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680 Trail Construction – Marin, CA

jasonvh — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:23:03 +0000

Whenever I think of the riding in Marin, I have mixed feelings about the whole place. On one hand, it’s the birth place of mountain biking, and there is fantastic terrain located a relatively short distance from a major population area. However, as we all know, only the smallest fraction of it is legally accessible to bikes. Really thinking about it gets me pretty agitated, so I just try not to. Progress in creating new MTB friendly multi-use trail there feels like it happens at a snails pace, especially compared to all the new trail construction going on in the northwest.

During a ride last week, we started at a popular Marin riding destination: Camp Tamarancho. It is often the starting section to what is and can be quite an epic ride, provided one leaves the comfort of the hand cut single track maintained by the local Boy Scouts, and is willing to put some fire road time in to connect to other not-so-bike-friendly social trails.

A fire road section in Marin

One of the most popular routes here is the Boyscout loop to the Solstice Trail. However, on our ride we found our usual route to be temporarily closed while it was under construction. Our group was a bit disturbed to see the beginning section of single track had been widened to the width of a small road.

This section of trail used to be a narrow single track.

Raw trail construction done with a bobcat never looks pretty while it is underway, and in a few years, the trail will likely be much more narrow than the current four feet or more. At the moment, the route resembles a bike park, with all of the fun parts taken out.

It turns out the entire section of trail is currently closed. After doing a brief bit of homework, we found the following threads, as well as a report on the trail realignment (PDF) of what is currently being called the 680 Trail. Here is a gallery of the route, currently under construction.

There is a thread on the trail construction that you can find on MTBR here. Based on the past history of Bay Area multi-use trails looking more like roads than single track, I can’t blame anyone that is upset about the current state of things. It is frustrating that fun and challenging single track here seems regularly become sanitized.

Putting the trail builder hat on, if we take a look at the trail alignment objectively, the route looks to be very sustainable, with a lot of thought going into the actual alignment. There is a lot of care going into the construction; those bridges we see there don’t come cheap, and there is a lot of rock work there already. We can see that the construction utilizes many best practices approved by the Forest Service in the trail construction, as described by IMBA in their trail building manual, “Trail Solutions.”

However- it’s disappointing to see that none of the progressive elements you’ll find in new destination trails like the Sandy Ridge Trail on Mount Hood in Oregon currently look to be implemented. All the turns and switchbacks were exactly that- switchbacks. Loose, off-camber, with none of the bermed flowy goodness that is currently getting raves in the northwest. It doesn’t look like the trail builders are interested in enhancing the mtb experience that is being so fully embraced in the northwest, which is sadly exactly what the bay area needs right now. Or perhaps what we’re seeing is the result of compromises with multiple user groups.

Although a few new trails have popped up here and there, none of them feature what we as mountain bikers travel hundreds of miles at a time to experience: flow. Personally, I believe strongly that if just 3 miles of flowy new trail were to come to the bay area, it could start a revolution. Like the man said, “build it and they will come,” and then they’re gonna clamor for more.

What this trail needs, is a injection of the “Wells Pro Flow” from IMBA Trail Solutions. How about it guys?

A few highlights from the forums:

Looks like from the report they want to shut down the best parts in trade for their new “masterpiece”. This is a direct quote from the Trail 680 report:

“Another consideration is the potential for conflict with existing trail users in the
project vicinity. The social trail known as Solstice Trail, which descends from
Loma Alta Open Space Preserve down to San Domenico School, is a well known
and frequently used trail that advanced level cyclists seek out because of itʼs high
degree of challenge, flow and specific type of trail experience. The proposed 680
Trail Alignment utilizes a section of this existing trail, crossing it six times and
wholly incorporating a short section of it. It will be challenging to change the
historic pattern of use along this section of trail and the existing users will likely
be upset over the loss of the specific type of experience it provided. These issues
can be addressed through the design and construction of the new trail, closure of
the existing trail segments that will not be adopted, and outreach and education
of the user groups.”

The good news is that the Solstice trail, for the most part remains intact. Another excerpt from the forums:

The “trail segments” subject to permanent closure that the 680 report refers to do not include portions of Solstice. Solstice is on San Domenico property. From page 18 of the NegDec: “District staff does not have the authority to prevent the use of existing social trails on private property.” The “trail segments” subject to closure mentioned in the NegDec are portions of Meditation Trail that were not incorporated into the alignment of the 680 Trail. Those are on MCOSD land and are subject to closure.

Parts of the 680 trail DO overlap w/ the some upper portions of Solstice- I was up there a few week and can confirm this first hand. Since 680 is closed to trail users until it is completed, the only legal way to access solstice is by taking the Fire Road up from San Domenico and then cutting left at the old skid road that ends at the rusted and shot out old truck- or you can try your luck climbing up solstice!

When 680 is finished, we will have a nice little loop for those who want to hit Solstice multiple times.

http://forums.mtbr.com/california-norcal/james-hetfield-backing-down-579166.html

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_18500834

Marin County Open Space District Train video, created for their trail maintenance team:

Shuttle Smith Adventures: Aptos to Demonstration Forest and Nisene Marks

jasonvh — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:18:20 +0000

Dave Smith runs a business called “Shuttle Smith” which provides a service to shuttle riders from Aptos to Buzzard Lagoon road near the East entrance of Nisene Marks. You can also use his shuttle to get from Aptos to Soqel Demonstration forest. With his converted cube van he can securely carry 9 bikes and riders.

We heard about the shuttle service and headed down to Aptos to check it out. Parking is conveniently located by the Epicenter Cycling Shop. Not only can you stock up on gels, energy food, tubes and coffee, but they have one of the biggest bike shop pump tracks we’ve seen. The shop makes for a great starting or stopping point, as you can leave a pump track bike in the car for later without the worry of coming back to shattered glass and a missing bike.

Dave Smith of Shuttle Smith Adventures

The shuttle service is a good way to get an all day ride in without having to know where you’re going and dealing with getting to the trail. It’s especially great for novice riders looking to explore the area, as the dirt road back through Nisene Marks to Aptos is mostly downhill. One thing it is not, is a gravity run. While there is single track trail in the Forest of Nisene Marks one could use as a connector route between Demo and Aptos, technically they are off limits to bikes. Sadly, instead of working on building multi-use connector trails, the park has chosen enforcement over connectivity and being pro-cycling.

Loading up the van.

Interior of the Shuttle Smith Rig

Drop-off point

We found the shuttle service a good way to explore the area and cover quite a bit of ground. However, this is definitely a trail or all mountain shuttle. While there are a few sections in Demo that can take advantage of dual ply tires, the pedal back up favors a dual ring or solid fitness and strong lungs.

A fun section on the Ridge Trail at Demo.

During our session at Demo, we did a loop down the Ridge Trail to Sawpit before pushing back up Tractor, which was about to be put out of commission. Turns out I prefer the fire road option much better, as it is preferable with a single ring set up. After the push up, my riding companion was running low on gas so we elected to take the scenic route through the Forest of Nisene Marks. While the fire road twists through some beautiful forest, this bike friendly multi-use route wouldn’t be my personal first choice in routes back to Aptos. (especially given my all mountain rig with its aggressive build) However, for visiting mountain bike tourists, or riders of beginner to intermediate skill levels, it makes for a nice long day on the bike and a nice way to see this park.

The Epicenter Cycling Pumptrack

Resources

The service costs $15 and starts from the Epicenter Cycling in Aptos Station. See the Shuttle Smith website for more details. If you are planning a trip down and aren’t familiar with the area, Epicenter Cycling sells a map so that you can find your way around. You can also check out a map posted here.

Looking for an address to GPS? You got it: 8035 Soquel Drive, Aptos, Ca 95003

Dave is also available to provide shuttle services for other locations. You also rent Dave and his van for special events.

Call Dave at 831-234-3383 or email him to make a reservation.

BTCEB Women’s Ride at Joaquin Miller

ingab — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 06:09:49 +0000

Last month I led my first all women’s group ride, and it is likely to be the first of many. I’ve attended many group rides in the past, (once a week while traveling with IMBA) but had never actually led a one. When Karen Lynaugh from the Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay asked to me to help out by leading an Intermediate/Advance group, I was thrilled. Not only did I get to take a group of women throughout my backyard trails but I also was given the opportunity to meet other skilled female riders.

I arrived a half hour early to warm up with Jason. Since I am an asthmatic, I need 2-3 miles of hard pedaling before my lungs open up and I can breath normally. Once that happens, I am able to ride for 4-6 hours depending on the terrain. After the warm up, we said our goodbyes and I started to introduce myself to the women arriving.

We all met and started at the Chabot Space and Science Center parking lot. Once the groups were divided between the beginners (led by Karen) and the Intermediate/Advanced riders, we parted ways and got rolling. Since I often ride Joaquin Miller after work it feels like I could ride it with my eyes closed. I had a good idea which trails these women would absolutely love, and thankfully, they did.

Nothing but smiles after the decent on Cinderella! Photo by Amy

I decided to warm us up lightly by heading to the beginning of Big Trees. (Dunn Trail kiosk) From there we climbed Big Trees, cut right to Cinderella, down Cinderella, to Sunset, then down Sinawak loop. From there it was back up Sinawak to Sunset, then Sunset back to the beginning of Big Trees. This time we rode Big Trees all the way down to the rock waterfall and back up to the parking lot. We did a solid 14+ mile day. Afterwards, we socialized, ate a small lunch and said our goodbye’s until next time. It was a great day!

Post ride socializing. Photo by Liamar

I wasn’t done though- 16 miles is a warm up for me these days. Seeing how I’ve become what Jason refers to as a “hammer-head”, I did the same route again, then rode Diamond Park and back to the house. Now that’s what I call an epic day of riding and it was all in my backyard. Score!

Bicycle Trail Council East Bay puts on a women’s only ride called “Ride like a Girl”, the first Saturday of every month. For more information, please visit: http://www.meetup.com/BicycleTrailsCouncil/

Click here for more information on Joaquin Miller Park.

words by Inga Beck

The “Secret” Singletrack at Crockett Hills Regional Park

jasonvh — Sun, 15 May 2011 22:14:29 +0000

Since returning to the Bay Area, we’ve spent some time attending various bike club meetings to get up to speed on the sanctioned trail building efforts happening locally. Among the inside scoops (available to everyone, we recommend attending one sometime to find out more about your local riding community) we learned of was a new bike friendly multi-use trail in the East Bay at Crockett Hills Regional Park.

The news was delivered with a mixed message. Yes— there is new trail. No—it isn’t awesome. It exists in a state nowhere near its potential for awesomeness. Regardless of what we heard, we wanted to see it for ourselves, so we headed up one spring Sunday afternoon to track it down.

Prepping gear in an empty parking lot at Crockett Hills

Before we headed out, we did a quick search online to do our homework and find out how to get there. Our first stop, the East Bay Parks website, www.ebparks.org. There really isn’t much stating its status as being bike friendly with the single track, but it does list biking under park activities, so that at least was a plus. Next on the search results was a page on the Hilride site. Hilride is a local trail design group that has affiliation with IMBA, the International Mountain Bike Association. Having served similar masters in the past, the fact that Hilride was involved in the trail design seemed to bode well for this secret trail system.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=470902

I found this thread dating as far back as 2008. There is also a short page detailing it on the Hilride website.

We dug up enough info to figure out how to get there, then headed out to ride it. Upon arrival we found ourselves in a rather nice staging area. Other than one other car, it was practically deserted. Kind of a nice change from the huge amounts of traffic found in many east bay parks, but not seeing other mountain bikers- not a good sign. We headed out and found ourselves climbing up a rather steep dirt road climb much like the other dirt road multi-use trails found in East Bay Parks. The route was cut by a dozer, driven straight up the hill. And clearly not single track.

There is the potential for a major single track destination here.

Fortunately, we did manage to find the trail. While there was some signage, it wasn’t completely signed, and made things a bit confusing initially. (From what I understand it is better signed now.) We also found ourselves on trails that didn’t appear on the map we had.

However the big let down was the single track trail. We found the single track to be somewhat uninspiring. Many sections showed such disuse that the route was overgrown by native grasses. Not at all what we would have expected from a trail laid out by an outfit like Hilride. While the alignment of the trail was nice, contouring the hillsides with great views, the surface of the trail was just like everything else in the bay area. Unlike the new progressive trails going in near the Portland area, this route appeared to be constructed with a mini dozer with an operator that understood two commands: Forward and stop. Instead of undulating to and fro, and up and down, the operator pointed his machine from point A to point B, completely ignorant of what makes for an interesting trail experience for mountain bikers.

This trail alignment could be epic.

Take the image above. Imaging this trail with a rolling, undulating grade. Add some contemporary pumptrack influenced trail construction, and it would be like a roller coaster through the grassy hills.

Another section of trail that could simply be awesome.

We ended up having a bit of fun on the way back, (it was downhill after all) but not enough to want to head back and ride here again. Mountain bikers finally get a new piece of legal trail in an area with few new opportunities, and its mediocre trail experience.

Imaging if this line was actually a sweeping bermed turn with rollers that could be doubled. Great sight lines allow for high speeds and keep conflicts low.

We ran across Nat and Rachel Lopes from Hilride at Sea Otter and had our suspicions confirmed. While they were indeed contracted for the trail alignment, they weren’t consulted during the actual construction, as is fairly obvious from what we rode. They mentioned something about unions, and the parks budget.

The bottom line is that we’re presented with a new place to ride that no one wants travel to. What would it take to get mountain bikers to use this park? The BTCEB organized a work day out here, but improving four miles of trail by hand would take more than a few volunteer work days. It needs a proper vision.

Imagine an experienced Sweco operator versed in the new flow country concept redoing the tread. This trail system could be a major destination for riders all over the bay. We just need a rider at the helm with East Bay Parks to champion our cause. Not to mention this is a major opportunity for single track tourism. Could it happen? East Bay Parks is currently hiring…

photos from a ride dated 3/5/11

What do you think? Have you ridden here? Would you want to? Leave your feedback below.

Bay Area Parks to close to mountain biking?

jasonvh — Sun, 15 May 2011 21:40:08 +0000

According to a story on the Sacramento Bee, the closure of 70 state parks was announced on May 13th. The closure is part of a budget plan proposed to reducing the state parks budget by $22 million. What these means for mountain biking at these parks remains to be seen. There could be a bright side to this, as Parks is apparently seeking to parter with local governments and non-profits in an attempt to keep some of the parks open. For local mountain bike groups, this could become an opportunity, as hiking groups and equestrians are notorious for their lack of attendance during volunteer trail work days. The threat of losing trails also aids in boosting membership: larger membership base= additional capacity.

If the trails remain open due to the efforts of mountain bikers alone, it could go a long way in improving the trail experience specifically for cycling, (something many of the bland local multi-use trails lack) – especially if we’re the official caretakers of the trails.

The official closures will not take place until July 1, 2012. A lot could happen in a year.

Official Press release from California Department of Parks and Recreation. (PDF)

MTBR forum thread: Massive closure of State Parks Announced

Sacramento Bee article: California officials announce closure of 70 state parks

Full list of the closures via the parks department

Anderson Marsh SHP
Annadel SP
Antelope Valley Indian Museum
Austin Creek SRA
Bale Grist Mill SHP
Benbow Lake SRA
Benicia Capitol SHP
Benicia SRA
Bidwell Mansion SHP
Bothe-Napa Valley SP
Brannan Island SRA
California Mining & Mineral Museum
Candlestick Point SRA
Castle Crags SP
Castle Rock SP
China Camp SP
Colusa-Sacramento River SRA
Del Norte Coast Redwoods SP
Fort Humboldt SHP
Fort Tejon SHP
Garrapata SP
George J. Hatfield SRA
Governor’s Mansion SHP
Gray Whale Cove SB
Greenwood SB
Grizzly Creek Redwoods SP
Hendy Woods SP
Henry W. Coe SP
Jack London SHP
Jug Handle SNR
Leland Stanford Mansion SHP
Limekiln SP
Los Encinos SHP
Malakoff Diggins SHP
Manchester SP
McConnell SRA
McGrath SB
Mono Lake Tufa SNR
Morro Strand SB
Moss Landing SB
Olompali SHP
Palomar Mountain SP
Petaluma Adobe SHP
Picacho SRA
Pio Pico SHP
Plumas-Eureka SP
Point Cabrillo Light Station
Portola Redwoods SP
Providence Mountains SRA
Railtown 1897 SHP
Russian Gulch SP
Saddleback Butte SP
Salton Sea SRA
Samuel P. Taylor SP
San Pasqual Battlefield SHP
Santa Cruz Mission SHP
Santa Susana Pass SHP
Shasta SHP
South Yuba River SP
Standish-Hickey SRA
Sugarloaf Ridge SP
Tomales Bay SP
Tule Elk SNR
Turlock Lake SRA
Twin Lakes SB
Weaverville Joss House SHP
Westport-Union Landing SB
William B. Ide Adobe SHP
Woodson Bridge SRA
Zmudowski SB

top photo: Inga Beck enjoys the single track loop at China Camp State Park

DH Practice at the Sea Otter Classic

jasonvh — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:20:35 +0000

One of the best parts about racing the downhill at the Sea Otter is the practice sessions. My favorite memories of racing have always been the times we’ve walked the course, then worked to dial in lines with friends. The race is certainly the most exciting part of the weekend, but the hours of waiting to reach the start line often put a damper on the brief run in which you get to put it all together (or not) and just pin it.

The first turn into the jump line.

Practice is the time to dial in suspension, debate air pressure settings and make the decision to go with flats (more fun) or clipped in. (faster)

One of my favorite spots to sit with the camera is the step up line at the end of the popular first straight. Arguably the most photographed section of the course, the jump line is one of the biggest crowd pleasers on the course. However, what separates the riders is how they handle the section after the “main” jumps.

Scrubbing the step up line.

Some choose to play it safe, and stay as low as possible over the small step up. Riders looking to win on a short course where every second counts, manual the first lip and air the second part of the step up, gap it to the next roller, and turn it into a landing.

Ryan Condroshoff is never one to be meek on a dirt jump. Boost with steeze.

Not everyone that tried this line rode away cleanly, although we didn’t see that many riders go down, thanks to plenty of suspension travel.

This Cat 1 Racer held on, narrowly avoiding disaster.

This rider made it into the turn before going down in a cloud of dust.

The fastest guys know how to milk every bit of the course for speed.

Jeff Kendal-Weed airs out of the berm and onto the downside of the next roller.

Our other spot to hang out was at this berm. Again, the fastest dudes can sling it.

Rock Armoring at Oakland’s Joaquin Miller Park

jasonvh — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 20:39:45 +0000

Every time we ride the bike friendly trails in Oakland’s Joaquin Miller Park we would comment on a particularly bad section of trail. It was essentially a mud bog that stayed wet all winter, even when every other part of the trail was dry. It was so bad that a go-around route had been formed by hikers and cyclists that had no desire to play in a swamp. It turns out that many other local mountain bikers felt the same way, so when we teamed up with the Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay for a trail repair day, there was an excellent turn out.

The swampy section of trail: before. (shot on an iPhone)

The BTCEB did a great job rallying volunteers, as well as sourcing the materials we would use to harden the tread. The morning of the trail day, Daniel and I headed down to get a plan into place. Our first item of business: pull all the mucky organic material off the trail, as well as the sticks and logs that lined the mess. Most of the water that existed in the “before” image was gone, and while the surface was still mushy and damp, we were able to see the two well defined ruts running down the trail. The ruts ended up being somewhat useful, as we used one of the ruts as a shoulder to pack our rock into.

When our trail crews arrived on the scene, we went over our game plan for the morning and split up into several different groups. Group one would hike up to the road and transport the chunks of concrete down to the site. Group two worked to clear all the branches and organic matter away and prep the work site. Since the section was completely straight, we laid out a few branches to visualize the entrance line into the section in place of pin flags. (we didn’t have any) Instead of having a completely straight section, our plan was to break it up a bit by placing corral rocks and add some curves.

We also cut a bit more backslope into the uphill side of the tread to minimize erosion and guide water down and over our trail. (We cut our backslope at a standard 45º angle.)

Mud and muck now excavated, we began laying in our anchor stones.

Most of the trail has good flow, and my personal goal is to contribute to making a lot more of this good stuff happen throughout the entire system. (see the previous Flow Country article) To keep riders from straight lining the section, we added a stack of rocks to act as a corral and direct riders into the berm. More bermed turns= more sweetness.

Once we had materials stacked at various points at our site and had excavated a channel to place our stones, the group took a break for a quick rock armoring demo from yours truly. Since we had a lot of cool broken up pieces of concrete, we would be able to do a mix of flagstone paving and stone pitching. We broke up the section into a number of different cells, with keystones set up every 6 feet or so. Since we had a limited amount of concrete, we placed the rock to form a tread 12-18 inches wide, with the anchor stones a bit wider.

Rock armoring in progress

We weren’t sure what was actually causing the water to seep into the trail, so we laid down a bed of aggregate underneath our flagstones, and added drains at several points. After we placed our stones we packed them tightly with the small rocks to make the surface as solid as possible. Taking it a step further, we smashed some rock up to pack it all in.

Flagstone paving in progress

We placed our broken up sections of former sidewalk smooth side down, so that the surface facing up was rough and looked more natural.

Inga poses with her completed section of rock

We didn’t have enough of the large pieces of concrete paving, we did some sections with a slightly different approach, pitching a number of the stones on their side. (much like a bookshelf-see the piece Inga is holding in the photo above) Since most of the stone is buried and packed as tightly as we could make it, the idea is that it will remain stable, even with the additional moisture from an underground spring.

Almost there- our trail work in progress.

To keep the entire section from being a complete straight shot and to keep trail users on the hardeneding tread, we placed rocks along the side of the trail at strategic points. The trick was to maintain the personality of the rest of the trail, which has some pretty solid flow.

We also tamped aggregate into the tread before our rock armor section.

We only had enough rock to focus on the wettest part of the trail, but we had enough small crushed rock that we were able to pound some into the tread, creating a transition point from straight dirt to the rocked section.

Talking about flow.

Test riding the finished work.

The best part of trail work is riding it afterwords. This section of trail which had turned into a hike a bike around a swamp, was now totally solid and ridable. We finished things off by decommissioning our trail builder line in from the car, as well as the go-around that had been formed on the uphill slope. Note the randomly placed rocks in the above photo and the vertical deadfall. We also disguised our trail work by spreading dry leaves around the side of the trail.

A stoked trail runner came through just as we were finishing up.

Trail Crew group shot with the completed trail work

Close up of the trail tread, "after."

Compare it to the before- it doesn't even look like the same trail.

Poor Trail Marketing at Annadel?

jasonvh — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:39:36 +0000

The Sonoma Trails Council is promoting a trail work day that is coming up on April 30th at Annadel (in the Northern Bay Area). In an effort to get more volunteers out to help with the work day they posted the following images with some almost ironic captions:

Do you want your trails to look like this?

Do you want your trails to look like this? (before image)

This image of a trail was followed by the image of the trail where the tread had been re-work with the addition of a retaining wall and fill material, and of course, proud volunteers posing on their work.

Or like this?

I find it quite interesting, and having led quite a few trail days myself, I can appreciate the amount of time that goes into a project like this. I also can understand the logic that went into the desire to “improve” upon the existing trail.

However, as a mountain biker, I also see what many of you probably see- the trail tread is now several feet wider, with a flat, almost smooth surface, and no rolling grade dips to speak of to at least make the trail more interesting. Or, since this was done with the intent for improving long term sustainability, to remove water from the tread. (or will the significant width simply lead to the formation of pot holes?) We all know wider trails are more difficult to maintain. When does well meaning go too far and result in what many feel is the sanitizing of the single track experience? The fact that they also mention they plan to install water bars (now considered by the modern trail standards to be ineffective) makes me question the level of knowledge here as well.

From a rider’s perspective, was this an improvement to the trail? The cool thing is that it’s now wide enough I can ride my quad on it. BRAAAP!

Leave your comments below.

NorCal MidPen AM Ride Gallery

jasonvh — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:00:49 +0000

I’m always amazed at the great weather we get here in the Bay Area, especially considering it’s February. This weekend I hit up one of our default riding spots with some new friends to enjoy the sweet riding conditions. To change things up a bit, the DH bike was left at home in favor of the trail/ AM rig, and the XC helmet.

The view from this spot is amazing.

It was definitely interesting to negotiate the trails I usually ride on a full blown DH ride with single ply tires and light weight wheels. It is definitely getting me to rethink my all mountain setup for the variety of trails I’ve been riding here in NorCal.

As has been my habit lately, I packed my Canon 7D and my 50mm prime lens to capture a few chill moments from our ride. Enjoy the shots.

A day riding the Auburn, CA Trails

jasonvh — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 02:40:22 +0000

Until this weekend, the Auburn area has mostly been a pit stop on our way to Northstar or Downieville. We’ve heard the area contains some good riding, but until now, it was like a secret whispered about but not shared. It is easy to get into habits with our riding spots, and ride many of the same trails over and over again. The drawback to getting stuck in these ruts is that it can be easy to miss out on good stuff that’s relatively close to home, not far from the beaten path.

The snake-like flow of the Connector Trail. The entire trail looks much like this.

It’s been my goal in the last few years to ride as many new trails as possible. It is definitely taking some time, but I’m a big fan of social networking using the power of Twitter and Facebook to connect with other riders, and I’m finally starting to get out more— definitely a good thing. Since we’ve relocated back to the Bay Area, I’ve been keeping an ear out for new spots to ride. I don’t want to get bored or jaded with the local park riding, so any chance I get to tag along to check out a new spot I jump on.

This weekend I hit paydirt. The riding in Auburn is definitely no secret, in fact, the trail head was quite packed with riders of all types, from DHers setting up to drop some shuttles, to rigid single speeders pedaling the flowy Connector Trail. We started off on the Connector Trail, a flowy green/ blue level trail that twists along the contour in a snake-like manner. The trail surface is pretty mellow, making it extremely appealing to shorter travel bikes, hardtails, singlespeeds, and newer riders. The ease of the tread, with its dips and frequent grade reversals, makes for a great time, and is a great example of an “easy” trail that appeals to more advanced riders as well. The Bay Area could definitely use more trails with this kind of layout.

While Connector is fairly easy, the faster you attack this trail, the better it gets. If this trail had rolling grade dips that you could double, and insloped (bermed) turns it would rule. As it is, the “easy” flat turns can get you if you’re hauling down the trail like we were. Justin here got off-line for a second, resulting in a sudden meeting with dirt. Fortunately for our group, that was the worst of it for the day. Jesse also had an encounter with the ground, and got away light as well. Unlike a rider we all watched stack hard right in front of us, slicing his forearm up pretty good. That guy’s afternoon was most likely spent in the ER getting quite a few stitches.

Although the tread on Connector is super buffed, you still have to pay attention as Justin demonstrated.

We followed that with a trail called Fuel Break, and another called Culvert. Culvert was pretty much all downhill, and was considerably more fun, with technical features, including some small jumps. I even put together a “quick” edit of some footage shot on my GoPro HD using the chesty mount. Obviously the Culvert trail is named after the large culvert, which was pretty cool to have in the middle of a ride.

To finish up our first all mountain shuttle, we rolled down Confluence. Another all downhill trail, Confluence features a rockier, more technical tread with some tighter sections and more features. This trail was super fun too. It gets pretty fun by the time you get to the river, although at that point the hiker population starts to show up frequently.

An XC rider (not in our group) enjoys the last section of trail that features a great view of the river.

We then headed back up for more shuttle action. This time heading down a popular route with the local DH riders, Stonewall to Rocky. Stonewall was another fun section of trail, with a more interesting surface that was perfect for our all mountain steeds. Rocky on the other hand, was as boulder-filled as its namesake. Banging over the rock gardens here at speed, I found myself wishing for heavier tires. We followed it with a shuttle and did Murders to Rocky.

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