here - Downieville Classic

SierraTrails.org
YubaExpeditions.com
DownievilleClassic.com
LostandFoundBikeRide.com
Grinduro.com
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cover photo- Tim Gott
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Evolution Is A Thing
25 years ago, some entrepreneurial young men from Nevada City opened
a bike shop there and started guiding rides around the area. Downieville
was a strong attraction, and they found themselves running more and
more trips there, showing riders a wonderland of rugged backcountry trail
- uniquely challenging and uniquely beautiful. The shop started promoting
a bike race, and opened a kiosk in Downieville next to the pizza place. The
riders that had been introduced to the area through the guys at the shop,
and other riders, began spreading the word. They told tales of endless
rock gardens, nigh-hallucinatory fields of wildflowers, and a bounty of
backcountry singletrack that measured descents not in fractions of miles,
but in TENS of miles.
The shop became Yuba Expeditions, and the race the Downieville Classic. Word continued to spread, and people came to Downieville to ride
bikes in ever-greater numbers. They came, they rode, they ate, they drank,
they rented hotel rooms. In spite of the usual friction that can arise when
strangely dressed outsiders descend in great numbers on an isolated
community of people who don’t consider anyone local until they have at
least three generations buried in the cemetery, the newcomers brought
some much needed business to an economy that had reeled from mining
to logging to wondering just how best to survive in the post-extraction era.
Along the way, those formerly entrepreneurial young men grew up. They
started families, they staked themselves physically in place, and they
began to talk about wanting this area they loved to still be available in all
its rough-hewn beauty for their children to enjoy as they themselves grew
up. This desire to care for a place that had given so much catalyzed in
the winter of 2003, and the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship was born. A
lot of trees had come down on Second and Third Divide trails that winter,
and we needed a bigger chainsaw to log them out. But more than that,
we realized that we wanted to not just keep these legacy trails open - we
wanted to enhance them. We wanted to preserve the beauty of the Sierra
Buttes and Lakes Basin, and make the trails longer lasting, less erosive,
more fun to ride and hike, and we wanted to preserve the delicate balance
of open access that this region has enjoyed for so long. So, it was more
than just a chainsaw. It was the start of a long conversation about community, about communication, about recreation, about education, about
outreach, and ultimately, about combining all of those things with the common goal of handing down this idea of caring for a place from generation
to generation.
That long conversation has been going for over a decade now, and is still
being shaped. Along the way, some of those people who took shuttles
with the Coyote Adventure Company are now helping to steer our vision.
Others have bought houses in Downieville and Graeagle, and are raising
their children now with an appreciation for these mountains and lakes.
Meanwhile, we have watched children in Downieville grow up to be some
of the best trail builders you’ll ever meet, anywhere, and they’ve started
their own families up here.
We are proudly local. We hire local trailbuilders, we engage with local community, we are embedded in the curriculum of local education from grade
school to college. We host volunteer trail events that combine hard work
with skill building and almost always involve righteous parties. We started
here, focused on this place, but we also want to shout this message from
the mountaintops so it can be heard far and wide. This can play anywhere
there’s dirt and a willingness to work, and we know firsthand that it helps
build stronger communities. Ask us how. ~ Michael Ferrentino
Purveyors of Fine Singletrack
Trail Shuttles & Bike Rentals
Full Service Shop
Maps & Trail Info
208 Main Street, Downieville
(530) 289.3010
208 Main Street, Downieville
www.YubaExpeditions.com
(530) 289.3010
Book Shuttles & Rentals Online
August 4th - 7th 2016
Presented By
Chain of Events
THURSDAY
10am-4pm Trail shuttles, rides and swimming
5-8pm 2nd Annual Volunteer/Industry Rep Trifecta Competition
6pm BBQ : Hot dogs and sides brought to you by Hangtown Electric at
Yuba for purchase
6pm Beverages: Beer and drinks at SBTS Merch Booth for purchase
8-10:30pm Live music by Joy & Madness at Yuba Expeditions
The Bike Racing (see map center page)
POINT-TO-POINT CROSS COUNTRY RACE and ALL-MOUNTAIN
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, STAGE 1: SIERRA CITY TO DOWNIEVILLE
Saturday August 6th, 2016.
Sierra City to Downieville. 4,413' ascent / 5,692' descent.
FRIDAY
10am-4pm Trail shuttles, rides and swimming
3-7pm Registration in Downieville Community Hall
5-8pm Food trucks and New Belgium beer for purchase
8:30pm Santa Cruz Bicycles movie night Yuba Theatre in Downieville The Big Lebowski
The Downieville Classic cross country race is one of the last remaining
point-to-point mountain bike races in the United States, considered by many to be the ultimate test of rider and machine. The 29-mile course follows
a rugged Gold Rush era route that departs the mountain town of Sierra City
(elevation 4,100’), climbs to the crest of the Sierra Nevada (elevation 7,100’)
up what many call the “trail of tears” thanks to its unrelenting steepness,
rockiness and sun exposure. After reaching Packer Saddle, riders plunge
5,200 vertical feet into downtown Downieville by way of the notorious Gold
Valley OHV trail, aka “Baby Heads”, crossing Pauley Creek and descending
Pauley Creek Trail, finishing with Third Divide and First Divide trails. This
route is a golden pathway, selected as a tribute to the mountains, the rivers,
the fresh mountain air, and to the hard men that carved these trails through
the river canyons in search of gold and prosperity.
DOWNIEVILLE DOWNHILL RACE and ALL-MOUNTAIN WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIP, STAGE 2: PACKER SADDLE TO DOWNIEVILLE
Sunday August 7th, 2016.
Packer Saddle to Downieville. 5,333' descent / 1,010' ascent.
Dropping more than 5,000 vertical feet in 15 miles from Packer Saddle to
Downieville, the Downieville Downhill is the longest and most demanding
downhill mountain bike race in the nation. This prestigious race course follows the paths of the Sunrise Trail, Butcher Ranch Trail, Third Divide Trail
and First Divide Trail. Don’t let the word “downhill” fool you though, as
there’s still 1,000 feet of climbing on this physically demanding descent.
All-Mountain World Championships
The All-Mountain World Championship was born here in Downieville, and to
this day it remains. All-Mountain racers compete in both the cross-country
and the downhill on the same bike that must be the same weight on both
days. The All-Mountain is a true test of stamina, skill, character, equipment
and threshold for pain; in other words, those who win the All Mountain can
truly claim to be the most well-rounded mountain biker. Riders must choose
their weapon wisely; a bike that climbs efficiently, descends with precision,
and can handle a high-speed beat down without sudden failure. Bike weigh
in will take place at 8:00am before race start on Saturday and Sunday. No
switching parts – the bike must weigh the same each day.
SATURDAY
7-9am Registration at Sierra City Community Center
7-10am Coffee, bacon & avocado toast brought to you by Paul Component
9:30am Cross country race start in Sierra City
10am Downieville Classic Expo and Marketplace
12:00pm Rider food feed by Downieville Fire Dept and New Belgium beer
flowing for purchase
Afternoon: Ron’s House of Big Air brought to you by Fox Racing, Shimano
cast-off contest, SBTS drawing, Cross Country race award ceremonies,
Log Pull
8-10:30pm Downieville dance party with live music from The Nibblers
SUNDAY
7-10am Coffee, bacon & avocado toast brought to you by Paul Component
9:30am Downieville Downhill race start
10am Downieville Classic Expo and Marketplace
12:00pm Rider food feed by Downieville Fire Dept and New Belgium beer
flowing for purchase
Afternoon: Cosmo’s Wild Island, Downhill and All Mountain race award
ceremonies, SBTS drawing
www.DownievilleClassic.com
Bike Demos, Trail Shuttles & Expo
On Thursday and Friday before the racing starts, we’ve made the Yuba Expeditions shuttle vans available to get those pre-race runs in while assembling some
of the nation’s top manufacturers to offer bike and equipment demos to the
public. Thursday and Friday festivites will be in the Yuba Expeditions parking
lot. Give us a call at Yuba Expeditions to schedule shuttles (530) 289-3010 or
reserve online YubaExpeditions.com
VOLUNTEER/INDUSTRY REP TRIFECTA
Celebrating those hardworking souls who make the Classic happen, the Trifecta
is three games of speed, skill, and fun. The winner receives the coveted Trifecta
Championship Belt and bragging rights till the next Classic.
Log-Pull Competition
Sometime Saturday, August 6th
This one is self-explanatory. Pull a heavy-ass log down the length of Main Street
on a bike while your friends yell and pour beer on you. The timer stops after
you’ve finished a cold beverage. This event happens at some point Saturday,
probably right after the River Jump and before the awards. An announcement
will be made as to the start time. Word on the street is that 2011 Log Pull World
Champion Hightower will be in town (yes, the Santa Cruz Hightower is named
after him). And since we haven’t had the Log Pull since 2011, he’s the defending champion, so let’s see if someone can take him down. This is also a World
Championship event, because, why not? The UCI would never have a Log Pull
World Champioship, so they can go suck it.
Cozmo’s Wild Island Splashdown
Sunday, August 7th
The concept for Wild Island is to float a trail, using giant inner tubes with
plywood planks, and connecting a Wild Island in the middle of the river confluence. Riders make their way out to the Island on pixie bikes, while being
blasted by Super Soaker squirt guns. When they reach the island, adults will
consume a cold beverage and make their way back to land. Fastest person
wins. Good Times!
Ron Williams Memorial- Big Air river jump
Saturday, August 6th
What started out as a bad idea over a couple of beers has now turned into
a Downieville Classic tradition and another prestigious World Championship
that Downieville claims as our own. Known as Ron’s House O’ Big Air, the
70 foot long, 8 foot tall wooden ramp launches riders into one of the town’s
finest swimming holes at the confluence of “The Forks”, where the Downie
River and the North Yuba meet. Rider score is based on aerial acrobatics,
unfortunate mishaps, air time and creative dress. The action starts with
qualifying around Noon and competition starts around 1PM.
Bring a cold beer and lounge chair, sit back on the river bank, and watch as
aerial daredevils compete in this prestigious jump-off. Admission is free and
bikes are provided. Jumpers must sign a waiver and wear a helmet.
DOWNIEVILLE DAY CAMP
Saturday and Sunday
We’ve hired Rockin’ Nannies to entertain
the kids during racing hours and while the
band plays on Saturday night. Parents will
be able to pre-pay for the service, or pay
when they arrive. This special service allows parents to race and party without having to worry about the kiddos heading to the river unattended or playing chicken with cars on Highway 49. Camp
takes place at the Downieville School with games and activities in the school
gymnasium, and field trips to festival events. Childcare is just one more indicator that the Downieville Classic is now two decades old, and that our focus is
as much on the racing as it is on ensuring the event is fun for the entire family.
Space is limited. Parents can RSVP http://therockinnannies.com
www.DownievilleClassic.com
Homegrown Hero
So, we mentioned in the intro to this newsletter that our vision has been shaped as we have grown and matured, and
about our local roots, and about how we are living out this evolutionary conversation. If there could be any human
embodiment of what we are all about, that human would be Henry O’Donnell.
Henry was born and raised in Downieville, and his first job was at the age of 10 when he was hired to swat flies at
Yuba Expeditions for a nickel a piece. Blessed with quick reflexes, a focused mind, and hands the size of coal shovels,
he was a highly effective fly killer. Two years later he was the skinny kid
with the huge hands and feet leading groups of riders on tours of the trails
around Downieville, impressing everyone with not just his riding chops but
his level head and calm assurance. He grew, and grew, was twice selected
to represent the US junior squad at the mountain bike World Championships, racing professionally for Santa Cruz Syndicate, as well as becoming
a broadly experienced mechanic, forester, hunter, and all-around backcountry savant. He married his high school girlfriend, they became parents,
and now he and his family lives just over the hill in Quincy.
Henry is our lead trailbuilder. He has devised zip lines for toting rocks
across spans of impassable high country ground, has hewn bridges from
local trees felled on the spot, and has a knack for seeing lines in landscape
that blend into that terrain as if they were always there. He has finally
grown into his hands and feet, and wields a chainsaw with a 32” bar as if
it were a toy. Along the way he has gone from a hard working but reserved
man into someone who can also handle a crowd of schoolkids and speak
with authority in front of a board of supervisors. Having watched him grow
up, from the cool kid that he was into the solid, talented, hard-working man that he is, we couldn’t be more proud.
Proud that he brings his talents to work for us, that he’s raising a new generation of O’Donnell to pass along his love
of this place, and proud that we can keep him here, building trail in this place we call home. ~ Michael Ferrentino
Downieville and the Lost Sierra – Closer than You Think
So where the hell’s Downieville? Traveling to Downieville is like traveling to a ski resort, and if you’ve never been, you’re missing out! Google Map
it – our shop, Yuba Expeditions, is: 1 hr 45 mins from Reno; 1hr 20 mins from Truckee; 2 hrs from Chico and Sacramento; 2 hrs 20 mins from
South Lake Tahoe; and about 3 hrs 30 mins from the Bay Area. And what’s the Lost Sierra you ask? Well, that’s even closer than Downieville for
many. Graeagle, Portola, and Quincy are the main towns of the Lost Sierra region. This trail system includes the scenic Lakes Basin and Mount
Hough area filled with epic rides and hikes like Mills Peak, Sierra Buttes, and Mount Elwell, which is ranked one of the top rides in the world.
Favorite pastimes in the Lost Sierra region
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Turn off your phone, disconnect and enjoy silence
Go for a walk, ride a mountain bike, moto or horse
Hike up to the Sierra Buttes Lookout tower and explore the Pacific
Crest Trail and Lakes Basin
Hang at the rivers and lakes - tanin’, swimmin’, fishin’, floatin’, rock
jumpin’, SUPin’ or kayakin’ - it’s all good
Take a History Tour - visit the Sierra City Library, Downieville
Museum and The Gallows
Go see live music and stay-over at Sierra Valley Lodge in Calpine
Visit Will at 49 Wines for a taste of the good life
Drink coffee with the locals on the Downieville General Store porch
Take a 2- wheeled Graeagle Margarita Tour - Gray Eagle Lodge to
Knotty Pine to Coyote Bar & Grill; then get a ride home
Shoot pool and shots at the St. Charles in Downieville
Drink craft brews and play disc golf at The Brewing Lair in Blairsden
Enjoy a burrito and a cold one at La Cocina De Oro in Downieville
Volunteer for the Downieville Classic!
Go for a tour at the Kentucky Mine
Fly fishing on the North Yuba and Middle Feather rivers
Check out Frazier Falls in the Spring during the run-off
Golf on scenic and beautiful courses in Plumas County
Take a family bike ride through Freeman and Church meadows
Shopping and ice cream in Graeagle with a dip at the Mill Pond
The Trail Whisperer - Rediscovering the old ghost
trails of the Lost Sierra
words - Kurt Gensheimer
photos - James Adamson | dropmedia.tv
After guest speaking at the Downieville School last fall, I was given an
amazing gift by schoolteacher Robin Bolle (who also works the bar
at St. Charles Place). She handed me a copy of James J. Sinnott’s
book, “Downieville, Gold Town on the Yuba”. This 400+ page jewel of
historic riches is loaded with old photographs, stories and newspaper
clippings from The Mountain Messenger – the oldest weekly newspaper in California still in circulation. But of all its historic importance, the
most valuable part of the book are the old hand-drawn maps which
show the original footpath and wagon routes in and out of Downieville.
As a rabid trail hound, I was immediately lured in. Are these old paths
still there, covered by a century of deadfall? There’s only one way to
find out, so the Trail Whisperer went to work.
Scouting the Next Section of North Yuba Trail
As many historic trails as there are criss-crossing the Lost Sierra, there’s that many more still faintly bedded into these deep and steep canyons
that have been forgotten for more than 100 years. Although heavily grown over with deadfall and brush, the influence of man can still be found for
those willing to get off the beaten path. A few weeks ago I went on an exploratory mission of finding a water ditch seen both in old photographs
and on an old map. The ditch runs nearly two miles, starting above the
houses on Pearl Street and Highway 49, terminating at Pauley Creek
about halfway up lower First Divide. Although the brush and deadfall
were thick at times, the ditch was fully there. I followed it all the way
upstream to its terminus. Handlaid stone lined the entire route, and this
historic ditch could easily be recommissioned as a trail with some heavy
brush work and some rock work in a couple small slide areas.
My next mission was to try and find the old footpath along the High
Commission that ran from Downieville to Sierra City. High Commission
Ridge towers above town to the northeast, and was the original route
prospectors took in order to reach the Sierra Buttes and Sierra City. The
route also passes the abandoned High Commission mine. Finding the
start of the route was easy enough, a nicely graded roadbed that extends for about a quarter-mile. But as soon as it crossed a drainage, the
path became much harder to follow, with numerous game trails zig-zagging uphill in all directions. I eventually reached the High Commission
peak, demarcated by an old radio antenna that was broken into several
pieces. On the way I found the old mine, simply a couple of giant holes
in the mountainside that were blocked off with iron gates years ago by
the Forest Service. Although I had scramled more than 1,200 vertical
feet uphill in less than a mile, the footpath continued skyward, and as I
was running out of daylight, I turned back.
Both the High Commission and the old ditch along Pauley Creek may
come in handy for the future, as we start planning the next section of
North Yuba Trail from Downieville to Sierra City. However, as I explore
different potential routes more, I think the first few miles from town may
be better on the south side of the river, passing Lure Resort and Sierra
Shangri-La, then crossing over and ascending the ridge just past the
Caltrans maintenance yard three miles east of town.
From Sierra City to Bassetts the proposed North Yuba Trail has a much
more clear and obvious path. Still visible on old USGS topo maps, a
historic flume trail runs from just below Sardine Lake, across the shoulder of the Sierra Buttes, crossing over the Pacific Crest Trail, and terminating near the site of the Sierra Buttes Mine. As a bonus, this historic
flume has a series of intact tunnels, and for the most part, the trail is
entirely still there, complete with old wooden planks and rusty nails
scattered about. All it would need is some serious brush work and some
signature Stewardship rock work to make this a viable route from Sierra
City to Bassetts.
Spencer Creek Trail
Another long forgotten trail that’s quickly being reclaimed by nature is the Spencer Creek
Trail. This historic footpath descends from the Four Hills Mine on the south side of the
Sierra Crest near Jamison Creek Trail, passing Spencer Lakes and dropping aggressively
into the Lavezzola Creek drainage. The trail is still navigable, but is heavily overgrown and
in need of some rock work to make it fully rideable. Although the trail can be seen on old
USGS maps, it has disappeared from the most recent USGS survey maps.
Thankfully, the Stewardship has not forgotten about this trail passing through absolutely
stunning terrain with classic Lakes Basin rugged beauty, and if you look on any Stewardship map, you’ll still see Spencer Creek Trail. However, in order to keep this piece of history alive, it needs to be given some trail love, so get out there and experience it. Be forewarned – there will be some downhill hike-a-bike to avoid bodily injury, but treat it like a
proper backcountry adventure, and you’ll love every second of it. Pairing this trail up with
the historic Oakland Pond Trail and Lavezzola Creek Trail is one of the best backcountry
adventure rides you can do back to town from the shuttle dropoff at Packer Saddle.
Forest City
Zachi Anderson and the Forest Trails Alliance are behind all of the trails in Forest. It amazes
me how few people know about this historically rich enclave of ramshackle homes only six
miles south of Downieville, loaded with nearly 40 miles of pristine, world class singletrack.
Although it’s only six miles as the crow flies, there’s one major obstacle. If you’re standing
outside Yuba Expeditions, just look to the south. See that giant, steep ridge towering above
you? Yeah. You have to climb that beast in order to get to Forest City.
Sitting at 4,500 feet elevation, there’s two ways to get to Forest City. The “quick” way is to
go up Galloway Road, which takes my prize as “most diabolically steep fire road ever created”, or the more rational way, which is to head over to Goodyear’s Bar and ascent the far
more gentle Mountain House Road. Both ways are driveable in a capable vehicle (a car can
easily handle Mountain House) in about 30 or so minutes. Freaks of nature can ride to Forest
in about 90 minutes or less.
Once to Forest, there are a number of options. The trail network essentially does a huge
loop around town, which is surrounded on three sides by ridges in the shadow of Bald
Mountain. Riding Truckee Ditch Trail, Sandusky Trail, Ridge Runner and High Grade will net
you more than 20 miles of primo singletrack, and unlike most Downieville trails, Forest City trails are gently
graded and far less rocky. Forest is more reminiscent of riding in Oregon than in the rugged Lost Sierra,
and is fun for all skill levels.
But perhaps the most exciting prospect for the future of Forest City is the Mexican Mine Trail. This is a
shovel-ready project just waiting on funding to begin construction, and will connect the Forest City trail
network with Downieville via the North Yuba Trail extension. The trail will pass massive old growth trees
and a series of waterfalls on Rock Creek, before connecting with the North Yuba Trail just past the second
bridge at the uppermost part of the trail.
The Mexican Mine Trail is one of the most crucial connections for the entire region, serving as a singletrack link between two iconic and historic frontier towns. And although a historic footpath between the two
towns can be seen on those old hand-drawn maps, in typical frontier fashion, the footpath followed up the
Slug Creek drainage with no regard for grade. Going down, not so bad. But going up would be murder.
Besides, I don’t even know if it’s even “there” anymore. That’s still on the Trail Whisperer’s to-do list.
Boca & Loyalton Trail
On the western side of Sierra County between Boca Reservoir and the town of Loyalton is a network of old
railroad beds that have long been forgotten. Used in the early 1900s for logging operations, these railroads
criss-crossed the county, connecting Verdi, Truckee, Sierraville and Loyalton. Some of these old paths
have been converted to Forest Service roads, while others are slowly being reclaimed by nature. Most of
the historic railroad was destroyed in the 1994 Cottonwood Fire, leaving a gently graded dirt and rock path
perfect for recreation.
A couple years ago, the Stewardship was commissioned to create a few miles of non-motorized trail along
the old Boca & Loyalton railroad alignment. There’s still more than 20 miles of trail to be completed on the
Boca & Loyalton, and once its done this trail will serve as an important connector between Truckee and the
Sierra Valley, making the dream of linking the Tahoe region with the Lost Sierra by non-motorized trail one
step closer to reality. Usage of the trail will also help have a positive economic impact on the communities
of Loyalton and Sierraville.
OCTOBER 8th, 2016
The big question at Grinduro is “what kind of bike should I ride? ” Ride anything you want, but for those with podium hopes, a super lightweight mountain bike or a disc brake cyclocross bike with 40c tubeless tires seems to be
the hot setup.
In its inaugural year, Grinduro was voted “Event of the Year” by the Design
and Inovation Awards committee. Grinduro is just what the name suggests:
Gravel Grinder + Mountain Bike-Style Enduro = one long loop of pavement,
dirt and singletrack where finishing times aren’t based on overall loop time,
but four timed segments (each roughly five-to-seven minutes).
With a Gran Fondo-style mass start from Quincy, you’ll be pedaling out of
town and up the first climb and the pace will be conversational (somewhat)
because overall time doesn’t matter, only the four timed segments. Last year’s
course featured a mix of road, dirt double track and some world class singletrack on Mount Hough Trail. With a short one mile climb as the first timed
segment, a high speed fire road descent as the second, a flat to rolling paved
section for the third and the bottom four miles of Mount Hough Trail singletrack descent, Grinduro has something for every type of rider.
GIRO, SRAM AND CHARGE PRESENTS A NEW KIND OF BIKE RACE
Mountain Bike Downhill World Champion Greg Minaar was in attendance last
year, and he thought Grinduro was the “perfect mix between party and difficult”. Sounds like a Stewardship event to us! With free camping at the Plumas
Sierra County Fairgrounds in nearby Quincy, a gorgeous and challenging
60-mile route through the heart of the Northern Sierra Nevada, catered food,
an impressive display of art and gorgeous handmade bikes and live music,
Grinduro is equal parts party and ride.
With 8,000 feet of climbing in 65 miles, Grinduro is a serious undertaking but
isn’t meant to be a sufferfest. We’ve linked together some of our
favorite roads in a quiet corner of California’s Sierra Nevada.
4- timed segments (in no particular order)
#1 - a wide-open, practice-your-tuck, high-speed, non-technical affair
#2 - a flat-out, five kilometer time trial on flat-to-rolling blacktop
#3 - one mile of leg-searing, punchy climbing
#4 - a section of the twisty, singletrack descent back to Quincy
www.grinduro.com
Giro Sport Design is a Proud Sponsor of the Downieville Classic and the Sunrise Trail.
WE L CO ME TO T H E
RIVERSIDE INN
“...the one with the balconies
over the river.”
KITCHENETTES AVAILABLE
PRIVATE BALCONIES OVERLOOKING THE RIVER
BIKE SERVICE AREA FOR GUESTS
For Reservations call:
530.289.1000
e-mail: riversideinn@downieville.us
www.downieville.us
IBISCYCLES.COM
DOWNIEVILLE CLASSIC RACECOURSES
You can purchase our map
in a topographic format, printed on
waterproof and tear resistant
paper, with proceeds benefiting the
maintenance of featured trails.
AVAILABLE AT YUBA EXPEDITIONS
AND ONLINE AT
www.sierratrails.org/map
June 3rd, 2017
(Proposed Date)
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
Come to ride some of the most beautiful and
empty alpine valleys California has to offer
Presented By
The Lost & Found course features a perfect blend of pavement, dirt road,
gravel road and historic railroad grade. Racers must choose their weapon
wisely, but it seems the most successful ride is cyclocross bike with tubeless
35c-40c tires.
Festivities
Coot Bay at Lake Davis hosts the Start and Finish area with an outdoor expo
and beer garden. Post ride food is provided by Longboards Bar & Grill, with
tasty cold beer available from Sierra Nevada Brewing as well as the Brewing
Lair located in Blairsden CA. Three years in, the Lost and Found continues to
nearly double in size every year, so be sure to join us at Lake Davis in 2017.
The big boy route is 100 miles with 7,000’ of elevation gain and 80 percent
dirt. But don’t let the relatively modest climbing numbers fool you; at mile 75,
riders must tackle a 10-mile, 3,000 foot vertical ascent that is notorious for
crushing the soul and the legs.
A WEEKEND OF FUN IN THE SIERRA
The Lost and Found is a beautiful ride through the Lost Sierra, but there is so
much more to do. It’s a weekend campout where you can savor the smell of
dirt and smoke in your nostril hairs. Not a camper? Check out the Nakoma
Resort for comfort and room service. Take a hike, bike or horseback ride on
the Lake Davis Loop Trail. Fish for trophy trout or kill a pike – seriously kill
them. Swimming, kayaking, SUPing or boating or lakeside lounging sitting on
the beach soaking up sun and high sierra beauty. And visit the SBTS Marketplace to shop for a new bike, blingy part, or SBTS gear.
(530) 836-2SKI
Not feeling up to all that punishment? No problem. Also available are two
shorter course options; 30 miles and 60 miles. All three distances start at Coot
Bay on Lake Davis, located 15 minutes north of Portola, and takes riders on
a rolling tour around the lake, up into the surrounding mountains, descending
off Smith Peak, sending them through some of the most beautiful and empty
alpine valleys in all of California, loaded with wildflowers and green pastures.
Participants can choose to race or simply ride the route and take advantage
of numerous quality, well-stocked aid stations.
The Bike Racing - 3 ROUTE OPTIONS
100 mile route - 7,000' elevation gain
60 mile route - 4,000' elevation gain
30 mile route - 2,000' elevation gain
www.LostandFoundBikeRide.com
HowlingDogsBikeandSki.com
LOST & FOUND BIKE RIDE
LAKE DAVIS, CALIFORNIA
NEW FOR 2016-
LOST SIERRA TRIPLE CROWN
3- RACE SERIES
What would you do if you won a giant handmade, plasma-cut steel crown
with jewels embedded in it? Would you wear it every time you arrived home
from work chanting, “king in the castle, king in the castle”? Would you rock
it at St. Charles Place after a kickass day on the bike? Would you watch
TV in your underwear with a cold one in hand wearing it? Would you buy a
jewel-embossed scepter to match?
For those who can crush dreams at the Lost and Found, the Classic and
Grinduro!, you just might become the first ever Lost Sierra Triple Crown
winner, giving you permission to wear the crown wherever and whenever
you want. Scoring on a points scale of the Lost and Found 100-miler, the
Downieville Classic Cross Country and Grinduro!, the Lost Sierra Triple
Crown is the ultimate test of rider fitness and skill. Our fabrication wizard
friend Terrence Martin has handcrafted 14 of these beautiful crowns (stylishly modeled here by Willie), and will be laid upon the head of 12 different
category winners.
Missed out on this year’s Lost and Found? No worries. Just treat this year’s events as training for next year’s mission to win the illustrious crown. Trust us, it’s
worth the effort. This thing even has an adjustable steel band on the back to fit different head sizes. Yeah! Triple Crown winners will be announced at Grinduro on
October 8. For more details, visit: downievilleclassic.com/downieville-classic/lost-sierra-triple-crown
LAKES BASIN TRAIL SYSTEM
GRAEAGLE, CALIFORNIA
5.5”
5”
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ORGANIC
PRINTING PROCESS
MTN Bike Postcard Revised
TBD
CB13_735_MTN_Bike_Postcard.ai
DATE
05.06.13
PRODUCTION ARTIST
mv
4 Color Process
DIE LINE NUMBER
5.5” x 5”
OTHER INFORMATION
5.5” x 5” TRIM
R&D:
Design:
PRINTING STATIONS
PROCESS MATCH
Best Margaritas
in the
Lost Sierra
SUPPLIER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING WORKING DRAWINGS BEFORE PLATES ARE MADE FOR ACCURACY IN MEASUREMENTS, PLATE
TOLERANCE REQUIREMENTS, REGISTRATION AND CONSTRUCTION DETAILING, ANY CHANGES MADE TO SUIT PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS
SHOULD BE APPROVED BY CLIF BAR’S CREATIVE DEPARTMENT. COLOR PROOFS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO CLIF BAR’S CREATIVE
DEPARTMENT. ALL COPY SHOULD BE PROOFREAD BY CLIF BAR AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS CHECKED BY CLIF BAR’S LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Brand:
SUBSTRATE
(for reference only)
WHITE VINYL
.004mil
(does not print)
4/COLOR
PROCESS
PROC. MATCH
PMS 662
I STERLING LORENCE
PRINTER
FILE NAME
NOT FOR COLOR MATCHING
PROJECT
REFER TO ACTUAL CLIF BAR APPROVED COLORS
OR PANTONE® COLORS FOR PROPER MATCHING
Multisport Destination
Lodging
Restaurant
PROC. MATCH
PMS 485
PANTONE®-identified Color information has been provided by Clif Bar for the guidance of the printer. The colors displayed have not been evaluated by Pantone, Inc. for accuracy and may not match the
PANTONE Color Standards. Pantone assumes no responsibility for the final color generated. For the accurate PANTONE Color Standards, refer to the current editions of the PANTONE Color Publications.
PANTONE® is a registered trademark of Pantone, Inc. PANTONE® Color references are protected by copyright. PANTONE Trademarks and copyrights used with the permission of Pantone, Inc.
Proofing:
Located in Lakes Basin
800-635-8778
grayeaglelodge.com
Production:
KIRT
VOREIS
CHRIS
KOVARIK
FOXRACING.COM/MTB
The working man’s racing team looks forward
to seeing YOU at the 2016 Downieville Classic!
DISCOVER PORTOLA
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to creating and maintaining trails. Events are one of several ways the SBTS raises funds for making trail magic happen
in the Lost Sierra. If you’ve ever ridden the iconic trails of Downieville, the Lakes Basin and
Mills Peak near Graeagle, or our newest creation, Mount Hough Trail in Quincy, you know how
much time and effort goes into making these world-class trails. Our three events are not only
filled with challenges, adventure, camaraderie and a huge post-event celebration, but part
of your entry fee also helps employ as many as 15 local Plumas and Sierra County residents
full-time, working to establish a more sustainable recreation-based economy. Additionally,
we have helped provide learning environments for local schools, and tied together the idea of
recreation and environmental stewardship in our local communities.
Participating in an SBTS event is more than just riding your bike and having a good time; it’s
helping create some of the best trails in America while helping communities in the Lost Sierra
thrive, keeping the dream of wholesome mountain living alive and well. None of this could be
possible without the support of our members and volunteers. We’re always looking to expand
the tribe of likeminded folk, so if you love riding and maintaining great trails, love to adventure
and love to kick back and party, ask about becoming a Core Member at the SBTS booth.
Thanks for your continued support and participation, and see you trailside!
NORTH YUBA TRAIL
DOWNIEVILLE, CALIFORNIA
Co Ask
mp us a
uT bo
ra ut
ine
r
Sales ✸ Professional Service
Focus ✫ Raleigh ✫ Santa Cruz
Lapierre ✫ Redline ✸ Kali
Give us a call
530.478.5888
121 argall way
nevada city
realwheelsbike.com
GOOD LUCK RACERS!
Sierra Buttes
Trail Stewardship
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OFFERED -
Our mission is:
“to preserve, enhance and
restore the trails of the
Sierra Buttes region for
diverse trail users through
collaboration, education,
stewardship and having fun”
We have experience in all phases of trail development, trails master planning, backcountry risk management and project fulfillment. We specialize in
the design of sustainable trails and trail systems, and offer the following
services for hire throughout the world.
Who We Are...
Formed in 2003, the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is a 501c3 non-profit
dedicated to preserving and enhancing recreational trails in the Sierra Buttes
region. Our founding goal is ensuring that these recreational gems will withstand the test of time and the ravages of nature, and be able to provide access and enjoyment for ALL users for generations to come.
This area is very dear to us, and we consider the access to this special environment to be of major importance to the local community as well as visitors
seeking recreation. The maintenance and improvement of these trails, in
order to mitigate the impact that occurs with use, minimize erosion and watershed encroachment, and ensure long-term trail stability, has been a focal
point for us, and has provided both inspiration as well as satisfaction for our
growing family of volunteers.
Since our founding in 2003, with the help of our members and volunteers,
we’ve restored over 100 miles of trail, and created another 50 miles of new
trail. Additionally, we have helped provide learning environments for local
schools, and tied together the idea of recreation and environmental
stewardship in our local communities.
That said, we can always use some extra helping hands.
BECOME A MEMBER OF OUR TRIBE
WWW.SIERRATRAILS.ORG
The Carriage House Inn
Professional Trail Crew We've been digging in the dirt professionally for over a decade, working
with: private landowners, City, County, State and Federal agencies, Land
Trusts and School Districts; performing the following trail services:
construction, restoration, maintenance and enhancement; with first-hand
knowledge of working in a wide range of area designations: Wilderness,
Roadless, Wild & Scenic, OHV and Recreation; on the following trail types:
motorized, multiple-use, Pacific Crest Trail and ADA accessible pathways.
Volunteer Programs -
SBTS holds the proper insurance policies ($1 million liability, workers comp
for employees, incidental for volunteers), enabling us to "partner" with
County, State and Federal agencies. This allows us, as a non-profit, to
involve volunteers on projects, get quality work done that might not otherwise happen, leverage available funding by sometimes as much as 1500%,
and help create a long-term maintenance plan that engages the public and
lessens the load on land managers.
Event Production -
With 25 years experience in event promotion, we offer consultation services
geared towards all phases of production: concept, permit procurement,
logistics and operating plans, marketing, registration and participant and
volunteer management. We do this everyday!
• bike wash and secure storage areas
• tasty breakfast breads and muffins
• affordable rates
• mountain bike shuttle arrangements
Tourism Development and Community Design -
We are available for Guest Speaking appearances and consultations
focused on the positive economic affects of recreational tourism on rural
communities, and how to engage local land managers and the community.
Best Roasted Coffee and Best Patio to BBQ ON THE RIVER
GRAEAGLE STORE
Groceries and General Store
Since 1918
bikes (and their owners) are always welcome
For reservations call 530-289-3573
www.downievillecarriagehouse.com
email chinn58@att.net
proprietors Liz and Richard Halliday
7386 Highway 89 Graeagle, CA
Open 7 Days a Week
530.836.2519
SBTS STUDENT TRAIL CREW - AVAILABLE CERTIFICATIONS
• CPR & Backcountry First Aid
• Trail Tool Usage & Upkeep. Cross Cut and Hand Saw Usage
• Trail Maintenance & Restoration
• Sustainable Trail Planning, Design & Layout
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
WWW.SIERRATRAILS.ORG
Youth Employment and Training ProgramsThe Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship hires 10 Plumas High School students
(ages 16-17) for a summer work program, focused on restoring and
constructing trails in the Plumas National Forest. Members are supervised
by two adult Crew Leaders that are familiar with the work area, are experts
in trail restoration, and are well rehearsed in backcountry safety. Members
live in tents, cook their own meals and practice “no impact” camping.
STUDENT TRAIL CREW RESPONSIBILITIES
• Development of an Emergency Action Plan
• Maintain and care for tools and equipment
• Produce quality trail work and be accountable to crew members
• Cook and prepare meals for the group, set up and tear down camp
• Document work completed through: photos, work reports and blogging
www.nakomaresort.Com
BASECAMP
REFINED
THE LODGE
AT NAKOMA
ELEVATED MOUNTAIN BIKING BY DAY
ELEVATED LUXURY AT NIGHT
NAKOMA’S ADVENTURE CONCIERGE CAN HELP YOU
PLAN YOUR EXPLORATION OF THE LOST SIERRA.
NAKOMA…RIDE ELEVATED™
JUST A SHORT DRIVE NORTH
OF TRUCKEE OFF HIGHWAY 89
348 BEAR RUN // CLIO, CALIFORNIA 96106 // CONTACT OUR ADVENTURE CONCIERGE: 877.462.5662
CHURCH, FREEMAN AND HOWARD CREEK MEADOWS
PL
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Red Fir
Nature Trail
spring
Mohawk
Gap
NA
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ON
Kelly Cabins
spring
AL
Locke
Mine
FS S721
spring
7,522’
FS 28
Church
Meadows
L
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Haven
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Lake
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7,887’
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7,415’’
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7,854’
7,439’
Haskell Peak
elev. 8,107’
ON
Lower
Salmon Lake
AL
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Go
Goose
Lake
Bo
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7,434’
Woodchuck
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Litt
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Hayes
Mine
Gold
Lake
FAMILY FRIENDLY MEADOW TOUR
DIRT ROAD
TRAIL
PAVEMENT
rC
ree
k
Big
Bo
u
Mill
elev. 7,374’
ek
UM
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Frazier Creek
Mills Peak
Lookout elev. 7,342’
H
Chapman
Saddle
FO
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RE
FS 09
ST
7,545’
Yuba Expeditions
INFINITE FREEDOM
EAGLE ™ TECHNOLOGY
pioneered backcountry mountain biking in
Downieville and the Lost Sierra
As a partner and supporting fundraising business for the
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, all proceeds from
Yuba Expeditions goes directly to trail maintenance, trail
construction, and local employment. As the first
company to offer trailhead transport in the region, we are your
one-stop shop for adventure with shuttle service, Santa Cruz
and Ibis demo bikes (new & used sold throughout season),
expert service and repairs, trail advice and conditions reports.
Book online yubaexpeditions.com or call 530.289.3010.
Visit us at 208 Main Street in Downieville down by the river.
MOUNT HOUGH / SOUTH PARK TRAIL SYSTEM
QUINCY, CALIFORNIA