Happy Halloween and Happy Nevada Day to all from the staff here at Bike Carson!
It’s been a busy week for me, and I hope to soon get back to the blogging. I did take a lot of pictures though, so hopefully the words will catch up with the photos before too long.
New Bike Locker?
Here are a couple Halloween / Nevada Day photos I took this week. I was out with the help of Jesse and Scott J in search of Abe Curry’s grave. I needed to collect a few photos for a presentation my son was working on for Nevada Day.
Abe Curry, with the help of a few friends (Musser and Proctor among them…sound familiar?), founded Carson City. They bought a ranch here in Eagle Valley back when this area was still part of the Utah Territory. Some folks thought they were nuts to plan a town in the middle of a bunch of sagebrush! Abe didn’t listen and went ahead with his plans. He even set aside some land for something as big as a capital building…just in case. Just a few years later, the silver boom was on in Virginia City, and Carson City grew rapidly as a result.
On October 31st, 1864, Nevada became the 36th state to enter the union. Carson City never became a very big city, today there are just over 58,000 residents, but I think that’s why it’s such a great place to live! A small state capital, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Small town living, decent jobs, and tons of great cycling opportunities right from your front door!
Abe Curry – Father of Carson City
Happy Halloween to all, and I hope my fellow Nevadans are enjoying a day off! I’ll be spending my day shoveling rock for a landscaping project, doing some trick or treating tonight over in Carson City’s historical section, and very likely enjoy a couple brews too!
In the meantime, however, I’ll share these pictures that Carson City’s Anne Macquarie took on her recent visit to Nepal.
Fruit Bike
Anne says,
Here are pictures of alternative transportation and bike business opportunities in Kathmandu. Actually, walking is the principal method of transport, motorcycles second, then cars, then bikes. Cars creep slowly through pedestrian-clogged streets.
When I was there 25 years ago, big, clunky black Chinese-made bikes were in common use, but when the recent 10-year-long Maoist insurgency in the countryside caused many to flee their villages to live in Kathmandu, the city itself and the Kathmandu Valley in general exploded in population, clogging the streets. At the same time, motorcycles became available, and people switched from bicycles to motorcycles, leaving only the few hardy cyclists like those pictured. Bicycle rickshaws are still in common use though. Rickshaw-wallahs have a hard life, usually living only a few years or months past the time when they finally pay off the loan they got to buy the rickshaw.
Rickshaw
I’ve always thought it’d be cool to have a bicycle based business, but after reading this, I’m not sure I’d want to setup shop in Kathmandu! I will have to pick a different business venture, should I ever get out of here.
Water Bike
Thanks for the fascinating pictures and words, Anne!
My family recently went hiking out at the Silver Saddle Ranch. If you’re not familiar with the Silver Saddle Ranch, this park/working ranch is out on the Carson River Road, which takes off near the end of the east side of 5th Street. As we were hiking the mostly flat, packed sand trails, I got to thinking that this would be a great place to bring a young mountain biker.
Silver Saddle Ranch -Irrigation Trail
The views are great, there are a lot of animals to look at, and the trail network seems like it would be fun to explore by mountain bike with your kids. The area is probably too small for advanced riders, but may be perfect for beginners. I kept an eye out for thorns, but didn’t see any. I plan to take my son riding out there soon, and I’ll report back with the results. There is a map of the Silver Saddle Ranch trails HERE (pdf format).
Silver Saddle Ranch – View of the Carson River
Chris King Bottom Bracket
If you’re like me, you’ve been wanting to add a Chris King part to your bike for a long time, but have never had the cash. The hubs are a work of art, but could set you back the price of a single speed complete bike! The headsets are more affordable, but at over $100, you wonder if you’d get any noticeable performance gain for the buck.
New for 2009 is the Chris King Bottom Bracket. According to the website, the Chris King Bottom Bracket is compatible with the external type cranks systems from Shimano, Race Face, and Full Speed Ahead. It appears these bottom brackets will be priced at around $130, and come in many different colors for the ultimate customization. For a part that will spin a million times down the trail, I would speculate that you may notice a performance gain with a high end bottom bracket such as this one. Chris King parts are also known for their durability, so you may even still have this bottom bracket long after the external bearing standard has come and gone! Someone please buy one of these and let me know how it works out!
Chris King Bottom Bracket
Quick Cash!
But where do you get the cash for a Chris King bottom bracket during times of economic downturn you ask? Set your car on fire! Admit it, many of us have a redundant vehicle or two we don’t need anymore, and the insurance companies will never suspect you. No more car payment, AND you get a claim check!
Bicycle Parade and ???
And finally, I’m thinking of setting up a bike ride similar to the following video. It looks like a nice change from beating yourself up on rough terrain or burning up your muscles on long ascents. If you don’t feel like riding, just show up on your skates or pogo-stick!
We had an incident on yesterday’s lunch ride, and it got me thinking that I should talk a little about group trail riding etiquette.
Tom was riding sweep, and had a crash in an off camber, sandy dip. It also pinch flatted his rear tube. Tom was OK other than being a little dirty and scraped up, but since he had to fix his flat, there was no way to tell us where he was or what is condition was. The rest of us had finished the descent and were looking up the hill you see in the picture below. We waited and waited. A wait this long means someone is either hurt or they have a mechanical problem, and it always sucks wondering which one it is. I’ve been to the emergency room enough times to know it could go either way. Two guys went back to work, and the remaining three of us rode back up the hill in search of Tom. By the time we had reached him, he had just finished changing his tube, and we had an extra climb in the bag!
Looking up the Hill for Tom
So what could we have done differently in this situation? Here are a few recommendations for trail riding in a group:
You are responsible for the rider behind you. This technique works well, and covers every rider in the line. By checking over your shoulder periodically for the rider behind you, you never get too far away. This enables you to provide quick assistance, or to ride down and alert the riders in front of you as to what has happened. This prevents people from having to ride back up the hill for simple mechanical problems, or in a worse case scenario, expedites a rescue mission.
Use trail intersections for regrouping points. The larger the group, the more important this becomes. Small groups seem to stay together, but large groups can spread out over a pretty good distance. This can be caused by varying levels of skill or fitness, or because of trail conditions such as dust. The more riders you add, the dustier it gets, the more people hang back and wait for clean air.
Crossroads
Regrouping at trail intersections becomes even more important when taking people into unfamiliar territory. Nobody should have to stop and guess which way everyone else went. It’s good to establish some rules with the group before the ride, stating that you will always stop at intersections if the entire group isn’t visible. You can also define exceptions to this rule to keep other riders from having to guess. If you come to an intersection, but continue on straight, just keep riding. Only stop and regroup if you will be turning off onto another trail. But again, this only works if you discuss this before hand!
Stopping to regroup can also keep the morale of the group high. I’ve been off the back enough times to know that your mood can sour if you feel you’ve been left behind. To ride several miles by yourself when you’re suffering can create feelings of resentment for the other riders. This may be ok, and even expected in a race, but in an organized group ride, conversation and camaraderie are just as important as the trail itself. Everyone should feel like “they’re all in this together”.
Does anyone else have thoughts or suggestions on group trail riding etiquette? Leave a comment!
This weekend we had an Expedition into El Dorado Canyon. “El Dorado” loosely translates from Spanish into “The Land of the Lost Golden Trails”. To find this lost land, one must start at the Dayton Rodeo Grounds on Schaad Lane just outside of Dayton. Entering Dayton from the West, turn right on Dayton Valley Road, and make the 1st right after the bridge. Follow the signs to the Rodeo Grounds from there.
Josh and his Sun Valley Hat
After getting the bikes ready and spending some time admiring Josh’s Sun Valley hat, we pedaled up a gravel road that would take us to the entrance of El Dorado Canyon. There are a number of dirt roads that intersect the route, so it’s best to consult a map before heading out. You can see the entrance to El Dorado Canyon, so it isn’t terribly difficult to find your way if you’re not completely sure. There were many signs leftover from an offroad race, telling us we were going the wrong way! We paid them no attention.
Leaving the Dayton Rodeo Grounds
The gravel turned to a clay road, chocked full of rocks. Although not necessary, this ride is best done with a full suspension bike. There are plenty of smooth spots on these trails, but in between the smooth spots there are bountiful rocks; everything from choppy embedded rocks to rolling baby head, creek bottom rocks. A full suspension bike really helps with your endurance on this ride.
That’s Just Wrong!
Jeff and Lester Entering El Dorado Canyon
After a gentle climb over a couple miles, we dropped down into El Dorado Canyon. I’m not certain how the canyon got its name, but the trees at the bottom of the canyon are very golden this time of year. The spring fed creek still had water in it too! I was quite surprised with the dry summer we’ve had. We came to a wide and deep section of the creek, and Lester, Scott, and Josh decided to charge through it. It wasn’t long after this that their chains started squeaking. Luckily Kathy had some chain lube in her tool kit, and silenced the cacophony!
Creek Crossing in El Dorado Canyon
Kathy, Scott R, and Josh
The road in El Dorado Canyon deteriorates pretty quickly. Passage through the canyon is popular with the modified Jeep crowd, 4 x 4 quads, and dirt bikes. The way is very twisty and rocky, always changing from the water that flows down the bottom of the canyon. This trail is quite a bit different than the smooth singletrack we’ve ridden all summer, the deep sand whoops and numerous boulder crossings provided all new challenges. In fact, before this ride, I was close to denouncing suspension as an unneeded luxury. I would’ve had to eaten my words following this ride had I uttered them! I was loving my big heavy full suspension bike every time we hit the rocks.
Full Suspension Country
Scott R
The forecast for the day had been for sunny skies. We barely saw the sun all day! In fact we were nervously watching rain clouds for much of the ascent. We were getting close to the entrance of Sullivan Canyon, and it began to sprinkle! I don’t believe it has rained much during the day since spring time, and here we were in the bottom of a canyon, a perfect place to get caught in a flash flood. I wasn’t worried so much about flooding as I was about the dirt turning to mud though. When the clay out in the Pine Nut mountains gets wet, it’s miserable to impossible to ride in it. I really didn’t want to get stuck this far out, and was even taking note of the various rock shelters in the canyon. Luckily it only sprinkled for a few minutes!
Kathy Clawing Her Way Up a Slippery Slope
El Dorado Canyon has to be a geologist’s dream! There are so many different kinds of rocks up in the canyon. I had to stop frequently to take a look around, and was frequently amazed that one side of the canyon looked nothing like the other side. We even had a little slick rock action on what I think was a sandstone outcropping.
Lester on the Slick Rock
We eventually turned west off El Dorado Canyon, and began our climb up Sullivan Canyon. The trail up the canyon is much wider than I remember from my dirt biking days. What once was a narrow singletrack is now a trail wide enough for quads. It was still a great climb though, and the grade is never too steep. I bet it would be a screaming descent.
Jeff and Scott R in Sullivan Canyon
Lester Climbing Sullivan Canyon
The Pleasurable Climb up Sullivan Canyon
Scott R Climbing Sullivan Canyon
Before finishing our climb up Sullivan Canyon, we had a break for lunch. The fear of a rain storm was now over, and we took in some much needed nourishment and hydration. After a nice break we climbed out of the canyon, and made for the hill above Bull Run Spring.
Lunch Break in Sullivan Canyon
The climb to the top of the hill above Bull Run Spring is steep, and we walked up half of it. Along the way we could see Mount Siegel in the distance to south, standing tall at over 9,000 feet. We rested a bit at the top, and then began our descent.
This area is always a little confusing due to the thick pinion pine. There is a main route, but sometimes a tree will fall over and block the way. Most often, dirt bikers will just make a new trail around an obstacle instead of stopping to clear it. We started heading down some new trail, and I was worried we might be going the wrong way. Luckily Kathy had to stop to adjust her rear brake, and I was able to scout the trail ahead. I found that our trail rejoined the main trail not much further down the hill and hiked back up. You hate to lead people in the wrong direction when you’re the one who organized the ride. It’s YOU they will blame if people stop having fun or become lost!
The Lanky Fellow Got Stuck in the Trees and Tore his Jersey
Like I mentioned, the pinion pine is rather thick in this area, and us shorter riders were ducking and weaving under the low branches. Poor Lester, at 6-foot tall plus, was hitting every branch on the way down. He even tore his shirt on one of the branches! Thankfully for Lester, we cleared the thick tree section and hit some roller coaster downhill. Steep swooping drops were putting smiles on everyone’s faces.
Scott R and Kathy descending the Bull Run Spring Trail
We joined the Bull Run Spring trail, and the fun downhill just kept coming. This trail is pretty steep, and probably wouldn’t be much fun at all as a climb. The trail is a steep descent, but not so steep that you’re on the brakes the whole time. There are plenty of swooping sections that let you get off the brakes and keep the flow.
Am I Really That Much Taller?
This Climb Came Up by Surprise after a Blind Corner
Josh Defies Danger and Rides Two Bikes!
Descent down the Bull Run Spring Trail
At the bottom of the Bull Run Spring trail, we rejoined El Dorado Canyon. The road was fun in the descent direction too, giving you a little extra momentum to get through the rocky sections. Along the way, we stopped and talked to a quad rider that had stalled in the bottom of the creek bed. Thankfully he got his rig started again, and was able to get out. By now you’ve probably realized that this is rugged and remote country. This is not a place you want to get stuck in! Years ago on a dirt bike expedition into the canyon, a rider had fouled a spark plug and didn’t have a spare. He ditched his bike in the bushes, and we had to ride double back to the trucks 15 miles to the south in Carson Valley. He didn’t retrieve his motorcycle until the next day! This is not a place you want to go alone!
Thank Goodness for Full Suspension
Near the end of the canyon, we once again encountered the water hole. Kathy and I got on either side of it with the cameras, and Josh, Scott, and Lester charged through it for your entertainment. Enjoy these two videos!
The Water Hole!
The Water Hole! – Camera 2
Fall is my favorite time to visit the Pine Nut Mountains, and this area is highly recommended for exploring. If you go, study and bring a map, bring tools, spare tubes, plenty of snacks and water, and a buddy! We sure had a lot of fun, and hopefully we’ll get out there again before the year’s end.
The complete photo set of this ride can be viewed on the Bike Carson Flickr page HERE. We have quite a few pictures, since we had three cameras going! Enjoy.
This recent weather system came as a bit of a shock to the system. I had to pull out gear that I hadn’t touched since last winter. And even though I don’t mind riding in the cold, I couldn’t help but feel crushed that winter was upon us. Didn’t we just get through this? After reminding myself that it was only the beginning of October, I started to feel better. This had only been a drill.
Tom on the Creek Trail
Friday morning was in the low 30′s, so I mixed fall and winter clothes for the commute to work. My wind gloves were barely cutting it, and I was thankful that work wasn’t too far away. I figured the day could only get warmer from here though, and that the gear I had brought would suffice.
Scott J on the Jackrabbit Trail
The cold weather made us weary of going out for a lunch ride in the cold, but as always, it was fantastic once we were out in it. Getting into Ash Canyon protected us from the bitter cold winds from the north, and we even had a break in the clouds above us, letting the sun warm our bodies. I know Tom was thankful, as he only had his shorts and leg hair to keep his lower half warm. We worked up a decent sweat, and even peeled some of the warm stuff off. It came back on quickly once we started going back down hill though. As we came out of the canyon, we turned north onto the Jackrabbit Trail, and got a blast of the chilling air. We were all glad we didn’t have to go that direction much longer!
Descending Back to Carson City
I had reports from friends in Reno that it had been snowing all day up there, but it had been dry most of the day in Carson. It wasn’t until the late afternoon that the snow finally hit us. By the time I got off work, the snow was really starting to fly. I was shivering a little, but decided not to grab any more layers out of my pack. The body heat would come from pedaling. Along the way, Jesse told me of all the offers for a ride home he received. His coworkers thought he was nuts for riding in the snow. Mine didn’t bother. They learned better last year.
After Work Snow Storm
It looks like we are in for some warmer temperatures this week, and I’m glad this weekend was only a taste of things to come. I’m not quite done with fall yet! It was nice to take a long rest this weekend though. Time spent with family, reading, movies, homemade bread and soup, and hand crafted ales are never a bad way to spend the weekend!
There is a fantastic article over on the Around Carson Blog about Carson City’s Chinatown. According to the article, Chinatown used to sit along Third Street east of Stewart Street, but was finally torn down in the 1950′s. This is of particular interest to me, since this is right where I’ve worked for the last thirteen years! For all I know, my basement cubicle may have once been someone’s root cellar.
Now although Scott Schrantz provided excellent information and pictures from the era, he neglected to mention that there were also Chinese BMX gangs in Carson City. Here is some action packed footage from the day:
