Steve's Mountain Bike Page
Turlock, California

Pre Surgery Photo-Less Bike Trips

For a number of reasons some trips may not have photos. The most common reason will probably be that I've already posted a sufficient number of photos for some places, particularly those that I frequently ride. However, I still want to add my comments and thoughts after each ride, without cluttering up the Mountain Bike homepage. Below is a list of photo-less trips and comments from each. Return to the trips page for links to previous trips which contain photos.

Briceberg, May 20, 2001. Today I rode on fire roads in the mountains above the Merced River at Briceberg with Jim and a young downhiller named Ben. As is always the case with Jim we went mostly uphill for about four and a half hours. The first hour was spent climbing up about 2,000 feet in 90 degree plus heat. However, the broad switchbacks made it not too difficult. The heat scared me a bit on the initial climb but I settled down after I loosened up. We then continued going up and down some pretty steep hills until we reached Black Mountain. Jim and Ben pushed/carried their bikes up a very steep hill and then rocketed down it just for fun. With my knees I probably couldn't have hiked up it and I know I couldn't ride down it anyway so I passed. It was at least 100 degrees by the time we finished. The heat seemed to bother Ben a bit so we found a stream for him to cool off in. The ride back down the switchbacks was quite fast, dusty, exciting and tough on the arms and hands. I wish I had taken my camera because the scenery was spectacular. We could see Half Dome and other Yosemite landmarks. Here is the route map. 

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, May 15, 2001. Two days ago I poked a hole into the center of the palm of my hand while gardening. However, since it was such a nice day I decided to try an easy ride at New Melones (GH) anyway. I really couldn't find a comfortable hand position on the handlebars so I had to take it a bit easy, particularly on the downhill's. I did two loops of the Buckbrush and Angels Creek trails, and one loop of everything else. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, May 10, 2001. It was another extremely hot day at New Melones (GH) so I took it fairly easy. I did just one Tower Climb and then two loops of everything else. I almost made every uphill switchback so perhaps taking it easy helped. I nearly made both climbs out of the Buckbrush Loop, stalling just near the top. Now that I've mastered the most difficult part, at the start, I expect to make it all the way very soon. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, May 8, 2001. Today I rode with Kip at New Melones (GH). It was an extremely hot day, perhaps in the mid 90's. We did two loops around the Peninsula and then headed up the Tower Climb switchbacks. We then went about 2/3 of the way down the steep connecting trail towards the Frontier Trail, turned around and climbed back up. We then went back down the switchbacks. Kip made most of them, I only made one. For the first time ever I went down the steep slick second hill at the bottom. Kip had some bike trouble so he had to quit. I did the Frontier Trail and Buckbrush Loop by myself. For the first time ever I essentially  made the climb out of the Buckbrush. However, near the top I drifted to the side of the trail, caught my pedals in some tall weeds and stalled. Here is the map.

Red Hills Area of Critical Concern, May 5, 2001. Today I did the ride I have a love/hate affair with, Red Hills, with Kip and Randy. Parts of it are what mountain biking is all about and parts of it are pure hell. Half way through the ride I always ask myself why I do such things to myself. It was a very hot day, but we had enough sense to start early and finish before it got too unbearable. We took the Old Sage trail out to the Six Bit and came back via Soaproot Ridge to the Old Sage where we then headed out and did the Overlook and Verbena Loops back to the paved road (Kip left us near the Overlook Loop). After crossing the road we came back to the trailhead via the Red Hills trail. As usual there were killer climbs up steep, rocky slopes and many steep, rocky descents. We did our fair share of walking up some of the steepest hills but we did virtually all the steep descents. I had a good fall into some gnarly old shrubs on the Red Hills trail. My pads took all the impact, but when I got home I discovered about a dozen small cuts in my side. Randy had two very serious falls but no apparent damage. After we finished Randy and I went up the steep climb at the trailhead just to ride down it (it's rocky, tough and scary). On the way up he did I guess what you'd call a "backo" (opposite of endo). His bike reared up and he flipped over backwards down the hill. It seemed pretty serious but he was OK. Here is the route map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, May 3, 2001. It was a beautiful, slightly warm day at New Melones (GH). I started at about 4:30 p.m. so the temperature cooled down throughout the ride. I did my usual two loops, starting and ending with the Tower Climb. Both climbs were faster than ever. However, I seem to have regressed on the switchbacks, missing 2-3 on each climb. Except for the climb out of the Buckbrush Loop, I had no trouble with any of the hills. I can now get up most of them without even standing. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, April 29, 2001. After my tough ride yesterday I headed out to New Melones (GH) expecting to do an easy ride. However, the weather was perfect, the Cytomax was iced, and I felt so good that I did my usual two loops, starting and ending with the Tower Climb. For the first time ever, I did the entire trip, including both Tower Climbs, entirely in my middle front chain ring. For the past eight months I always got off and walked up the second hill on the Tower Climb because I thought it was impossible. Just one week ago I tried it for the first time. Although I didn't make it then I started to think that it was not completely impossible. Today I made it on the second climb! I don't know how long it will last but lately I've been on quite a roll, doing things I could never do before. Hopefully it will continue. Here is the map.

Salmon Falls, Folsom Lake, April 28, 2001. The weather was perfect today (70 degrees) for a great solo ride at Salmon Falls. For the first time ever, I did the entire trip entirely in my middle front chain ring. That also includes the Flagstaff Hill climb, which I did five minutes faster than my previous best time. However, it was probably the most physical and mental effort I've put out since I last ran a marathon more than 20 years ago. It felt good though, and very satisfying. Somebody still passed me on the hill climb like I was standing still so I still have a long way to go. However, in my defense, few people, even veterans, take the route which includes this climb. What counts is that I'm still improving. On the return, for the first time ever, I took the high trail above the designated trail that most people walk. It is very steep, rocky, difficult, and somewhat dangerous. But it was a good challenge and quite fun. There is still a lot of poison oak on the trail. However, I borrowed an idea from Kip on our last ride. I now carry a pump pesticide sprayer filled with water to wash off the Technu when I finish. It works quite well. Here is the route map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, April 26, 2001. At about 85 degrees it was the hottest day so far this year. I thought I should take it easy but I ended up having a really strong, fast ride. I did every loop twice, starting and finishing with the Tower Climb. For the first time ever, I never used my granny gear on the entire ride. I also did the first Tower Climb two minutes faster than ever, and mostly in my middle front chain ring (except the switchbacks). I did the second Tower Climb entirely in my middle front chain ring and I made all but three switchbacks. Also, for the first time ever I made it up the one steep hill in the middle of the switchbacks (where I fell into the poison oak). Despite the heat and fast ride I felt quite comfortable and relatively untaxed the entire time. Riding consistently three times a week is really paying off. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, April 22, 2001. It was such a perfect day that I headed out to New Melones (GH) for an easy ride (since I rode at Salmon Falls yesterday). Despite trying to take it easy I had a pretty strong ride. I did every loop twice, perhaps as fast as ever, starting and finishing with the Tower Climb. I did the second Tower Climb faster than ever and I even passed some people who had a 10 minute head start. However, one rider passed me like I was standing still on the Frontier Trail. For the first time ever I tried the seemingly impossible second hill on the Tower Climb. I made it about half way so perhaps it is not that impossible for me. The number three switchback caught me again on both climbs. Here is the map.

Salmon Falls, Folsom Lake, April 21, 2001. Today I went back to Salmon Falls hoping to repeat the great ride I had just one week ago. Two days of rain had just finished and the trails were quite slow and muddy. The weather was cool and gloomy for most of the ride, clearing up for perhaps the last hour. Although it was a good ride it was nothing to compared to last week's. I went up Flagstaff Hill fairly well, but stalled twice trying to stay out of my granny gear. Since I had nothing special going on I just did one loop, saving something for a ride tomorrow. I'm still seeing progress though since it was faster than normal and I am now occasionally passing people from behind. I always used to be the one being passed. I had one harmless fall while charging up a hill standing. I stalled, fell over, and rolled down into some really soft, tall grass. Here is the route map.

Midpines Hill Climb, April 16, 2001. Although I could still feel the affects of my big ride two days ago, the weather was so nice (70 degrees) that I couldn't pass up riding (it is also spring break). I figure if I want to ride above Lake Tahoe this summer I have to get in better shape and I have to get used to climbing. Therefore, I headed out to Midpines, just above Mariposa, where the Sweetwater Point ride begins. It's always a double killer for me when I ride with Jim and his gang because, right from the start, it immediately goes up, gaining more than 1,500 feet in elevation. I'm very slow to warm up and I'm not in as good condition as the others. Today I went up and down it twice. My legs are getting stronger and my aerobic conditioning is rapidly improving. On the first climb I never used my granny gear, a first for me. On the second climb I stayed entirely in the middle front chain ring and I made it to the top several minutes faster than the first. I never became winded nor anaerobic, and I made no stops. Here is the route map. 

Salmon Falls, Folsom Lake, April 14, 2001. Today I had an amazing solo ride at Salmon Falls. It's a good place to ride solo because there are plenty of other bikers on the trails in case you get into trouble. It was a perfect day, about 70 degrees, clear blue skies, and I felt stronger than any ride I've ever done. I knew it was going to be a good day when I went up Flagstaff Hill, mostly out of my granny gear, without stopping. Normally I have to granny all the way and I have to get off and walk 3 - 4 times. I finished the loop around Flagstaff Hill about an hour faster than usual so I decided to do it again! I have a riding rule... the ride must last longer than the total driving time to and from it. I had to do a second loop or the ride would have been much shorter than the drive. Amazingly, I did the second Flagstaff Hill climb several minutes faster than the first, and using even less of my granny gear. I also made a lot of stuff I've never made before and I never had to stop and catch my breath, even at the top of Flagstaff Hill. I guess the now regular 3-4 weekly rides have begun to pay off. This is a thoroughly enjoyable ride with nearly every type of terrain and challenge. I especially enjoy the narrow, twisting singletrack filled with baby heads. I never knew what baby heads were until I rode here. Here is the route map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, April 12, 2001. After about a week of cool, gloomy weather we had a near perfect day so I took off work a little early and headed for New Melones (GH). It was about 70 degrees with clear blue skies and just enough wind to keep me cool. I felt especially strong and zoomed through every loop twice in record time, starting and finishing with the Tower Climb. I did the first Tower Climb considerably faster than ever and, after two hours on the trail I came back and did it even faster. I did a lot of pedaling while standing and the new front shocks seemed to make it considerably easier. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, April 7, 2001. Although the weather was quite threatening, I headed out to New Melones (GH) hoping to get in a ride on some new equipment. Yesterday I had my front suspension upgraded to a Rockshox SID XC. While the bike was in the shop I also upgraded my shifters and both derailleurs to XTR's, something I've been meaning to do for quite some time. Although it was cold and raining when I started, it looked like it might clear so I continued on in the rain for about half an hour. After that the rain held off for most of the rest of the ride. I did two of every loop, starting and finishing with the Tower Climb. Since it was slick in spots I only made about half the uphill switchbacks. The new shifters and derailleurs were as smooth as silk and the new front shocks seemed to help my climbing. As I was finishing the rain started again and the sky became quite ominous looking. I was quite lucky because minutes after getting in the truck a long, massive hailstorm struck. Here is the map.

Salmon Falls, Folsom Lake, April 1, 2001. Today I rode at Salmon Falls with Kip and Jamie, who we met at the trailhead. I was still recovering from my cold and my conditioning was doubtful for about the first hour. I had quite a bit of trouble on the long climb up Flagstaff Hill but after that I seemed to get stronger. The weather was perfect, 75 - 80 degrees, and the wildflower displays were quite spectacular. Both Kip and I made a lot of things we had never made before. I also managed to stay off my small front chin ring the entire trip (except for the Flagstaff Hill climb). We had to dodge quite a bit of poison oak and I'll be surprised if we don't break out in a day or so. We washed off with Technu as soon as we finished and hopefully it will help. Again, I forgot how thoroughly enjoyable this ride is. This was my third consecutive day of riding. The last time I tried two consecutive days I couldn't ride for a week. It appears my new seat and bag balm have done the trick! Here is the route map.

Sweetwater Point, near Mariposa, March 17, 2001. Today I rode in the mountains above Mariposa with Jim, Louis, Bill and John. As usual, the out-of-the-truck climb was a killer, but I made it about 15 minutes faster than the last time I rode there. A recent storm wreaked havoc with some of the trails. There were at least a dozen fallen trees we had to hike around. I had to leave the guys and return after about three hours due to a severe headache and general malaise. The bouncing around aggravated an apparent slight concussion I had earlier in the week at Dry Creek in Modesto. I "parted" some small branches with my head (wearing a helmet) but there was a big branch under them. I hit it quite hard and I've had headaches all week. Guess I'll have to take it easy for a while.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, March 10, 2001. I didn't have anybody to ride with today so I headed out to New Melones (GH) by myself. The weather was nearly perfect and I felt quite strong since I couldn't ride much during the week because my bike was in the shop. I got new front and rear derailleurs and upgraded my shifters to LX's (they are really smooth). I did every loop twice, except the Buckbrush and Angels Creek, which I did three times. On the second Angels Creek trip I took the loop up over the top of the hill for the first time. From the trail it looks difficult and the map even indicates it's supposed to be difficult. However, except for a steep descent at the end it is quite boring. If you take it you miss a much longer and more exciting ride around the north end of the loop through some Manzanitas. I finished up with a second ascent of the Tower Climb, turned around and went back down it. Only made one downhill switchback. If I ever make all of them I will consider myself pretty good. As I finished I ran into the guy I rode with on December 2. Shortly thereafter he broke his neck while riding. It's good to see he is all healed and back riding so soon. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, March 3, 2001. A big storm was coming in and everyone I know was either preparing to race tomorrow, sick, or a wimp, so I went out to New Melones (GH) by myself. Despite the approaching storm it was a fairly nice day. I did two of every loop, starting and ending with the Tower Climb. I felt a bit sluggish and clumsy, particularly on the Tower climbs. Perhaps it was just a bad day or I was just tired because, for the first time, I rode four times in one week. Could also be that I'm not as young as I used to be. However, at least I was out there. Here is the map.

Red Hills Area of Critical Concern, March 1, 2001. It was such a beautiful, warm, spring-like day that I left work early and headed out to Red Hills, which is only 40 miles away. I did the Serpentine Loop but found it too short and too boring. Either I'm getting better or just dumber because I decided to venture out onto the rocky singletrack by myself. I went up the Old Sage trail to about three quarters of the way up the monster, steep, rocky climb. It started getting late so I turned around and headed back. This is one place I wouldn't want to be caught in the dark. The last quarter mile down to the trailhead is the rockiest and meanest stuff I've ever gone down. As I bounced my way down through the rocks I just kept repeating one of Jim's comments as my mantra "your bike can go over anything". It was pretty scary but he was right. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, February 25, 2001. I went out to New Melones (GH) yesterday but it was pouring rain, cold and so windy I quit after a few minutes. Today the weather was perfect so I did two loops of every trail. I felt a bit sick/tired on the first Tower Climb so I took it fairly easy. After about an hour I felt better and continued on. I finished up with a second Tower Climb and did it considerably faster than the first. For the first time I actually stayed in the middle front chain ring on some of the Tower Climb, something I was never able to do before. Miner's Lettuce, California Poppies and many other wildflowers were beginning to cover the hillsides. Yesterday's winds knocked the white corollas (fused petals) off most of the Manzanitas, making it look like a hailstorm had hit some areas. Here is the map.

Red Hills Area of Critical Concern, February 20, 2001. Now that the days are getting longer I left work a little early and went for a quick training ride to Red Hills. However, since most of the area is really tough and technical, nobody else goes there on weekdays, and I was by myself, I stuck to the "safer" areas. I did the Serpentine Loop road twice and also ventured north and west of it. The road is quite hilly and rocky so it made for a good workout. Here is the map.

Red Hills Area of Critical Concern, February 17, 2001. Today I rode at Red Hills with Jim, Louis, Bill and John. At about 55 - 60 degrees, the weather was perfect for riding an area that is normally very hot and dusty. Although I've ridden there three times before, the guys pulled me along at about twice the pace I normally go. Therefore, we covered a lot of ground. Since we were going so fast I also did a lot of stuff I never tried before. I only chickened out on one short, but very steep, rocky descent. We took the following route: Old Sage to the cutoff  to Soaproot Ridge, the unmarked trail to Six Bit, back along the Old Sage, and back to the main road via the Butterweed, Overlook and Verbena trails. We then headed up the Serpentine Loop road to the top of the highest peak in the area and then came back down the Serpentine Loop. We then went half way up the north fork of the Red Hills trail, came back down it and returned via the paved road to the trail head. Despite this being the toughest place I've ever ridden, it was the most comfortable. I attribute this to a new seat and seatpost (raised two inches), and coating my chamois with Bag Balm. Remarkably, no incidents nor accidents to report. Here is the route map. Pictures of the area have been previously published on December 10, September 2 and September 4.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, February 13, 2001. Spring semester starts tomorrow so I tried to get a ride in this afternoon. It was a bit cool and windy but the right clothes and eventual sunny skies made for a comfortable ride. Due to recent heavy rains it was a bit muddy and there were a few pools of standing water scattered about. I came back pretty muddy. A bit of erosion and slick trails made the Tower Climb switchbacks more difficult than usual. I did two loops of the Buckbrush and Angels Creek trails, and one loop of everything else. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, February 8, 2001. I had a meeting until almost noon but, with storms coming, I decided to try to get a short ride in at New Melones (GH). It was a bit windy in the exposed areas, but otherwise nice weather. I did one loop of every trail. As usual, I made all but the number three switchback on the Tower Climb. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, February 2, 2001. Today I went with Randy to New Melones (GH). The weather was about perfect for biking. We did the Carson Creek Trail, Tower Climb (uphill), Frontier Trail, Buckbrush loop (twice) and Angels Creek Trail (twice). Randy took a wrong turn and we got separated. I went back via the Frontier Trail. However, after he didn't show up I rode back to Angels Creek looking for him. We found each other and then came back via the Frontier Trail. We did pretty well on the Tower Climb switchbacks. However, we both missed the number three switchback. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, January 25, 2001. A big storm was coming in later in the afternoon so I went out a little earlier than usual. It was fairly cool and windy but I was dressed appropriately so it didn't matter. I was about recovered from the cold I've had for nearly two weeks so I did every loop once, except the Buckbrush, which I did twice. It had rained the day before so there was a bit of water and mud here and there. However, most of the trails were fairly dry and in good shape. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, January 19 & 21, 2001. I've been sick for the past week so I went to New Melones (GH) on the 19th and 21st to gauge my condition. I did the Carson Creek Trail and Tower Climb on both days and half of the Frontier Trail on the 21st. It was clear I wasn't totally recovered so I called it quits. The weather was nice both days and it was still good just to be outdoors in the hills. Here is the map.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, January 5, 2001. It was another perfect day, warm and sunny. I did every loop twice, finishing by going up and then back down the Tower Climb. Nearly five months ago, on my first visit to New Melones (GH), I wrote of the uphill switchbacks "Going up a steep hill while simultaneously making a hairpin turn is out of my league. I walked all of them." Today, however, I finally made all of them on my first climb! Now I have to work on going down them, which seems an even more daunting task than going up. Perhaps it will take me another five months to do it but at least I have a new goal to strive for. Here is the map. 

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, January 2, 2001. It was cold, foggy and damp in the valley so I headed out to New Melones (GH) for one last ride before classes begin tomorrow. As usual it was perfect there, about 65 degrees and sunny. The fantastic weather, coupled with the high I was still on from my last ride, made it a great day. I zoomed around every loop twice in record time. Pedaling standing up seems to be doing my knees some good so I have been doing it a lot lately. It really helps keep the momentum up, particularly at the top of hills. On both Tower Climbs I tied my record of eight switchbacks, most of which are now getting to be pretty routine. Still can't string together the number three switchback though. Since I had some extra time and I needed a new challenge I also did the Tower Climb downhill for the first time. I made two switchbacks but a few more seem in reach very soon. Going downhill sure makes those cliffs, which drop off into the lake, seem steeper than when you go uphill at a slow pace! Here is the map. 

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, December 29, 2000. "Modern medicine" is an often overused term. However, Prednisone is indeed a miracle of modern medicine. Only two days after starting it my poison oak went into rapid remission, enough so that I could ride today. After one week of misery and just hanging around the house I couldn't have had a better day to ride. It was sunny and perhaps 65 to maybe even 70 degrees. I did two of every loop at New Melones (GH). On the second Tower Climb I tied my record by making eight of the switchbacks. Although I've made it several times, I still have trouble with the third. However, I'm confident I'll string all nine together very soon. Then I'll have to work on going down them, something which still seems impossible to me. Here is the map. 

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, December 22, 2000. Today was one of those days when everything came together, making it one of the most enjoyable rides I've ever had. The weather was perfect, I felt very strong, my balance and technical skills were the best ever, and I seemed to float along above the saddle. I felt so strong and confident that I zoomed through every loop twice. I knew it would be a good day after I upped my record by making eight of the nine uphill switchbacks on the first Tower Climb. I also attempted every sharp turn and steep uphill climb that I had never tried before, and I made most of them, on both loops. I attribute my recent success to the fact that I raised my saddle several inches, at Jim's suggestion, I no longer fear flying over the handlebars, I try to stay off the small front chain ring, and I get up out of the saddle a lot more often. I've also become very comfortable being clipped so I don't get scared and bail out like I used to. I had my first fall in a long time because I decided to charge up a hill I'd never made before, standing rather than sitting. I stalled half way and fell over the side of the trail. Fortunately I fell into some very brittle bushes, which broke my fall. I got a few scratches, but my elbow pads and hydration pack took most of the impact. Hopefully today was not a fluke and I'll continue to improve. In the not too distant future I seriously envision myself doing the entire loop without ever getting off the bike. 
Update: two days later I discovered that the bushes I fell into were poison oak! I got quite a rash over much of my body. Due to the holiday pharmacy closings I opted for a shot of a prednisone substitute. It didn't do much so a few days later I got the prednisone and it kicked in fairly quickly.

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, December 20, 2000. It was another perfect sunny day, too warm for long sleeves. I tried to take it easy so I did every loop only once. However, what once took nearly five hours (my first time) now took less than two. I upped my record by making seven of the nine uphill switchbacks on the Tower Climb. For the first time ever I also made the downhill switchback from the Frontier Trail to the Buckbrush Loop. Here is the map. 

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, December 9, 2000. It was another perfect December day, warm and sunny. Although I felt like spending the whole day riding around this area, I took it easy in anticipation of tomorrow's ride. I did every trail once, with the exception of the Buckbrush Loop, my favorite. I did it twice. I tied my previous record by making five of the switchbacks on the tower climb. This time I made two of the toughest, that I had never made before. If only I could just string them all together on one trip. Maybe soon. Here is the map. 

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, December 2, 2000. Today was one of those "great to be in California in December days". The weather was perfect, perhaps 65 degrees, sunny and calm. I met four other guys on the trail and did one loop of every trail with them. They were moving so they pulled me along faster than I would normally go by myself. Since I had some extra time and energy I repeated every loop, even the uphill Tower Climb. On the second climb I tied my previous record by making five of the switchbacks. No matter how much I think I've improved, I've yet to ride with anyone slower than myself. Here is the map. 
Update: on December 31 I received an email that one of the guys broke his neck at Hogan. Apparently he is doing well. I hope to meet him on the trails again soon.

Sweetwater Point, near Mariposa, November 18, 2000. Today I went with Jim and his friends to the Sweetwater Point area north of Mariposa. At more than 6 1/2 hours, this was the longest and most difficult bike trip I've ever taken. We covered much of what we did on October 28, plus a lot more. At least 5 hours were spent climbing up long hills. Again, as long as I didn't have to worry about my speed, I managed all but one or two climbs. There were several nasty steep singletrack descents. I chickened out on a few but I did most of them. Only one "fall", I purposely leaned over rather than go down a steep descent. For most of the trip the weather was perfect, sunny and perhaps at least 60 degrees. However, in some of the valleys it was quite cool and we crossed a good bit of snow here and there. Here is a topo map of the general area. (312 kb)

Coulterville - Dogtown, November 12, 2000. Today I needed some endurance and leg work so I repeated my first solo ride, near Coulterville. After nearly four months I was also curious about my fitness level. The route is nearly all dirt road with many very long, steep hill climbs. Although the trip was certainly a challenge, it was considerably easier and took much less time than the first time I did it. No walking up the hills this time. There was still frost on the ground when I started, but cloudless skies and calm winds made it feel warm enough for just shorts and a long sleeve jersey. A note to "fair-weather" bikers: cool temperatures are much more comfortable and safer to ride in than hot temperatures. On the last trip I become concerned about heat stroke. Pictures of the route have been previous published here. I followed the same route as before. I still couldn't find the old Hwy 49 so I had to take the paved Hwy 49 back. 

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, November 10, 2000. Today I took Randy, a colleague, out for one of his first rides on singletrack. It was a cool, sunny, fall day but once we got warmed up it was perfect biking weather. Since he has been an avid hiker, skier, cyclist and runner for many years, Randy was in top condition, he had excellent balance, and he seemed right at home on the trail. We did the Carson Creek Trail, Tower Climb (uphill), Frontier Trail, Angels Creek Trail (twice), Buckbrush loop (twice), and came back along the Frontier Trail. Randy made several of the uphill switchbacks and I upped my previous record from three to five. Here is the map. 

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, November 5, 2000. I was ill during the week so I picked an area close to home in case I wasn't fully recovered. It was an absolutely perfect fall day, 70 degrees, sunny and calm. I did the Carson Creek Trail, Tower Climb (uphill), Frontier Trail, Angels Creek Trail, Buckbrush loop, and came back along the Frontier Trail. I made three of the uphill switchbacks, one more than my previous record. Apparently my fitness level has increased since I completed all that in slightly more than half the time it used to take. Therefore, I added the Gold Rush Trail (out and back) plus another trip around the Carson Creek Trail (up to base of Tower Climb) and two trips around the peninsula loop. I almost did the Tower Climb a second time but figured I might regret it later. I made a conscious effort to stay off my small front chain ring as much as possible. Since I got hard soled biking shoes I've discovered that standing up in a higher gear beats spinning in the granny gear. The Gold Rush Trail is listed as easy and for the most part it is. However, beginners should be aware that it is seldom used so it is often little more than a narrow, grassy footpath. This makes it more difficult than it first appears. I would suggest that beginners start with the Carson Creek Trail and the peninsula loop, both of which are wide, smooth singletrack. Here is the map. 

New Melones (GH) Recreation Area, October 21, 2000. Because this was a solo trip and a warning was posted regarding a mountain lion with cubs on the trail, I just did the Carson Creek, Tower Climb, and Frontier Trails. Absolutely nobody else was on any trail and there were no cars in any of the parking lots. It was a little foggy and very quiet so I got a little spooked a few times. The Buckbrush and Angels Creek trails are quite isolated so I didn't feel confident doing them by myself. Here is the map. 
Update: on November 5 I met two people who told me they turned around and went home after reading the posting.

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