Ride Report Kings Canyon

[mako my day]

Quick and dirty report for you all.

Spent a week in the Kings Canyon/Sequoias and just returned home last night. My family and I usually go for the fishing/exploring/prospecting.

Well, my two boys 9 and 7 were soooo amped to ride, so that's what we did. We rode every day, and didn't fish one second.

The weather was perfect. Our main ride that we did twice was a 4100 foot climb over the course of 12 miles. Ridiculously amazing to accomplish such a feat. And be able to have my two kids along. That air is pretty thin at 8200 ft. Very difficult for me, but with the help of chocolate cliff bars, and jelly bean energy things, we made it.

Absolutely the best riding around. We had 4 bear encounters as well during the downhill, while passing through a swampy meadow both days.

One pic at 7500ft. We're not really that happy.

Now I need two new bikes for my boys. Any suggestions? 24" -Disc brakes, front susp and multiple front rings.

Get r done. As a dad, it really is very rewarding to have kids willing and able to join in on such an amazing adventure.

 

[kioti]

That is so cool. Those boys are champions! Thanks for being a great Dad!

 

[surftime]

Sooo epic, how did the kids do that climb? did you help? thats seriously crazy and i thought my kids could climb. 4k feet in 12 miles--wow

and for bike questions, i have been through a lot of them. I would suggest the trek superly disk 24. Front suspension is decent, i think its the lightest of the group. Tires are very XC though so i suggest the rocket ron 24 in the front, best and lightest 24 inch tire i have found. The bike retails for around $600 and its fast for the kids

curious what the kids are riding now?

 

[ZJChaser]

Thats awesome! thats a crazy climb! I was just in Kings Canyon a couple weeks ago for a few days with my girl friend. No bikes though, just hiking, camping, and fishing. What part of the park did you ride in? The park is gorgeous. We are planning to go back in the spring when all the waterfalls are flowing

 

[mako my day]

Sooo epic, how did the kids do that climb? did you help? thats seriously crazy and i thought my kids could climb. 4k feet in 12 miles--wow

curious what the kids are riding now?

My 9 year old just shreads it. Not one complaint. His bike is a 24" specialized hotrock with 6 gears. He rips that thing. It is such a piece of crap, and the cranks are bent from him jumping so much.

My 7 year old was a struggle. I carried his bike a bit, and kept him motivated with dreams of rocky road ice cream, and bringing home a red tailed boa constrictor. He rides a specialized 20" hotrock with 7 gears. Nice little bike, but too small. He got his ice cream, and a sweet little red tailed boa.

Thanks for the superfly suggestion. I'll go check them out today.

 

[mako my day]

Thats awesome! thats a crazy climb! I was just in Kings Canyon a couple weeks ago for a few days with my girl friend. No bikes though, just hiking, camping, and fishing. What part of the park did you ride in? The park is gorgeous. We are planning to go back in the spring when all the waterfalls are flowing

Our destination was Buck Rock, and the surrounding areas. It's a fire lookout at 8500 ft.

 

[surftime]

depending on his height you might want to wait for a FS XS 26 inch wheel sized bike to fit the 9 year old. you might only be a year way, thats how close my 9 year old is

My 9 year old just shreads it. Not one complaint. His bike is a 24" specialized hotrock with 6 gears. He rips that thing. It is such a piece of crap, and the cranks are bent from him jumping so much.

My 7 year old was a struggle. I carried his bike a bit, and kept him motivated with dreams of rocky road ice cream, and bringing home a red tailed boa constrictor. He rides a specialized 20" hotrock with 7 gears. Nice little bike, but too small. He got his ice cream, and a sweet little red tailed boa.

Thanks for the superfly suggestion. I'll go check them out today.

 

[mako my day]

depending on his height you might want to wait for a FS XS 26 inch wheel sized bike to fit the 9 year old. you might only be a year way, thats how close my 9 year old is

What would you recommend? I can't wait for a year that's for sure. I can always hand down to the next in line.

 

[surftime]

just depends how tall he is but if he is around 5 feet tall or getting there most XS bikes will fit ok, and he will quickly grow into them. I have an older Titus motolite waiting for my 9 year old, but he needs a bit more height

 

[Straykatt]

I thought you cant ride a bike in Kings Canyon?

 

[dstepper]

That ride was the only legal ride I have fond out in the area between Sequoia National Pak and Kings Canyon. Have not rod out there for about ten years. Picof Buck Rock Lookout. I did some excellent poaching at end of the road.

 

[dcrfx]

mako my day, that's awesome and quite an accomplishment. Some great memories for you and your boys.:bang:

 

[ridinrox]

Love reading about the stoke ... Right On!!!

 

[ZJChaser]

I wasnt aware there was legal riding there either. Good to know. Photos from my trip with my gf two weeks ago through kings canyon.https://www.flickr.com/gp/87411904@N00/FJ3T36