Kernville 3/16/08

[art23rockpile]

Sunday morning, I called Dean to get suggestions for riding near Keyesville/Kernville. I'd had my fill of hanging around the race site Saturday, and wanted to go riding. The ride he was going on (see thread elsewhere) sounded pretty long and somewhat brutal. So, since I didn't want to ditch Laura (and to show what a considerate b/f I am ), I decided to take Steppie's advice and ride Whiskey Flats (just north of Kernville).

We went outside and found it had snowed the night before. The new Yeti looked right at home with snow on it! After arriving at the trailhead, we started riding... the scenery was AWESOME. My family has had property in this area for 30+ years, and I know that for much of the year, the temperature can be really high. Right now it's cool/cold and starting to get green. The trail was fun... good for Laura (who's new to MTB'ing) as it has no sustained climbs. She was challenged by some of the many rocky sections and did walk the trickier ones.

After a short ways, we came upon a stream crossing.
It was fab! Just a thin log to walk over, and a nylon strap at head level to grasp for balance. We rode on for another hour, but the weather looked threatening (rain/snow on the way), so we turned around and headed back.

We used a different stream crossing (longer logs) and I got across with the bikes. Laura had a death-grip on the nylon cord and was inching across slowly, so being the devoted new STR that I am... I pulled out my camera.
She cussed me out for taking a photo, but made it across. My hat is off to her... not everyone has a girlfriend who will ride and embark upon such adventures.

All told, this is a great area to ride (I really want to check-out the higher elevations)... we'll be back!

[tkblazer]

great pics art... that water sure looks cold

[guero]

right on art! great pix. we stopped just short of the first water crossing you speak of on our friday evening ride. nice seeing you and laura up there, like you said, you are lucky to have a g/f who is down with such adventure, she is a trooper!

[dstepper]

Thanks for the RR Art. We will be back up there a few times this season.

Dean

[art23rockpile]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Thanks for the RR Art. We will be back up there a few times this season.

Dean

Keep me posted. I'd really like to drive further north of the lake, and check out some of the Sequoia trails above 8000 ft.

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by art23rockpile

Keep me posted. I'd really like to drive further north of the lake, and check out some of the Sequoia trails above 8000 ft.

Yep bunch of stuff to hit once the snows clears. I plan on at least 4 trips up there this season.

[jeffj]

Whiskey Flat is a fun ride. I remember that water crossing. It was a little greener and a little less water when we were there:



Thanks for the RR. Nice pics.