Applying lip balm preparing for a dry Nevada wind, this Carsonite waits ever so patiently for the light to turn green…. unfortunately, the nearest stoplight is a mile away.
Carson City Cycle Chic
4
Monthly Archives: March 2008
Creek Trail Update
Last weekend I went for a hike along the Ash Creek Trail to do a trail assessment. Good news first: The lower half of the trail is 98% clear. There is one blow-down at the entrance and a small snow patch right after that. I’ll get out there in the next few days to remove the blow-down.
To access lower Ash Creek Trail: near the junction of the Deer Run Trail, Baldy Green Trail and Ash Canyon Road, there is a double-track that descends to Ash Creek. Use that entrance for now.
Now for the not as good news: The upper half of the trail is about four to six weeks away from being clear. There are multiple snow drifts, some look to be over a foot in depth.
I know it’s tempting, but please wait until the snow is gone before attempting to ride the whole trail.
Also, there are several blow-downs on the upper section that I’ll be removing in the coming weeks, so when the trail is ready to ride, you’ll be able to fly.
P.S. The contour road that connects Timberline to the start of the Baldy Green Trail is passable by bicycle.
Carson City BMX Open House
The BMX season is near.
Carson City BMX will be having an Open House on the weekend of April 5th and 6th, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. There is no racing on these days, but the track will be open for bikes. This will be a great time to bring the kids (boys and girls) down to the track for some introductory BMX riding.
My family gave it a try last year and had a blast. It’s a great way to get some fun riding in with your kids. Even if you decide not to race, you can just show up for practice and ride the track.
If you need to get geared up for the BMX season, go see Dan at the Bicycle Authority. The Bicycle Authority has a wide selection of BMX race bikes, parts, and all the safety gear. Speaking of safety gear, you’ll want to bring a helmet, gloves, long pants, and a long sleeve jersey to the track if you want to ride.
Racing begins Sunday, April 13th.
For more information, check out the Carson City BMX site HERE.
Which Road Will You Take?
Two NDOT reps attended last Thursday’s Muscle Powered meeting; Michelle Gardner-Lilley, Long Range and Small Urban Manager, and Bill Story, coordinator for Safe Routes to School. They were both informative & sincere in requesting involvement from Muscle Powered in the planning process. Thank you Michelle and Bill for taking the time to speak at our meeting.
From the NDOT’s website:
Statewide Transportation Plan (20 year) Survey
The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is in the process of updating the Statewide Transportation Plan. Let us know your vision for transportation services (airports, rail, bus, pedestrian and bicycles in the State of Nevada) by filling out our transportation planning survey. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Please take a few minutes of your time to complete this survey. This is a great opportunity to voice your opinion.
Trails Report
The Ash Canyon trails are in great shape. There is only one snow crossing, and I’m guessing that by today, you won’t even need to dismount your bike to get across.
Everyday we peer down into the canyon to check the status of the Creek Trail. Unfortunately it’s still a ways off. Especially the trail on the south side of the creek. There is still a lot of snow on that side. You can see much of the trail on the north bank though, and that gives you hope!
In the meantime, get up there and enjoy the fantastic views from Baldy Green!
For Sale
You may have noticed a new tab at the top…”For Sale”. If you have something you’d like to sell, let me know and I’ll post it for you. Here are two of the bikes I currently have for sale (I also have two little BMX bikes, a Free Agent 12″ with training wheels, and a Specialized 16″ BMX…details and pics this weekend).
For Sale – 2004 Kona Coiler – $650
This is Kona’s 2004 Freeride rig that was built to thrill on the descents, but also be manageable on the uphills.
The 18 inch frame has 5 inches of travel front and rear. The fork is a Marzocchi coil spring with tunable low pressure air assist. The rear shock is a Fox coil spring with “pro-pedal” and tunable rebound. The pro-pedal does a great job at minimizing pedal bob. The frame is stiff laterally, and feels very stable at speed and in the rocks.
The rear suspension bearings and bushings have been replaced, and have very little time on them. In fact, the bike has been ridden very little in the last couple years, and is just taking up room in the garage.
Here’s a list of some of the parts:
- Race Face downhill bars, 28 inches wide.
- XT rear dérailleur with brand new housing and cable.
- Hayes Hydraulic brakes.
- Form fitting Marzocchi front fender (easy to take on and off)
- Tioga Factory DH 2.3 Tires with very little wear.
- Race Face cranks and bottom bracket.
If you’re interested, send me an EMAIL. The bike was bought new by me in the Fall of 2003, for $1,500. Local buyers only…no shipping.
For Sale – 2004 Haro Mirra 540 – $150
Here’s another bike I seldom ride that needs to go. I used to play around at the skate park on this bike when I lived in Gardnerville, but I haven’t been in a long time. The bike is in great shape, as I didn’t have the courage to do the things all the kids were doing.
It only has a rear brake on now, but a front brake comes with the purchase too. Also included are four axle pegs.
If you’re interested, send me an EMAIL.
Duck Hill
Here are some great photos from Lester. Lester explored the Duck Hill area fire roads earlier in the month. He started in the lot off east Lake Blvd across from the wildlife area. At the time of the ride there was still some snow on the North facing sides. There was also some loose sand, but as Lester reports, it was a great day riding with the trails all to himself.
Here are Lester’s photos with commentary:
Top of the first grade looking North. That is East Lake blvd. with the wildlife reserve to the North. I park in that dirt area at the bottom left.
Flat section following the first grade looking south to Carson. The fire road to the left follows the power line down to the excavation pit.
This road is steeper and also heads to the pit.
I like this road as a DH but as you can see still snowbound. It is accessed from near those towers and is nice and long ending at the pit.
This is the top of the climb to duck hill. The pit is down and to the right. The radio towers are to the upper right. The road ahead travels east. You can turn off it to the South going to the towers or continue on and turn off heading North with views of Washoe lake all along the way.