar Punani
Anyway, I'm in Detroit for the weekend.
That's the spirit!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Superstar Punani
has this been confirmed? i thought the Flume and upper sections of the TRT that you access via the Flume were still snowed-in? I am heading up Thur night and would love to do my Brockaway Summit TRT - > Spooner Lake - > Flume - > upper TRT - > Flume ride. Thats an epic and loads o' single track fun. But I was up 2 weeks ago and mosyt of this was still closed down.Quote:
Originally Posted by lph
are you sure you don't mean Mt Rose TRT -> Spooner Lake? i am pretty sure you can't ride past Martis Peak on the TRT from Brockaway. (or at least... not supposed to...)Quote:
Originally Posted by freshies
in any case, Mt. Rose Meadows looked like it still had a bunch of snow (at least from Mt. Rose Highway) when i rode up the other day. Mt. Rose Meadows on TRT -> Marlette Lake -> Flume -> and back to Mt. Rose Meadows = awesome ride. i can hardly wait till this deathride thing is over so i can play on my single speed mtn bike!
Toads past the first lookout still had a lot of snow, last Friday. I've done it before with the snow at that level you might lose the trail a few times,
it can be fun falling all over the place and not worring about the granite grinding you to pieces. Should be clear below techincal section on the top third of the trail, the reward should be steller conditions below snow line. The weekend after the 4th should be snow free.
Here is a blurb from the Flume trail website
Wednesday June 22, 2005 9:45am
The Flume Trail is open and free of snow. The Tahoe Rim Trail still has quite a bit of snow over the top. The Rim Trail from Mount Rose meadows still is impassable due to copious amounts of snow. We are planning to run the first shuttle after the Fourth of July.
Taking the Mount Rose Shuttle is a great. Two of my favorite rides using the shuttle are.
1)Mt Rose TRT / Red House / SunFlower Hill / Trt Back North / Flume south back to Spooner Lake
2) Leave a car at the Bottom of Kingsbury Grade. Take Mt Rose Shuttle. Mt Rose TRT/ then continute across the next two fireroad's on the TRT all the way to Snow Peak, drop down to Spooner Lake. Cut up behind Spooner back to the TRT across hwy 50 and ride it over the bench to the end. Then drop the Chinese downhill back to your car.
is chinese downhill still open? I heard both it and Jackie chan are done as trails due to erosion, etc...?????
doh! yes, meant Mt Rose TRT - > Marlette - > Flume, then we hit that upper loop section of the TRT, and merge back onto the fire road that takes you back down to the parking lot @ Spooner. We usually leave a car 2 Spooner, have some one drop us off at Mt Rose TRT trail head. Its a sweet ride.Quote:
Originally Posted by onehotchili
Did the Forest Service Close Chinese Downhill also? have not done it since last year. I know they closed down Jackie chan last summer.Quote:
Originally Posted by lph
Last time I talked to Garrett Villanueva a forest Service Engineer he was working with someone to fix up sections of it, but that was a couple years ago.
BTW do antyof the North shore Mags know if The section of the TRT from Brockway to Tahoe city is snow free yet?
No.Quote:
Originally Posted by Superstar Punani
Please lob full one's only.
Cold too would be nice.
Hey LPHQuote:
Originally Posted by lph
Here is the word on the Chinese Downhill now offcially renamed. Also looks like the X-mas valley reroute will finally happen this year which will move the trail away from the creek.
Hopefully Upper corral will start this year which will connect corral to the armstrong pass trail bypassing the road :biggrin:
Hi Jeff,
Chinese Downhill is still around but we changed the name to Kingsbury
Stinger for PC. The Upper Corral Trail will likely be constructed late
this season and it could happen next season. We are getting a late start
due to all of the snow. TAMBA is still around, I'm not sure what the deal
is with the website.
We have started working on trails in the Freel area and Meiss areas. You
may have noticed the TRT in Meiss has had some big reroutes. We plan to
work on Lake Valley (X-mas Valley) trail this summer too. Additionally we
have already constructed a hiking only trail to the top of Freel Peak
(check it out it is a very cool trail).
Let me know if you have more questions.
Happy Trails,
Garrett Villanueva
Civil Engineer
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
cool.
all good things, especially upper corral as that is my backyard ride.
you doods have any good suggestions/resources for single track in the north lake neck of the woods? i'm heading up for the hoopla this weekend with some buds. we found a place up by squaw to stay and will likely ride thereabouts if not somewhere else...would be diggity down for routing up for some rides or beers if anyone else is around this weekend. likely doing toobing sunday in the river i think...
word to the mummyfucker.
i am getting out of town... but check at the Backcountry in Tahoe City or Truckee for suggestions. Rides like Emigrant, Loyds, JPs, Sawtooth have been in shape for awhile. Those guys would prolly have more info on rides like Western States/Watson Lake/Painted Rock or Stanford Rock, Paige Meadows etc. I am guessing those are all in shape now as well... but I haven't hit them yet this year....Quote:
Originally Posted by gonzo
stanford rock is a kick ass trail. long, occasionally difficult trail and just a blast going downhill, some fast, some technical, alot of predictable stair steps.... love that ride. couple of 'moist' meadows on the way up this time of year, wear mosquito repellent.
i guess hole in the ground probably needs a while longer than all the others, huh??
Emigrant Trail is in the best shape right now single-track-wise. Its a sweet out and back ride, and you can do a swim in te resevoir half way is ya like. The trail head starts at Donner Camp, just off 89, heading out of Truckee.Quote:
Originally Posted by gonzo
I will be riding there Sat morning.
edit: for a list of sweet rides, check out: http://www.thebackcountry.net/mtnbiking/wheretogo.htm
yeah, from what i understand, still snowed in up top, needs a few more weeksQuote:
Originally Posted by lph
My Favorite North Shore trail is the Rim Trail between Brockway summit (267) and Tahoe City, it just rocks, literally! you going better to do this as a shuttle and leave a car in Tahoe City. Pick up the start on Brockway summit just a little ways down from the summit on the lakeside, there is a parking area.
Like Freshies said check with the backcountry and pick up a map from them. My bet it is killer right now. I'd be up for it this weekend if it were not for all the crowds and trouble to get up there over the 4th. Last time I drove up to the North shore on 4th of July weekend I swore I'd never do it again
It is possible to do this ride as a loop if you know how do it with only about 4 1/2 miles of pavement. But I'd be pressed to give accurate instructions since I just kinda ride by instinct to do it, trails go off in all directions.
A little more info on the x-mas valley loop I'm sure some of you will be interested in.
In a nutshell...
We are planning to reroute the trail away from the creek. Riparian
disturbance will be reduced by something linke 10,000 sq feet on this
trail. Additionally we will be reducing the average trail grade and
eliminating the steepest sections. I know that will disappoint some
mountain bikers.
As you know I enjoy mtb and have even successfully competed (5th overall in
AZ in 96, 3rd in 24hrs of Tahoe, and a whole bunch of finished races).
I've been around the sport since 1987, so I get it.
When I analyze impacts from the spectrum of mountain bike uses I have found
that certain types of riding on NF are more appropriate than others. For
example, an XC rider on a 3" to 5" travel bike with small discs can ride
all day and move very little dirt, not intimindate hikers, and have a good
time. A Freeride or DH rider is looking for something over 35% and wants
to ride at the edge of control, this rider will cause significant erosion,
intimindate other trail users, and have a good time.
We plan to reconstruct the trail to meet FS standards (>10% grade except
for short sections), reduce maintenance needs, reduce resource impacts,
reduce user conflicts, and improve quality element define great trails.
That will include things like good sight lines, signage, variation of
kinestetic elements, scenic opportunities, resource interaction, etc.
When it is done we hope users will not even notice the trail because it is
designed into the landscape and carefully placed to minimize resource
impacts. We also plan to construct a trail that is more enjoyable for
multiple use. I expect that it will be more enjoyable for XC type riding.
There will be technical sections and tight single track. Additionally the
trail will be ridable in both directions. As you may know it is not as
much fun as a barrel of monkees to try to ride up now.
Let me know if you and your friends would like to get together to learn
more about what we are doing.
Garrett Villanueva
I'm going to have to get in touch with this guy. The USFS needs more people like him who can clearly state why they're doing what they're doing. Its a definite bonus that he's also a recreationalist.Quote:
Originally Posted by ja_surf
While I enjoy the DH stuff, it is awfully damaging to the trail network unless massive trail hardening is done.
I guess I'm not clear as to which part of the X-Mas valley loop he's talking about. If the downhill changes at all, especially the super technical sections; I will be very sad. It's probably my favorite ride up here. That ride has forced me to become a much better mountain biker and it still challenges me. There's quite a few sections I still have yet to clean.
Not that many people ride it because of the difficulty, and the trail never seems to be in bad shape. Even when it gets loose, it's still substantially less sandy than other trails in the area. I'm no environmental expert, but I don't get this.
I've only been on Gnardanelles a few times, but it has several problems that are immediatly apparent to me having done trail maintenance.
1. Heavy incision, caused by routing over poorly compacted substrate
2. Erosion control near the stream. The trail is laid out so that erosion control would be almost impossible to implement particularly down near the stream (and the Upper truckee river is federally listed as being out of compliance based on sediment loading.
3. Poorly constructed switchbacks that don't allow clearance of runoff.
The USFS has been putting a lot of effort into updating their trail maintenance methodology to be able to accept mtb traffic without undue impacts. We're starting to see it implemented in the Downieville area. It'll also be good to see in the Tahoe area.
as long as it remains, 'gnardenelles' I will be happy. there are certainly some sections i would like to see improved, but as Arty said it is the best trail i have ridden in south shore as it is a challenge every goddamn time you ride it.
Damn I am craving some Tahoe lovin.
Roll call weekend of July 9-10? I wanna hit up Mr Toads and Gnardanelles. Car shuttles dammit. Climbing is for fags.
My buddy's band was playing a couple gigs up here this weekend and a couple guys wanted to go for a ride Sat. They didn't want anything too crazy so we decided to give the Rim Trail from Mt Rose to Tunnel Creek a try. Knew we'd hit some snow but was surprised at just how much is still there. Mostly the first third of the ride, some entirely unrideable patches, especially on that first climb. The shady tree'd areas will be the last to melt, the exposed areas are clear and in great shape, helped out by so little rider traffic thus far.
wsd and I did gnardanelle's yesterday (after hitting scott's lake, round lake and dardenelles lake) and the conditions are PRIMO on those rides.
xmas valley downhill is in really good shape right now. NO snow, a couple mud patches. the steep gnarly rock garden is about as rideable as it gets.
Just make sure you bring some OFF as the mosquitos are unbearable if you have to stop or slow down. Changing a flat was hell as we got eaten alive.
I wish i could i ride with you PU, in fact i would much rather do toad's and xmas valley than this idiotic death ride.
BTW, Pu, when you do xmas valley downhill, take the left that leads out to dardenelle's lake, it is a great out and back with some truly gnarly rock gardens, the lake is beautiful and warm enough to swim in. you don't really do much climbing, it is just kind of rolling singletrack out to the lake and back.
Little off topic...but how does Toads compare to Downvieville as far as difficulty? I've searched/done some reading and it seems like you have choices as far as the lines in the techie parts...true? I rode Downieville on a older Stumpy HT and did well(nothing to brag about) and just got a bling'd out C-dale Prophet, so i know that will help. Just wondering if i should make a run to Toads this week.
just about anyone can ride toads, there are some sections that most people walk, and i have taken gutsy beginners on there and they enjoyed it, because even though they walked alot, there was still alot to ride. (i know you are not a beginner just trying to make a point). you will end up walking alot of the climb as well, which is also pretty technical singletrack.Quote:
Originally Posted by NorCalPWDR
however, in comparison to downieville, well, there really isn't any comparison. downieville is like a really fun fast green circle that meanders it's way down the mountain.
Toads, on the other hand is technical, and at times extremely technical. it is a rock garden for the upper 2/3. the lower 1/3 is alot like third divide, fast and non-technical. The ride has everything except mandatory airs.
it is single track top to bottom, and there are no choices in lines. whoever said that is crazy.
DO IT!!! :D
last year i did toad's in those conditions and didn't enjoy it. part of what i love about toads is the rhythm and riding for long periods of time without stopping.Quote:
Originally Posted by ja_surf
xmas valley is the way to go right now, imvho.
i rode Emigrant on Sat, and it was $$$$. Perfect shape, fast and smooth, rode late in the day to beat the heat, and had the trail to myself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lph
Can you do Xmas Valley and Gnardanelles on the same ride? (I'm familiar with the part where you park your car off 89, do the little climb, then ride across that meadow, followed by more climbing to get to the start of Gnardanelles where they have that memorial for that poor local kid who died.
Also what's the name of the dead end street in Meyers where Gnardanelles ends? (Is it Grass Lake Road?) You know, where I would park my car to shuttle up instead of the hellish 89 climb :D
I'm planning to head up this weekend to hit the trails with the Dirty Aussie. Anyone else? Where's little red riding pants? I wanna see him do the Wile E thing again and taco the front wheel. That was funny-ass shit!
Anyone want to ride tomorrow? I'm in the East Bay, but would travel for a good ride.
there are presently 3 stream crossings on the out and back to Dardenelle's lake, all of them are rideable, though you will get wet.
Pu, there is a post at the left hand turn you take to get to dardenelle's. do what Ja said, ride down from the top, make the right hand turn at the 3 way intersection, then just about 1/2 mile on the left is the singletrack to go to the lake, then return to the main trail and take it right down to south upper truckee where your car awaits.
Oh sweet. Thanks for the names and directions ja_surf and lph!
NorCalPwdr- I'm thinking of hitting Skegg's tomorrow, but may depend on how hard Lumbergh wants to pound me in the ass tomorrow for some tight deadline TPS reports
Oh, yeah. That's the most hellish climb ever. :rolleyes: Slacker!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Superstar Punani
I'm probably in. Besides, I know you'll get lost without someone to show you around. LRRP is out since he'll be throwing up somewhere along the Death Ride course.Quote:
I'm planning to head up this weekend to hit the trails with the Dirty Aussie. Anyone else? Where's little red riding pants? I wanna see him do the Wile E thing again and taco the front wheel. That was funny-ass shit!
The 3 Lakes Tour with lph was a great time on Sunday. Gnardanelles kicked my ass as usual, and once again, I've got the bruises to prove it (as soon as my bruises from Moab had cleared, no less.).
What a fun ride! Hopefully a TR will be done soon.
Norcal and Pu - skeggs tomorrow at 5:30? I know Lohboy is in (speak up, you lurker!). Lyle's likely in as well.
Just hope it's not the slogfest it's been. Last week was pretty damn nasty.