A Couple of Rides

The weather around here has been absolutely miserable for the ski season, but that always means the mountain bike gets more use.

Saturday I played bike guide for a few guys at work new to the area and one Ausi in town from our parent company, Ausenco. There's no better trail to hook anyone on biking than the Pioneer Trail, or as it's commonly referred to, The Nevada City Downhill Classic. As far as enjoyable trails go, this one is not lacking, a 4,200 vertical feet net elevation loss, scenic views, rider-friendly pine duffed trails, and something for everyone and then some (if you know where to look). Oh yeah, did I mention it ends at a bar? The day was beautiful without a cloud in the sky and a cool 65 degrees.

The group consisted of Upendra, our friendly IT guru, Darren, our newest lab manager, myself, head of bull shits and looking busy, Ryan, cadmaster supreme Engineer, and Jason, the Ausi in from Brisbane. With the exception of Ryan and I, the rest of the riders had logged few hours on tails of this caliber. So the day consisted of a lot a waiting, but I've been sick lately, so the frequent and lengthy stops were welcomed.


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On the Trail: (L2R) Ryan, Darren, Jason, Dave

In the background you might be able to see a bunch of smoke. They were burning the forests in this section of trail so we had to detour for a couple of miles to get around it. (L2R) Upendra, Darren, Jason, Ryan.

North Ridge Bar after the ride. LR: Ryan, Darren, me, and Jason.

Possibly more pictures to come. The ride is cataloged here.

Sunday I had plenty of things to get accomplished, but it was another gorgeous, clear, 65 degree day, so I went mountain biking instead (typical). Ryan, Jeff and I headed to Bullard's Bar Reservoir to ride some of the trails around the reservoir. The trails were in good shape. Some local dirt bikers had built up some little doubles at the trail head which started things off right. The rest of the trail was 100' climb after 100' decent around hairpin corners. A hard, moist trail surface overlain by leaves and pine needles, turned the day into a drift fest. If nothing else, the three of us improved our cornering skills.

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Of course, no pictures. The ride is logged here.