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[FONT=Verdana,Sans-Serif]Severe Weather Alert for Kernville, CA [/FONT][FONT=Verdana,Sans-Serif]Provided by [/FONT]
Special Weather Statement - SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS VALID FROM TUE JUN 20 2006 02:47 PM PDT UNTIL WED JUN 21 2006 03:00 AM PDT.WEST CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-EAST CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY- SOUTHWESTERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-SOUTHEASTERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY- MARIPOSA MADERA AND FRESNO COUNTY FOOTHILLS- TULARE COUNTY FOOTHILLS-KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS- SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS CANYON- TULARE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-INDIAN WELLS VALLEY- SOUTHEASTERN KERN COUNTY DESERT- 247 PM PDT TUE JUN 20 2006 ...HOT TEMPERATURES EXPECTED OVER THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA INTERIOR LATER THIS WEEK... A LARGE AREA OF HOT AND DRY HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD OVER CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. AS A RESULT...DIURNAL TEMPERATURES ACROSS THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA INTERIOR ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE EACH DAY WITH DAYTIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES ANTICIPATED TO RANGE BETWEEN 105 AND 110 DEGREES ACROSS MOST OF THE CENTRAL AND SOUTH SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY...AND ACROSS THE KERN COUNTY DESERTS...FRIDAY THROUGH THE UPCOMING WEEKEND. DAYTIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO EXCEED THE CENTURY MARK ACROSS MANY LOCATIONS IN THE FOOTHILLS AND LOWER ELEVATIONS OF THE SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA AND TEHACHAPI MOUNTAINS FRIDAY THROUGH THE UPCOMING WEEKEND.

 

That is going to be brutal ... I hope everyone going is aware of the weather - it'll pretty much suck if any one of us starts cramping, bonking, getting heat stroke, etc. All should take note that we will likely be riding between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM which is the very hottest part of the day. (it would be nice if the shuttle left at 5:00 AM...)

 

From the mtbr post of last week's Plunge ride, mosquitoes and other bugs were also a problem. So pack plenty of insect repellant as well as sunscreen.

Chocnut

 

I'm bringing an extra water bladder for my camelbak. Hope there's decent water up there. <pinky in the air> I'm used to filtered and chilled water, don't you know.

 

It will be hot, but tolerable till we hit the lower portions which don't require a whole lot of pedeling anyways. Bring a full camelback (100oz) and a bottle or two and you should be fine. But do bring the insect repellent as I hear the bugs will have a field day if you're not protected. Also this is a good ride to wear pads. Lots of guys don't use them, but I've avoided road rash about everytime I've come down by wearing them.

 

hey,
what about tires ?

I ran Hutch's Phytons last year and they were a big no-no on the loose singletrack.

What say ye about Conti's Vertical Pro's ?

 

WTB's: 2.55 Weirwolf LT on front, 2.5 Timberwolf rear. Both good sand tires. The Timberwolf is fairly new, so I am bringing another 2.5 Race Weirwolf...I will see after a couple of rides.

 

Do you guys think I will do ok with the 50lb tank?

 

Frank,
I wouldn't go with the Conti's myself. I don't care for them. You might consider about any WTB or Maxxis combination. Some guys told me the Kenda Nevegal/Blue Groove combo works.

Tin ,
Your beast will be great for the dh section, but awful difficult up top. I personally wouldn't do it on you Nicolai as it would be really hard and take some of the fun away from the ride. We have some xc stuff on the top that isn't real easy on an xc bike.

Everyone, make sure your bike is in good working order. Bring an extra set of new brake pads and pay close attention to your drive train. If there is any doubt replace you chain.To have to walk the top section would really suck and you wouldn't get down till almost night.

 

Now I'm a little hesitant to take the hardtail SS out. But it has discs and I'm more concerned about stopping than getting up to the top quickest. Thankfully I can run faster uphill than I can bike.
Chocnut

 

Important Change

I started a new post. Ride time has been moved up form 8:30am to 7am. See new post for more info.

Dean

 

Dean,
you're talking about Saturday, right
still meeting at the cabins

ain't Vamps going to bed around that time ???

thanks for tire suggestions, I'll see if can pick something up today.

 

The plunge ride on Sunday has been changed from 8:30 to 7am. We have not made any concrete decisions on out Saturday ride. Thinkin it should be early or late to avoid the heat.

Note: Bring your swim suits.
Dean cell 714-747-2189

 

Hardtail is no problem for this ride as I've seen a lot of people do it, but without a doubt the full suspension would be a lot more fun. I know of one guy who rides nothing but a rigid bike and he said, if he ever did the Plunge again he would have at least front suspension.

 

Have A Blast You Guys...and Bring Back Lots Of Pictures!!!

 

Yes, provide update on trail conditions, if they have removed some of the trees from the trail, and how you survived the heat in Kernville.
:bang:

 

Bring your rain gear. I was in Bakersfield this week and they are calling for weekend thunderstorms in the mountains.

Good luck

C

 

If it 105 outside I will weclome the rain.

 

And I won't be wearing a raincoat.

 

Checked Camp Nelson and Kernville forecasts, and no appreciable rain is expected this w/e.

It's gonna be effin' hot, though--90's up top, low 100's below. Holy heatstroke!

Note to self: stash a couple extra Coronas deep, deep in the cooler.