Mark you Calendars: 2nd Annual Party at Pinecrest

[0gre]

On September 22nd and 23rd the TROGS, the Ogre (hey that's me!), and some Sonora area locals are inviting you to a get together at Pinecrest Peak. Prepare for 2 days of riding, camping, and general MTB mayhem. If you’ve never ridden at Pinecrest this is a great chance to experience some awesome Sierra Nevada trails which are a bit off the beaten track. Anyone is welcome to show up and we have plans for any level of rider.

Read the Full Details on my Site.

I'm sure you've seen me or the TROGS blabbing about this trail. I'm not going to clog up this page with a ton of pics, I have links on my page and you can search the forum for threads chock of great photos.

[cmktech]

Ogre, I would love to come, any chance for someone like me?

[0gre]

Originally Posted by cmktech

Ogre, I would love to come, any chance for someone like me?

Yes, and if you can get to Modesto or ever Ceres I'm sure a carpool can be worked out also.

Like I said, a little something for everyone.

[cmktech]

carpool would be awesome.

[Fiona]

I'm willing to lead any beginning/intermediate riders on a sweet little route I know. I've posted my ride description before, but basically it's about 10-12 miles of assorted types (road, singletrack, fireroad). I ride with a no-drop policy and slowest rider sets the pace. We can stop as often as anyone needs. And there are stellar vistas on almost the entire route to keep your eyes happy. Ladies and gents are both welcome.

Fiona

[Finch Platte]

Originally Posted by cmktech

Ogre, I would love to come, any chance for someone like me?

Edit: I read this later and made no sense out of it, so I erased it. :^P

[Miggs70]

I am living proof of that statement. Fiona took me on this ride last year. I think it was my 3rd or 4th ride I had ever been on. I think we set a record for how long it took us to do 12 miles thanks to me being so out of shape.

My wife and I will be up for it this year. I know it won't be a problem for me this time, but I'm not quite ready to go play with the big boys.
I'm still trying to talk her into camping though...

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by Miggs70

I am living proof of that statement. Fiona took me on this ride last year. I think it was my 3rd or 4th ride I had ever been on. I think we set a record for how long it took us to do 12 miles thanks to me being so out of shape.

My wife and I will be up for it this year. I know it won't be a problem for me this time, but I'm not quite ready to go play with the big boys.
I'm still trying to talk her into camping though...

I'm certain we can find you a spot but no promises on Redneck Dinner Theatre.

Seriously, look forward to seeing you again.

Fiona

[0gre]

Originally Posted by Miggs70

I am living proof of that statement. Fiona took me on this ride last year. I think it was my 3rd or 4th ride I had ever been on. I think we set a record for how long it took us to do 12 miles thanks to me being so out of shape.

My wife and I will be up for it this year. I know it won't be a problem for me this time, but I'm not quite ready to go play with the big boys.
I'm still trying to talk her into camping though...

There are also a ton of cabins in Strawberry if you wanted to cough up a little cash for some 'luxury'. The cabins are right smack in the middle of it all.

[Miggs70]

Originally Posted by Fiona

no promises on Redneck Dinner

Fiona

Oh I was looking forward to that!! I was wondering after Ogre's account of the last trip if you guys could replay it out for everybody...

[TACORICAN]

I would love to camp but I have a flight on Sunday at 6AM. I am down for a day trip and will most likely be on the beginner/intermediate ride.

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by TACORICAN

I would love to camp but I have a flight on Sunday at 6AM. I am down for a day trip and will most likely be on the beginner/intermediate ride.

Hope to see you there.

Fiona

[Brainstump]

I've been meaning to check out the Strawberry area for the longest time. I've read the ride reports, seen the pictures, and have been quite intriged.

One thing has kept me away..... It's so far away! It's 140 miles and a little over 3 hours from where I live in the northern part of the Sacramento area. I am comfortable with a 4 hour round trip drive for a ride. But 6 hours of driving is stretching it!

Is it really worth the long drive? Someone convince me!

[0gre]

Originally Posted by Brainstump

I've been meaning to check out the Strawberry area for the longest time. I've read the ride reports, seen the pictures, and have been quite intriged.

One thing has kept me away..... It's so far away! It's 140 miles and a little over 3 hours from where I live in the northern part of the Sacramento area. I am comfortable with a 4 hour round trip drive for a ride. But 6 hours of driving is stretching it!

Is it really worth the long drive? Someone convince me!

Well I've just about given up trying to convince people.

1) Spend the night then it's only 3 hours each day.

2) Two 30+ mile rides, all stuff you've never ridden including a great technical DH to finish the day.

3) Not many places you can find this kind of rocky technical riding.

So if you want something different, with lots of technical riding, super fun, skinny trails then you won't be disappointed.

[wg]

Crap... wrong weekend. The 29th I've got both days but no can do on the 22nd. Buuuummmmerrrrr.

[Joseph-da-trog]

[quote=Brainstump]I've been meaning to check out the Strawberry area for the longest time. I've read the ride reports, seen the pictures, and have been quite intriged.

One thing has kept me away..... It's so far away! It's 140 miles and a little over 3 hours from where I live in the northern part of the Sacramento area. I am comfortable with a 4 hour round trip drive for a ride. But 6 hours of driving is stretching it!

Is it really worth the long drive? Someone convince me![/QUOT


Uuhh? PCP is 100 miles from my door. Bear Valley is 150 miles from my door. HITG is 3 hours from door to trail head.
There has been many times that we Trogs have done these rides just for the day. Many times I will get up 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning so I can be at a trail head on time to ride with my MTBr bros. Dennis and I sacrifice a lot to ride with the people on this board. Driving a long distance is a given to any Trog. I think there is a BIG,BIG misconception that the sierra rides that we post here and ride when the snow melts are right in our back yard. I am here to tell you that most rides we do are 2+ hours North, South, East and West of the central valley.

To many Sac and Bay peeps btch, moan and complain Waaaay to much about driving any distance for good MTBing. But these same people would have no problem loading up the truck to go snow skiing for the day. So why in the hell would you not do the same for your MTBing sport? PCP offers safer driving and a Free lift ticket in this case and some of the greatest ST around.

So you asks is it worth it? You better believe it is so worth it. Why? Because if MTBing in the High Sierras was not worth the long drives I can guarantee you it would not get posted by any of us or Ogre

[fred-da-trog]

Ogre, stop by and chat with the fella that runs the bike rentals at PC Lake.

He's a buddy of mountainboat...builds trails...has lots of maps...does GPS'n...hooked me up with some new stuff in the PC lake area. I didn't have a chance to ride it though it looks very promising on the maps.

I may be out for Sat. I'll know for sure later in the week.

[nickelbolt]

Originally Posted by Brainstump

I've been meaning to check out the Strawberry area for the longest time. I've read the ride reports, seen the pictures, and have been quite intriged.

One thing has kept me away..... It's so far away! It's 140 miles and a little over 3 hours from where I live in the northern part of the Sacramento area. I am comfortable with a 4 hour round trip drive for a ride. But 6 hours of driving is stretching it!

Is it really worth the long drive? Someone convince me!

I live in Chico and have been making the drive to the area for the past 10+ years. My family has a cabin in Twain Harte. I'm not going to make this event, but I can tell you the riding is worth it. I went up there on Labor Day weekend and hit some trails near Pinecrest for the first time in my life. Had a blast. I can't wait to get back there before the snow falls. Prior to that riding trip, I had never ridden any trails up there. Mostly just fished, backpacked, etc. Next time I go I'm going to hit the Pinecrest Peak stuff and anything I can find near Twain Harte. GO. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.

[sportsman]

Originally Posted by 0gre

Well I've just about given up trying to convince people.

you've convinced me.. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone

skinny trails? bummer, I'll still try to enjoy myself

[0gre]

Originally Posted by fred-da-trog

Ogre, stop by and chat with the fella that runs the bike rentals at PC Lake.

He's a buddy of mountainboat...builds trails...has lots of maps...does GPS'n...hooked me up with some new stuff in the PC lake area. I didn't have a chance to ride it though it looks very promising on the maps.

I may be out for Sat. I'll know for sure later in the week.

I think I might have hit some of them. I rode with MtnBoat yesterday kicked myass bad. We did about 6 miles of climbing then 25 miles of back country/ rugged hike-a-bike/ death march kind of stuff then finished the day with this fun downhill that ends right at the Lake PC campgrounds. Very nice trail, Jeff said Brett from teh bike rental place build most of it. I think it's all legal since it follows the XC skiing routes. It's kind of wild there's even a section where the trail splits into beginner and advanced sections then merges back together later.

Also found some new singletrack off of Eagle Peak and down by the campgrounds. The stuff that ends at PC lake is better though. Trying to figure out how to tie that in for the weekend rides.

[fred-da-trog]

Your description sounds like you did hit it.

I have Brett's map. He laid it out as a lollipop route from the lake.

He's also working on a back country route from PC to Cold Springs. Lots of good stuff in the future.

I suggested to him to start posting some trail work days.

Looks like I'm back in for the weekend

[Joseph-da-trog]

Originally Posted by fred-da-trog

Your description sounds like you did hit it.

I have Brett's map. He laid it out as a lollipop route from the lake.

He's also working on a back country route from PC to Cold Springs. Lots of good stuff in the future.

I suggested to him to start posting some trail work days.

Looks like I'm back in for the weekend

FDT coming. I am starting to love this area even more. Last session we meet Jeff B. This session we meet Seth and his wife witch live right down the street form the Strawberry Store. Then Dan and his son ride with us a couple weekend ago and they also have a Cabin in this area and know the trails and area well also. Man seem like more time we spend up there the more people we meet that have the same passion for the trails and the new trails that are popping up all the time.

I am so looking forward to bringing in some new PCP addicts this weekend

[El Caballo]

I'd love to come, but there's no place near there that my girl can rent a MTB as far as I know. (She would be doing the easy rides with Fiona.) Anyone have a hardtail for someone about 5'2" knocking around?

[0gre]

Originally Posted by El Caballo

I'd love to come, but there's no place near there that my girl can rent a MTB as far as I know. (She would be doing the easy rides with Fiona.) Anyone have a hardtail for someone about 5'2" knocking around?

Actually... there is a bike rental place in Pinecrest... I'll have to check out for certain but the guy who rents them also does a lot of trail building.

http://www.pinecrestlakeresort.com/A...0Pinecrest.htm

"A new addition in 2005, The Pinecrest Hub, a bicycle rental and repair shop, has bikes, strollers, and bike trailers for people of all ages and sizes. Take a relaxing spin on a classic cruiser or mountain bike. Save time and space by renting your bike at the Pinecrest Hub. Open May-September."

Unfortunately they don't have a website, only an email address.

[Nine]

I have had this weekend planned for months now. There are 4 of us coming up Saturday and leaving Monday. I am not sure where my friends got a description of some of the rides, but when I went searching around for more info, 0gre's maps hit. This place looks like a lot of fun. Sooooo does anyone have any sort of set time to meet, ride, drink? Any thoughts about the incoming storm?

[Nine]

Never mind...I just saw the url to the details.....see you there....

[0gre]

Originally Posted by Nine

I have had this weekend planned for months now. There are 4 of us coming up Saturday and leaving Monday. I am not sure where my friends got a description of some of the rides, but when I went searching around for more info, 0gre's maps hit. This place looks like a lot of fun. Sooooo does anyone have any sort of set time to meet, ride, drink? Any thoughts about the incoming storm?

Any rain prior to the ride will only improve conditions. Wunderground shows the momst likely rain/ snow on Wednesday and Thursday. If it actually snows the higher elevation stuff will be interesting. Seems unlikely that a significant amount of snow will stick. I'll see if I can get a conditions update from some locals before the weekend and post it.

Over the weekend it looks like maybe rain on Saturday We'll have to see how it plays out.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of rain showers. Highs 43 to 53 higher elevations...53 to 63 lower elevations.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows 41 to 51.

Sunday
Mostly clear. Highs 48 to 59 higher elevations...60 to 70 lower elevations. Lows 42 to 52.

[Fiona]

So, while I was up there last weekend Emily asked if we're going to do the BBQ thing? I told her I figured we would. How's that sound? What will you bring? I can bring my small hibachi grill and will have a couple Lockford sausages. Might have some Trollhouse cookies for dessert too. I'm hoping the rain isn't an issue, but we can grill outside both nights if it stays dry.

Fiona

[Brainstump]

Is this Saturday expert ride still on the table?....

"Expert Route: This is a highly challenging ride for expert level mountain bikers, it’s a 35-40+ mile route with tons of climbing, technical cross country riding and finishes with the the killer Pinecrest Peak Downhill"

The current weather forcast looks good for Sat: Mostly sunny, with a few clouds.

If the long expert ride is still planned for Saturday, I'd like to join you guys.
I plan on coming up for the day, then heading home. Should be at the Strawberry store by 9:30am.

Hopefully, I will become as addicted to PCP as the Trogs are.

[0gre]

Originally Posted by Brainstump

Is this Saturday expert ride still on the table?....

"Expert Route: This is a highly challenging ride for expert level mountain bikers, it’s a 35-40+ mile route with tons of climbing, technical cross country riding and finishes with the the killer Pinecrest Peak Downhill"

The current weather forcast looks good for Sat: Mostly sunny, with a few clouds.

If the long expert ride is still planned for Saturday, I'd like to join you guys.
I plan on coming up for the day, then heading home. Should be at the Strawberry store by 9:30am.

Hopefully, I will become as addicted to PCP as the Trogs are.

Well if it's pouring rain then I might reconsider but if it's just threatening showers then heck yeah I'll ride.

I don't know about getting addicted. It's a great trail though and well worth the trip at least once. I'm trying to figure out how to tie it with some other stuff on the far side of the lake. Might require a big stretch of road climbing though. Regardless we've got a nice 33 mile ride. Doing the other side of the lake would bump it up to 40+ miles.

[Brainstump]

Originally Posted by 0gre

Well if it's pouring rain then I might reconsider but if it's just threatening showers then heck yeah I'll ride.

I don't know about getting addicted. It's a great trail though and well worth the trip at least once. I'm trying to figure out how to tie it with some other stuff on the far side of the lake. Might require a big stretch of road climbing though. Regardless we've got a nice 33 mile ride. Doing the other side of the lake would bump it up to 40+ miles.

Yeah, the latest forecast is not looking as promising for Sat. as it did last night....we'll see.
BTW, I don't mind a little road riding or climbing.

What's the elevation range up there?

[0gre]

Originally Posted by Brainstump

Yeah, the latest forecast is not looking as promising for Sat. as it did last night....we'll see.
BTW, I don't mind a little road riding or climbing.

What's the elevation range up there?

Bottom is around 5400', Pinecrest Peak is about 8400'.

I did climb to Eagle Peak the other day which is 9250 or so, but the payoff is questionable for the amount of work. Absolutely incredible views and you feel like you are on top of the world. The peak is a tiny little rock with drop offs on both sides, to one side it's about a 200-300' drop. You get full 360 degree views and the sense of vertigo is crazy, I didn't even want to stand up. The problem is that the singletrack descent from there is fairly short and while Ok, we both agreed it's not worth the effort for the descent. Worse, you have to do almost all of the climbing on Forest Roads so you are climbing for 15 miles and 4000+ for damn near 3 hours solid.

The route I'm planning still has a good hour long forest road climb plus a later forest road climb of about 45 minutes but you spend the rest of the time including quite a bit of climbing on some moderately technical singletrack (plus a little push-bike).

[fred-da-trog]

[quote=0gre].... I'm trying to figure out how to tie it with some other stuff on the far side of the lake. Might require a big stretch of road climbing though. ......QUOTE]

There is a legal trail from the lake to Strawberry Store. It's been 3-4 years ago...best I recall...it would involve some hike a bike going towards the lake, unless someones been working on it. It's a fun loose DH from the lake to Strawberry Store.

Across the hwy there is a combo pavement/fireroad that brings you out across the street from the ranger station at the entrance to PC lake. off Hwy 108.

[cmktech]

anyone I can carpool with?

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by cmktech

anyone I can carpool with?

where are you at?

Fiona

[cmktech]

Merced, ca. I am also looking for someone to store my bike as well.

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by cmktech

Merced, ca. I am also looking for someone to store my bike as well.

Oh, I was going to see if you could hook up with me in the Stockton area. I'm going up Friday evening in the RV. PM me if you can get this way. Ogre and I will be heading back home on Sunday night.

Fiona

[Joseph-da-trog]

Originally Posted by Nine

I have had this weekend planned for months now. There are 4 of us coming up Saturday and leaving Monday. I am not sure where my friends got a description of some of the rides, but when I went searching around for more info, 0gre's maps hit. This place looks like a lot of fun. Sooooo does anyone have any sort of set time to meet, ride, drink? Any thoughts about the incoming storm?

Drinking and BQing will be going down at the camp in Frazer Flat after all the rides for each day. I have Ice chest full of bud from last weekends party. It will be coming with me.

[0gre]

Saturday
Mostly cloudy with rain or snow likely. Highs 41 to 51 higher elevations...54 to 64 lower elevations. Snow level 7000 feet.

Weather seems to be deteriorating on Saturday. Still have a chance that it will blow over but I would suggest anyone day-tripping to come on Sunday rather than Saturday. The trails should be awesome post rain/ snow. I'll be up there both days rain or shine and will likely ride on Saturday if it's just limited to showers or a light drizzle. Friday nights ride is canceled if there is rain. Night rain rides are not fun (I've done it)

[sportsman]

Originally Posted by 0gre

Saturday
Mostly cloudy with rain or snow likely. Highs 41 to 51 higher elevations...54 to 64 lower elevations. Snow level 7000 feet.

Weather seems to be deteriorating on Saturday. Still have a chance that it will blow over but I would suggest anyone day-tripping to come on Sunday rather than Saturday. The trails should be awesome post rain/ snow. I'll be up there both days rain or shine and will likely ride on Saturday if it's just limited to showers or a light drizzle. Friday nights ride is canceled if there is rain. Night rain rides are not fun (I've done it)

the trip up from Bakersfield is looking less likely as the rain forecast increases.. I'm still hopeful, but that's a longish drive to sit in a tent while the rain falls..

[noshortcuts]

Originally Posted by 0gre

Actually... there is a bike rental place in Pinecrest... I'll have to check out for certain but the guy who rents them also does a lot of trail building.

http://www.pinecrestlakeresort.com/A...0Pinecrest.htm

"A new addition in 2005, The Pinecrest Hub, a bicycle rental and repair shop, has bikes, strollers, and bike trailers for people of all ages and sizes. Take a relaxing spin on a classic cruiser or mountain bike. Save time and space by renting your bike at the Pinecrest Hub. Open May-September."

Unfortunately they don't have a website, only an email address.

I believe those are hybrid bikes and are not rented for "real" mountain biking, but for around the campgrounds and such. But it won't hurt to check it out, maybe Bret has some other bikes stashed or maybe he does not mind the bikes going single tracking?

[0gre]

Originally Posted by noshortcuts

I believe those are hybrid bikes and are not rented for "real" mountain biking, but for around the campgrounds and such. But it won't hurt to check it out, maybe Bret has some other bikes stashed or maybe he does not mind the bikes going single tracking?

To be honest I don't know. Usually the term "mountain bike" implies that it can be ridden on at least the simple trails which are on the easy route. I might be more concerned if he said she was planning on riding PCP. In any case, I'll have Fiona bring an extra bike up just in case, we have a HT that should be fine for this sort of riding.

[El Caballo]

Originally Posted by 0gre

In any case, I'll have Fiona bring an extra bike up just in case, we have a HT that should be fine for this sort of riding.

Don't bring it on my account; it turns out my girl can't make it, and it's entirely possible that I can't either (work: grrr). Though that shouldn't stop anyone else.

[Brainstump]

Originally Posted by 0gre

Saturday
Mostly cloudy with rain or snow likely. Highs 41 to 51 higher elevations...54 to 64 lower elevations. Snow level 7000 feet.

Weather seems to be deteriorating on Saturday. Still have a chance that it will blow over but I would suggest anyone day-tripping to come on Sunday rather than Saturday. The trails should be awesome post rain/ snow. I'll be up there both days rain or shine and will likely ride on Saturday if it's just limited to showers or a light drizzle. Friday nights ride is canceled if there is rain. Night rain rides are not fun (I've done it)

Ogre, Just got another update of the weather forecast, and you're right, Saturday is not looking good to get a long ride in. Sorry, but it looks like I'm going to have to bow out for Saturday. We'll see how it pans out for Sunday.

Hope you all have a fun time and a great weekend!

[sportsman]

up to 80% chance of rain on saturday. all day, all night.

Sunday still looks okay. Are you still expecting a 30-40 mile ride on Sunday, maybe the one from scheduled for Saturday with the Pinecrest Peak Downhill?

[0gre]

Originally Posted by Brainstump

Ogre, Just got another update of the weather forecast, and you're right, Saturday is not looking good to get a long ride in. Sorry, but it looks like I'm going to have to bow out for Saturday. We'll see how it pans out for Sunday.

Hope you all have a fun time and a great weekend!

Originally Posted by sportsman

up to 80% chance of rain on saturday. all day, all night.

Sunday still looks okay. Are you still expecting a 30-40 mile ride on Sunday, maybe the one from scheduled for Saturday with the Pinecrest Peak Downhill?

Well I'm gonna head up there, probably get a ride this afternoon/ evening if it's not raining then just drink beer and BBQ tomorrow unless there is a big break in the rain. Sunday should be great though. Lots of dust to suck up the rain. Good chance of snow at the higher elevations which will make the top interesting

Yeah, Sundays ride will definitely include Pinecrest Peak.

[sportsman]

Originally Posted by 0gre

Well I'm gonna head up there, probably get a ride this afternoon/ evening if it's not raining then just drink beer and BBQ tomorrow unless there is a big break in the rain. Sunday should be great though. Lots of dust to suck up the rain. Good chance of snow at the higher elevations which will make the top interesting

Yeah, Sundays ride will definitely include Pinecrest Peak.

fair 'nuff. I should be there today about dusk..

[Brainstump]

Originally Posted by 0gre

Well I'm gonna head up there, probably get a ride this afternoon/ evening if it's not raining then just drink beer and BBQ tomorrow unless there is a big break in the rain. Sunday should be great though. Lots of dust to suck up the rain. Good chance of snow at the higher elevations which will make the top interesting

Yeah, Sundays ride will definitely include Pinecrest Peak.

If the weather forcast holds true, I'll head up there Sunday morning. Sounds like Saturday's rain and snow will make a Sunday ride even more fun and entertaining.

I'm looking for 1 more good ride at elevation before next weekend's "challenge". Next weekend's weather is looking very good at the moment.

[washedup]

Does this mean the Saturday ride isnt going down? Not interested in driving 2 hours for a ride that might happen.

[Brainstump]

The Saturday ride depends upon the weather. Latest forecast for the Strawberry area is a 80% chance of rain and a high of 47 on Saturday.

I'm in the same boat as you. I don't want to drive that far tomorrow when it looks as though the weather is not going to cooperate. Sunday is supposed to be nice.If the current forecast plays out as they predict, I'll head up there Sunday morning.

I think Ogre may have already headed up there for the weekend. I don't know if he has any way to get online and give an update of conditions once he's there.

[washedup]

Looks like I am riding elsewhere tomorrow then. Aint skeer'd of no rain!

[Brainstump]

I'll be riding up at Auburn tomorrow, rain or shine.

[washedup]

me at rockville