The 4th Annual Downieville Summer Kickoff Gathering: June 25-27, 2010

Copy and Pasted from the NorCal Forum on MTBR-

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=604857

It's time to start planning for the Fourth Annual MTBR Summer Kickoff Gathering in Downieville! This year we'll be kicking off the Sierra riding season just a bit later to allow for the last of the unsettled weather to pass through. Fingers crossed, it should be good to go by June 25! Bike and brew sponsors will be back in full force this year to keep the good riding and good beer flowing. We'll be raffling off another mind-blowing truckful of gear and swag with enough competition and tomfoolery to keep it interesting. And most of all, we'll have plenty of rides going of all levels to challenge the hardened mountain man as well as introduce the newbie to the gem that is the Downieville trail system.

Camping
We will again be camping at Packsaddle Campground. Packsaddle campground is 6000 feet elevation, has developed campsites, hand pumped water and vault toilets. The campground is located 2 miles from Packer Saddle, and 1/4 mile from Packer Lake. To get there from Downieville, continue on 49 north for 17 miles. You will pass Sierra City at 12.5 miles. After 4.5 miles, turn left on Gold Lake Hwy. You will see Bassetts Station General Store on the corner. Follow Gold Lake Hwy. for approx 1.5 miles and turn left on CR-621/Packer Lake Road. In .25 mile, turn right to continue on Packer Lake Road. Within 2 miles, look for signs pointing you toward Packsaddle Campground. It will be on the left. If you pass Packer Lake, you've gone too far!

The campsites can be reserved online now. Go to http://www.recreation.gov/ and search for Packsaddle Campground in the Park name field. Enter the appropriate dates and you'll be able to reserve a site. Once they are all reserved, don't worry. We'll have the place to ourselves and will be able to disperse evenly. This is a communal event and we try our best to share the space. In addition, five sites will be available on a first come-first served basis. These will be available and we'll make sure they are reserved for our use.

Families, Pets and Non-riders
Camping is fun, kids are cool and there is plenty of non-bike related stuff to do in the greater Lakes Basin. If you plan on bringing a mellow, well-behaved dog just check the official rules. Not sure if they are allowed in the campgrounds.

Beer
The beer will be back and so will the pint glasses. You will want one. Nuff said.

Rides
Shuttled rides will be provided by Yuba Expeditions and Downieville Outfitters.

Yuba Expeditions
208 Main Street
Downieville, CA 95936
(530) 289-3010
http://www.yubaexpeditions.com/

Downieville Outfitters
114 Main Street
Downieville, CA 95936
(530) 289-0155
http://www.downievilleoutfitters.com/

It's important to reserve your shuttles early, so figure out how you want to spend your ride time and plan accordingly.

We will be organizing a few key group rides, with big and small rides planned for Friday and Saturday. More information will be available as the event approaches. Previous rides have included a death march through snow to distant lakes, rides from camp to the North Yuba Trail and beyond, and "everything" rides that include Deer Lake, Tamarack Lake Loop and Big Boulder trails. There truly will be something for everyone.

Bike demos
One of the greatest benefits of the Downieville Gathering is the ability to try out high-end bikes on some of the greatest trails on the planet. We will be hosting a select mix of big name bike companies that will have a demo fleet for your use FREE OF CHARGE. If you want to see what four-, five-, or six inches of travel is like on Pauley Creek, this will be your chance.

Updates
Check back here for more information as we dial in our bike, beer and swag sponsors. We'll post any other important info as needed, as well. Put it on the calendar, you won't want to miss this!!!

RSVP Here:

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=2727&day=2010-6-25&c=2

 

Thanks for the info, Andy.

You know i'll be there... riding hard and participating in the general mayhem! :bang:

 

Hell yes!

There's no way I'm missing this after all the fun last year! Though I may take friday off this year, so we're not getting there at 3am again like last year. And monday too, so I'm not getting back home at 5am and going straight to work.

Stoked! :beer:

 

I plan taking Monday off as well. I already have Friday off as my normal day off. This is going to be fun. I'll be riding the Slayer again. Way too much fun last year. This should not be missed.

 

Heck yes! (a no brainer)

The back should be 100% by late June & wouldn't miss this again for the world. Last year was a total blast... except for the ride that seemed to go on forever... will bring the guitar again and turn the Tallboy loose on those wonderful trails.. although I may be a little slower this year...

Gene, let me catch a ride with you (shotgun!) again. Hopefully, we won't have to sleep again in the parking lot on the first night.

 

Gregg, I plan on leaving early Friday morning so we get there while it's still light out and staying and riding on Monday since I'll be off. Let me know if that works for you.

 

I have that Friday off as well and taking Monday off so the drive home isn't such a bear on Sunday night!

I'm sooo looking forward to this!

 

Heck yeah i'll be there. Thanks Rut

OMR with his guitar... this will definitely be an awesome trip. Thanks Greg!!!

FYI - If my funemployment lasts through June then i'm planning on hiking the Tahoe Rim trail to Downieville. Let me know if there's anyone out there that wants to join... I'll also be looking(aka BEGGING) for someone to bring my bike and gear up for this trip.

 

Loooking forward to it this year! Finally :beer:

 

See you there.

 

Can't wait!

 

:beer::bang::clap:

 

Works for me... remember... no sleeping in the parking lot... and don't trust Andy on any new rides!!!!

 

Hey why did I get thrown under the bus on this one??

For those on the fence for this trip....

Talk to OMR, Gene or Jason Mason. I have been trying to get them up there for the last several years. They were blown away-as you can tell by their excitement for this year. It is well worth the drive!!!

 

I am so bummed. Our annual camping trip with several families is the same weekend ](*,)

I was really looking forward to this too.

For those that have never been to Downieville, the riding and scenery is spectacular.

 

Why not take the families to Downieville? One of the best places to camp imo.

 

Damn, I'll be in hot ass Las Vegas partying. Next time.

How far is Downieville from Orange County?

 

8 for me. 9 for you.

I'll car pool with you in September! I heard it's great then!!
We can get a trip together again!

 

Sounds like fun.
Is the riding worth the drive?
Is everyone on their best behavior?
Is the partying held to a dull roar so I can get some sleep?

Are these questions for real?
I'm a veteran of this gathering and there is no way I'm missing it!

 

At first I thought Neil was asking these questions. :lol:

"...is the partying held to a dull roar so I can get some sleep?"
Neil has the tendency to arriving at 4am in a truck, screaming "I'm looking for my good friend Rut! Is Rut around???!??!" Other than that, its as quiet a mouse. Well excect for one campsite, and if you camp there you might find your tent moved a few hundred feet. :clap: