Steve's Mountain Bike Page
Turlock, California

Auburn, California
December 3, 2005

Today I had a great ride at Auburn, California with Tim (UncleMTB), Dan (Dan'ger), Dave (8Trak), Dave (Ibisguy), Bob (Zon) and Patrick (Pffft). The Auburn State Recreation Area is a huge, rugged park in the Sierra Foothills along the North and Middle Forks of the American River. I have driven across the Foresthill bridge, nearly 800 feet above the ravine, and it is quite impressive. But given the steepness of the ravine I had always hesitated to try riding out of it. But I'm desperate for another winter riding place so I decided to give it a try.

We parked at the bottom of the ravine and headed up the Clementine Trail to the Connector Trail. About eight miles in something overcame me and I thought I was going to die. Whatever it was, it mostly passed after a bit of a rest and a Clifshot. We then went around Forest Hill Divide counterclockwise, came back via the Connector Trail, and then took the Culvert Trail down to the Confluence Trail and back to the start. At 25 miles and about 3,300 ft. of climbing it was a pretty good workout.

It was near freezing at the start, perhaps 40-45 degrees in the sun on the trail, but sometimes near freezing, very humid and a bit frosty along the trails in the shade. So the speedsters went at their own pace and occasionally waited for Ibisguy and myself. However, Ibisguy has come a long way in the past few months and he was moving pretty well. The Connector Trail on the return, north side of Foresthill Divide and the Confluence were the most fun. Here is a map of the trails.

Click on an image to enlarge it

Cool at start	American River	Foresthill Bridge	Dave and Dave	Dan,  Bob, Tim	Tree portage
Break time	Scenery	The river	Patrick	The river	Tim, Dave Patrick
Blurry bridge photo	Dave up a switchback	Connector Trail	Dave in Culvert tunnel	Dave on Culvert Trail	Patrick on Culvert Trail
Scenery	Confluence Trail	Confluence Trail	Patrick Tim	Patrick on Confluence Trail	Patrick on Confluence Trail
River below	The bridges	Foresthill Bridge	Dave, Dan	Tim

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