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High Sierra 2017


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Don't be "that guy." Now's the time to make sure your bike is in good working order, you have fresh knobbies (if you're riding dirt), tools, tubes, plugs, pump, GPS, etc... If you have a question, please post it up. No such thing as a stupid question, especially if you are new to adventure riding. Just want to make sure you have a good time.

Please prepare for the temps! Plenty of riders came last year with either no sleeping bag or a summer or spring bag that was just not warm enough. Daytime temps are in the high 80's/low 90's and by bedtime it's in the 50's but because it's in a low point in the valley, the cold air descends and right before sunrise it very often will freeze. I thought about 29 was the lowest but last year someone actually said their thermometer said 18 degrees! It warms up very quickly once the sun comes up but you will sleep cold if you do not have an adequate bag, or even an insulated mattress for that matter.

Tracks will be posted soon and are identical to last year. Pick a group based on an honest assessment of your ability. Rides are self-organized and there are really no designated ride leaders as of yet unless they self-identify (kind of like Taste of Dakar). We had 14 come with us on an advanced ride last year and just three stuck with us the whole time. That tells me 11 either changed their mind (fine) or didn't understand what advanced meant. Actually, I found it a lot more fun to simply ride an area and explore whatever trails we found. It was way more interesting and fun. Keep in mind that conditions change so what was easy one year might be intermediate this year (I found Casa Diablo a bit more tricky two months ago than it was the year before) or vice versa (have a feeling Glass Mountain road won't be as loose). Jonathan reports Dunderberg is NOT easy; something I'll repeat at the event each morning.

We'll assemble at like 7:45 and self-organize based on what you want to ride that day and go over trail etiquette, the most important seems to be posting up at turns so you don't leave people behind (happens every time). I prefer to be leaving by 8:30 am but you do whatever you like.

You can certainly follow someone but consider using your GPS, especially if you haven't before. It's a great skill to acquire and will keep you out of trouble if you lose your group and need to find your way out (or if the leader doesn't know how to use gps and goes the wrong way). We got split up last year (happens every time) but everyone knew where we were meeting for lunch so it actually worked out fine. Please try not to get upset and just go with the flow; make it your own adventure.

Dinner Fri and Sat is provided but not breakfast or lunch so plan accordingly. Lunch spots are typically like Lee Vining, June Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Tom's Place and Bishop. You'll find gas all those places and ranges aren't too bad (watch it carefully if you're on a dirt bike).

There are hot springs close by and are wonderful to go to but tend to get crowded Fri and Sat nights. Clothing is optional so don't be surprised if you see nekkid people. Don't stare

Showers and real bathrooms are at camp but you'll need to purchase shower tokens at the general store during their hours (close at 6?). I think they're like $2 for 5 min. I can get a shower in on one token.

Sunday morning most people pack up and leave and some will ride up Silver Canyon road up to WMRC at 12,400' to see that. I've done it a lot so I may skip that this year. The road up used to be upper level beginner but is more intermediate unless they've improved the road. There's one section that's a bit steep and loose but I saw two noobs do it fine before. Lots of tight switchbacks too. You can also get up there from the highway on a paved road but you have to go down to Big Pine to do that. Many come back down the mountain that way (south).

Let's please do one large fire pit this time. Many complained it wasn't as social when there's 10 different fires going.

Dinner will be amazing, trust me. Craft beer too from June Lake Brewing.

We'll have raffle tix for sale at the event as well ($10) so consider buying a few if you haven't or buy a few more. We got some good stuff to give away!

This event has always had a special vibe and I think that's due to the quality of people who attend. Please be open, patient, calm and just experience it for all it has to offer. If you like to drink a lot, this may not be the time to do that. With riding all day, the dry air and the elevation, you're probably not going to want to have more than a beer or two (at least that's me). If you're a Debbie Downer or too loud and obnoxious then I will ask you politely to leave. Let's leave the politics at home too. I really don't want to hear about how "right" you are about politics de jour. This is to unite us as riders. Not everyone agrees with your politics.

Quiet hours are 10 pm to 7 am. We're not the only ones there. There are many RV's with families and older people who will get really pissy if you're loud after 10 or start your bike (or generator) before 7 and it will get us booted for next year. Speed limit is 5 mph. No wheelies or roosting. Stay off large hill to the south on your bike (Jesse Kimball). You can hike it if you like. Ride on the road only and not footpaths to the bathroom.

There are MANY cattle around the area and they are very dark in color and are nearly invisible in the dark. Watch your speed and don't hit a cow. You'll have to buy the cow and will end up in the hospital.

Did I leave anything out?


Thanks Eric! So looking forward to this year as I missed last season. Let's have a blast!
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12 hours ago, bruinjon said:

One section of Dunderberg wasn't very pleasant.  A spur off that goes along a pole line "road" to the north/east of the main road. I got through fine, but @greedyg had some fun picking up bikes about 30 times.  LOL. 

I've re-routed around that rough section.  If you use Google maps and let it route you, it will take you thru the tuff part because it is a slightly shorter distance. Stay up on the ridge and it's a cake walk. The updated route is on my Rever.

PS, it only sucks if you're the sweep...

Edited by greedyg
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I also put this on the Facebook page

FYI - Brown's Owens River Campground returns two locations on Google. The one you are looking for is: 6766 Benton Crossing Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

weather forecast - might consider some wet weather gear. Last year I rode with light thermals on under my pants and jacket. Worked great in the morning, had to strip them off at lunch.

 

mammothlakesSept2017.PNG

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The last few days be en thru Vancouver,  Hope, Lytton, Cashe Creek, Kamloops, Lilooett, Pemberton, Whistler.  Probably in  Squamish on Sunday. It'll be a rush to meet you guys at Benton

Sick. The forest road along the Squamish river is fast gravel. Braaap. Lilooet loop is pretty sick. I did tons of Flyfishing up there when I used to live in Whistler. Braaap safe! Hope you see some black s!
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