Kern Valley Gathering 2008

[kanga]

This is now up on the Bionicon web site, and you can RSVP on the STR calendar at http://www.socaltrailriders.org/foru...2008-10-24&c=2. Let them know if you will be at the BBQ and how many herbivores and carnivores in your group.

Last year was really laid back and a lot of fun. Cannell Trail is one of California's must-ride trails. Here are the details, copied from the Bionicon site:

Kern Valley Gathering 2008

OCTOBER 24-26, 2008

Its time for the 2nd Annual Kern Valley Gathering!!!
Join us for some of the best riding in Southern California! Located in and around the Scenic Kern Valley, home to many incredible trails such as the Cannel Trail, Just Outstanding, Dutch Flat and the Kern Canyon trail, just to name a few. There are trails for any type of rider here but the area is best know for its moderate to challenging all mountain trails.

Bionicon will be there again sponsoring a Free BBQ to all participants and free demo bikes to test on any of the rides. Please RSVP for the BBQ on the SoCalTrailRiders.org web site calendar, or by sending an email to paul@bioniconusa.com. Request either Carnivore or Herbivore fare so we can make sure there is enough food for everyone.

This very fun event is organized by riders for riders, is very low key and all about the fun of riding in cool new places with cool new people. If you have questions, would like to lead a ride or help in any way please contact paul@bioniconusa.com

RSVP:
Please RSVP for the barbecue on the SoCalTrailRiders.org web site calendar, or by sending an email to paul@bioniconusa.com. Let us know how many herbivores and carnivores in your group.

Scheduled Rides and Events
This ride schedule is our suggestion, but people are welcome to do their own thing and join us for the barbecue and camping.

Friday 10/24
11am - Just Outstanding to Dutch Flat Ride.
Rider organized shuttle to Shirley Meadows leaving from Keyesville. The trail is a single-track downhill run from Shirley Meadows at 6,800′ to the Kern Valley at 2600′. There is some hike-a-bike on this route, but the trail is one of the most fun in the Kern Valley.

Saturday 10/24
8am - Cannel Trail, MRA shuttle leaving from Kernville
This 24 mile classic has 8000′ descent with 2000′ of climbing. Starting at 9,000′ at Sherman Pass, it winds it’s way from the alpine meadows and pine forests down to the Kern River, just above Kernville. We recommend that you use the MRA shuttle service for the sake of convenience. You must book this yourself: Mountain River Adventures shuttle service (800-861-6553). You can organize your own shuttle if you like, but keep in mind it is a 3-hour round-trip.

7pm - Bionicon Sponsored BBQ and party at the Keyesville staging area. PLEASE RSVP with your food preference, herbivore or carnivore.

Sunday 10/25
9am - Just Outstanding to Dutch Flat Ride
Rider organized shuttle to Shirley Meadows leaving from Keyesville

Location
The Kern Valley is located on state Highway 178 between Hwy 14 and Bakersfield and is approximately a 3 hour drive from the LA area. Take Hwy 14 north to Hwy 178 west towards Lake Isabella, exit Hwy 155 north, approximately 1 mile, cross the river and turn left into the Keyesville Recreation Area.

Google Maps Directions to the campsite

Accommodation/Camping
Keyesville Recreation Area has FREE Primitive Open camping. You need to be self-contained, but there is a forestry style outhouse (I recommend bringing your own TP!). If you would like to stay in a motel there are plenty in the area, visit www.kernrivervalley.com for more info.

[Piranha]

Thanks for posting this Steve. I really wanted to go to the Kern Valley gathering this year and thought it would be in November. However, as you probably know, I have a conflict. I will be on the OTB road trip to Moab from 10/18-10/26. If something comes up and I don't make the UT trip, I'll be up in Kernville for sure.

[gregg]

Steve, that is a week after the Kernville Fat Tire Festival. There might be less people this year. These 2 events need to be merged. That way I don't have to decide which one to attend.

Bionicon is free, and was fun last year.

[kanga]

They knew it was a week after the Fat Tire Fest when they scheduled it. A lot of people think the FTF is too expensive, and would rather come and essentially do their own thing. This is basically a free, informal gathering. It's a lot more laid back.

I'm planning on going to Utah as well, but may return and stop at Keyesville on the way back for the Cannell ride and BBQ.

[Piranha]

I'm planning on going to Utah as well, but may return and stop at Keyesville on the way back for the Cannell ride and BBQ.

Steve, maybe we could talk about this? That idea sounds like a lot of fun which I could be up for too.

[Pain Freak]

I also planned on UT that weekend but if the guys want to change the date it would be fine with me.

[ka0t1c07]

Bionicon sounds sweeter than Fat Tire Festival. Free bikes to ride and free food. Are the shuttle service free too?

Tin

[kanga]

Bionicon sounds sweeter than Fat Tire Festival. Free bikes to ride and free food. Are the shuttle service free too?

Tin

Last year the groups self-shuttled Just Outstanding and most used MRA for the Cannell Shuttle. There were a few who self-shuttled Cannell, but for a 3-hour round trip, it's worth paying for.

[ka0t1c07]

Haha, I know its so worth it to pay for the shuttle service. I self shuttle it about a month ago. Coulda be home at least 2 hours earlier.

[art23rockpile]

Thanks for posting this, Steve. It sounds like a lot of fun. Also, my parents have a house south of the lake... so this is a good excuse for going up there.

Mike, maybe we can move the Utah trip up into early November.

[surlygal]

Mike, maybe we can move the Utah trip up into early November.

Or maybe you guys can move your trip to UT to the 11th & 12th of Oct That's when we'll be there for the 24hrs of Moab..

I'm pretty sure we will be making the trip up for the gathering..

[GP_pilot]

If anyone is interested, I'd like to put together a STR ride Oct 31-Nov 2. It seemed a lot of folks couldn't make the FTF or afford it. Head up to Kernville Fri morning, ride something Fri afternoon, hit Cannell on Sat, hit Upper Summit-Camp Nelson on Sun.

[kanga]

SurlyGal, I saw from your RSVP that you're gonna be in Moab. When? Our group will be there from the Oct 18 - 26 (though I'm planning to leave early and stop in to Keyesville on the way back).

[surlygal]

SurlyGal, I saw from your RSVP that you're gonna be in Moab. When? Our group will be there from the Oct 18 - 26 (though I'm planning to leave early and stop in to Keyesville on the way back).

Steve - We will be there the 9th -12th of Oct - Doing a little riding and then the 24hrs of Moab on the 11th & 12th..Then visiting the Grand Canyon for 2 days on our way back

BTW - On our way up to Mammoth last night - We talked quite a bit about the gathering...I've got at least 5 with me that WILL be there!

[surlygal]

Bump >>>

Start planning now! The riding is fantastic!

[dirtmistress]

I haven't been to Kern in years! I may grab a couple friends and head on up there!!

[gregg]

Hey Liz, Bernie and I went last year. It was fun. A little cold on Sherman Pass. And Sunday was fun coming down Dutch Flats on the demo Bionicons. More fun than my XC bike would have been.

[bwolmarans]

Yo yo yo .... The RSVP says "closed" and only 5 people have RSVP'd .... what's up can we still RSVP

[bigringrider101]

I had a Blust last years
Plan to make it this year again

[mpmffitz]

I'll be there with my bro, riding a Haro VL and a Specialized Pro. Riding only Friday Morning.