Kernville "Shuttle Fest" Oct. 18-20

Thanks for the insight on the name change jfsh. I was wondering about that. I've gone to the FTF the past 4 years and it was a blast each time. I'm still planning on going. The Plunge and Alta Sierra/Just Outstanding are definitley worth the shuttle fee. I guess we prob just need to bring more of our own beer this time (no more New Belgium sponsorship I'm guessing?). Watching those trials guys was kinda cool too.

 

So any idea what the riding will be like? Dh,xc,? How much riding is out there, and could you ride all 3 days?

 

L. Jasper wrote of Cannell Plunge: "...basically it's a ~20 mile alpine xc ride, followed by a ~7 mile descent at the end. Those 20 miles have several strenuous climbs at altitudes between 7500'-9000', though most are followed by some pretty fantastic descents."

I think anyone used to being in the saddle for most of 6 hours will style CP. (Read: bone up on any of the long Santa Ana routes for a couple weekends and you're in.) We did the extra credit hump to the peak summit and I still drove home afterward. Mo, I've done only the plunge, but I'm sure there's more than you or I can do in three days...I'm sure someone here can point you at more must-dos than the ones mentioned so far. :wave:

 

There are a lot of trails up in the Isabella area, there is a book by John Frank that has a ton local of trails. Another great ride is the Kern River Trail to Badger Gap. It starts as soon as the canyon opens up on the left hand side of the road. You can see trailhead sign. http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Sierra-Mountain-Bike-trails/dp/0971203601

 

I've ridden 3 days most years. I usually do Cannell Plunge on Friday. They typically do a longer route, which involves more climbing, but also more fun descents. Then, I do Alta Sierra on Saturday, which is shorter, but also has some climbing. The descent down Just Outstanding is aptly named! I looked on Strava and both rides were 20-25 miles with 2-2.5k ft of climbing. So not too bad. Then I've repeated Cannell or Alta again on Sunday. Alta takes less time, especially if you leave a vehicle in town (otherwise you ride back on the road to camp). There are other rides, but these are the best by far.

Also, I've been there when it's a bit dry and dusty, but it's still super fun. I've also been there when it rained on us and was freezing cold at the top. I've never been disappointed.

 

Here's the rides so you can upload them to the Garmin.. makes life much easier!

http://connect.garmin.com/course/4517819

http://connect.garmin.com/course/4499751

The "Just Outstanding" ride is just that. Pretty much everything you could ever want in a ride.

I just got back yesterday from Kernville doing both these rides..

 

Added this event to the Calendar.

Roll-Call...who's going? RSVP here.

 

Bring a jacket, You're rolling the dice with snow. I rode the Plunge Oct 2 a few years ago. Yep, it snowed.

 

Just RSVP'ed! :bang:

 

so hows this work if Im on my own. Any good places to stay? And is there minimum person per shuttle sign up? Which days we shuttling?

 

Mo - Ray n I are staying at the Kern Lodge. Pat and his group are camping (I think there's only one camp sight), I'm not sure about Mark. Looks like we're shuttling the Plunge on Sat and shuttling JO on Sunday. Since it's Shuttle Fest weekend you need to call to make reservations. Pls see Pat's "Shuttle Fest" link on the calendar for info.

 

Even tho most of us are signing up individually, we don't have to worry about filling up the shuttles. Perhaps just the opposite - book your spot soon. The way it sounds is MRA is running multiple vans at the same time for Cannell on Sat.

Myself and a few others are planning on doing the Cannell Plunge on Sat, and then probably heading over to Camp Nelson on Sunday.

As for camping, MRA runs their own campground. I hear it's nice. I booked one site, and I think I have 4-5 others joining me there. We still have to finalize that.

Carpooling...I'm not sure what we're doing yet, but if I end up driving I will have room for 2-3 others and their bikes.

 

but how does the website work? I see option one and option 2 but no details. Is there something I should pay for specifically if I want to do just outstanding and canel plunge? And mind if I join your group for riding?

 

http://www.mtbcommunity.com/trail-reviews/77-cannell-trail-with-the-plunge-kernville-ca

 

Mo, the web site doesn't work...those options you see are leftovers from when they used the website for registration. You just need to call them. Let them know which ride(s) you're interested in on what days, and whether you want to camp. (Camping isn't required.)

And of course, you're not gonna ride alone!

 

Priority is everything.
When you descend from the Plunge
Kern River Brewing Company has:

Just Outstanding IPA
"The Name Says it All" 6.8% ABV
This India Pale Ale has a strong malt character and a large hop profile. We dry hop this beer with Simcoe and Amarillo hops to give it that great floral aroma and citrus finish. If you like a strong IPA, you'll find this one just outstanding.

I did not even like this (or any) IPA, but after the Plunge, with a good friend, I ordered another without thinking. It's all about Priorities: the waitress was pretty the Plunge was epic, the friend was great. (P.S, there's lots of free camping at the base of the Plunge.)

First things Last.

 

Bump. Roughly 4 weeks out form the event.

No Calendar to check out who's going (RSVP still down), so let us know here.

Gonna be a great weekend!

 

Was up there 2 weeks ago......definately very dry and dusty.

 

We're (2) still in.

 

Two here!!