Monthly Archives: September 2007

Falling Trees!

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Please use caution when riding in Ash Canyon on windy days! We’ve witnessed the skinny burnt trees in the picture below falling from across the canyon. We were wondering what all the crashing noises were, and then when we neared the edge of the canyon, we saw a few more trees fall. Crack! Whump!

Falling Trees

Today we rode the creek trail, and one cracked right above our heads. I was just starting to wheelie over a log crossing when the CRACK! sound exploded in the trees behind me. Both Jon and I thought for sure that a giant bear was charging us. The tree didn’t topple over, but from the sound of it, it was pretty close!

What Did You Do For Lunch?

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One of the unique things about Carson City is its small size. It’s one of the smallest state capitals in the United States, and it’s nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. This makes for excellent lunch time cycling scenarios! The picture below was taken just a half hour’s ride from my office in downtown Carson City.

Ash Creek Trail

I’ve been riding at lunch with coworkers and friends since 2001. I’ve been doing it for so long now, that I almost feel lost doing anything else for lunch. Having an indoor job, it’s good for the soul to get out in the fresh air and laugh with friends. Returning to work full of adrenaline and endorphins makes you alert for the 2nd half of the day. Contrast this with dining at the buffet, and nearly falling asleep at your desk around 3:00 PM.

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Lunch time rides do not have to be seasonal either. With the proper gear, you can be comfortable and have a good time year round. We’ve ridden in 100 degree August days, and 16 degree January days. Each environment creates new challenges and experiences.

So if you’re bored at lunch and are looking for some adventure in your life, ride your bike! If you need someone to ride with, let me know. Our lunch time group does primarily mountain bike rides, but there are some roadies out at lunch too. Not sure what gear you need, or where to ride? I plan to post a trails page soon, and I’ll probably discuss the seasonal gear as we get into fall and winter.

Hope to see you out there!

TRAILS UPDATE

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I lifted this from the F.B.C. site. Hope you don’t mind.

I thought I would let everyone know about the progress we are making on getting trails built (with permission) on the west side of Carson City. For anyone who isn’t familiar with C.C.’s Unified Pathways Master Plan (UPMP) you can download the pdf file here.

The trail we will be focusing on is the middle trail, which connects Kings Canyon Road to Ash Canyon Road. After talking with Parks and Recreation director Roger Moellendorf and Open Space manager Juan Guzman, I’m confident a trail network will be constructed on the west side in the near future. Both gentlemen were positive and enthusiastic that someone was willing to step up to the plate and build the proposed trails.

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This past week I also met with the board of directors of Muscle Powered, a Carson City organization that has been on the scene for ten years and is dedicated to creating a walkable and bicycle friendly community. You can find some of their accomplishments here. After giving my nervous sales pitch, the board voted unanimously in support of the construction of trails on the west side of Carson City. President Anne Macquarie has graciously offered to do the environmental assessment report that will be required by the Forest Service before we’re allowed to break ground (the proposed trail crosses through Carson City and Forest Service land). Thank you Anne, and thank you board of directors of Muscle Powered.

If you are not already a member of Muscle Powered, please consider it. I don’t believe this project would succeed, or at least it would be more difficult, without their help.

And to leave you with an even more positive note, Max Jones will be designing the sweet singletrack.

HAPPY TRAILS!

Gonads -N- Strife Poker Run

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The Gonads and Strife Bike Club is having their 2nd Annual Poker Run on Sunday, September 30th. Sign ups start at the Great Basin Brewery in Sparks at 11:00 am, and the ride will begin at noon.

Cruisin'

The club advertises: Commemorative T-Shirts, Live Music, Silent Auction, Lots of Swag, and Lots of Beer! All Proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

I’ve met Gary and Jules Setzer at some of the other local cruiser events, and these two are very friendly and passionate about fun bicycling. I missed last year’s Poker Run, but I hear that these two put on a good event! Please see the Gonads -N- Strife website for further details!