Lassen – Applegate Mountain Bike Tour
September 17-23, 2008
During the mid to late 1800’s over 10,000 emigrants passed along this trail. The journey across this section was hotter and drier than most, and many people perished. But, today, we’ll pedal across this high desert landscape just for sport and relaxation. Our challenges will be minor, but challenges there will be!
This portion of the Lassen-Applegate Trail is still pretty wild and unspoiled. The scenery alone makes the whole trip worthwhile, but the history adds an extra dimension to the trip. Pedaling along you can easily imagine what it must have been like to walk along side a covered-wagon. Additionally, the Trails West Organization has placed markers along the trail with excerpts from the 49’ers own dairies. They are well placed, and travelling via bicycle will help you relate with these voices from the past. (Generally the quotes relate to the section of the trail you just completed.)
The tour starts and ends in Sacramento. Riders and their gear will be transported from Sacramento and back via support vehicles. While on the trail all equipment, including your camping gear, will be transported by support vehicles. Riders will only need to carry water, snacks and a little extra clothing.
All riders will be expected to help with campsite chores including food preparation, clean-up and packing.
Maps will be provided each day. We will regroup regularly along the trail so no one will be left behind. Of course if someone doesn’t show up at a regroup point, Sourdough will send one of his scouts to look for them.
The Tour is limited to ten participants.
Cost
The cost of the Tour is $225 per rider. A non-refundable deposit of $25 is required by July 1, 2008 with the remaining $200 due by August 31, 2008.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Imlay to Antelope Springs
We’ll depart Sacramento early in the morning for the drive to Imlay Nevada where we off load the bikes and start our adventure. From Imlay we ride southwest passed old Lassen Meadows, then up Willow Springs Valley to “Big” Antelope Springs. Like all our campsites, this one was used by the 49’ers on the journey west.
22 miles, Climbing: 1500’, Net Gain: 1200’
Day 2 – Antelope Springs to Rabbit Hole Springs
From Antelope Springs we head over Antelope Summit, across a small valley, down Broken Rib Canyon, then on to Rabbit Hole Springs. Rabbit Hole Springs was an important stop of the 49’ers. The springs overlook a small valley and are used today by campers as a layover point.
19 miles, Climbing: 1300’, Net Gain: -1000’
Day 3 –Rabbit Hole Springs to Double Hot Springs
Today we enter the Black Rock Desert. In the distance, Black Rock Peak guides us north just as it did for the 49’ers. Once we cross the Quinn River (dry) we traverse a large white playa area and soon arrive at Double Hot Springs; with a welcome chance to soak in the hot springs.
35 miles, Climbing: 300’, Net Gain: -500’
Sourdough and crew at
Soldier Meadows
Soldier Meadows
Working our way up Harden Valley we’ll keep an eye out for wild mustangs and pronghorn antelope. Along the way we’ll stop at the site of Harden City, know as the “City of a Thousand Rats”. Leaving Harden City we pass Mud Meadows Reservoir before reaching Soldier Meadows Ranch.
31 miles, Climbing: 1100’, Net Gain: 600’
Day 5 – Layover Day, Soldiers Meadows
You decide. Sleep in, relax or read a book. Maybe go for a dip in the hot springs, hitch a ride with one of the support vehicles and explore a few hidden locations near the ranch, or hop on our bike and do a little more exploring. It’s a layover day and you get to decide.
Day 6 – Soldiers Meadows to Stevens Camp
Leaving Soldier Meadows we enter High Rock Canyon. The picturesque rock walls of High Rock Canyon guide us north following a meandering small creek. The difference between the wide open spaces of the Black Rock Desert and the narrows of High Rock Canyon are striking.
31 miles, Climbing: 3000’, Net Gain: 1500’
Day 7 – Drive Home
From Stevens Camp we’ll load up into the support vehicles and head back to Sacramento. We should arrive back home sometime in the afternoon. Ooh! Will a good shower feel so good!
Hot Springs
Soldier Meadows
Soldier Meadows
The Lassen-Applegate Tour offers riders a unique look into American history and a chance to see a part of this country in a way that few people can see it. It’s an adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I fall off my bike while riding?
Yes and No. Most likely you’ll have to step off your bike from time to time. There are a few places that you’ll probably just want to walk, like rocky or sandy sections. The sandy areas tend to just slowly slow you down until you just stop. That’s about as close to falling off your bike as you’ll get.
High Rock Canyon
If you’re new to mountain biking you’ll no doubt do a little walking. The good news is that the sandy and rocky sections are short, the longest probably less than 100’ long. Actually sections requiring anyone to walk are fairly far and few along the route. (It’s just part of mountain biking!)
I’ve heard that there are hot springs out there?
Yes. Two campsites have hot springs; Double Hot Springs and Soldier Meadows. The Hot Springs are optional and vary from primitive to pretty good. But after a long day on the trail, those Hot Springs are a real treat.
Is there a lot of traffic along the trail?
No. There is almost no traffic.
If I’m new to Mountain Biking
will I ever see my companions once we leave camp?
Yes, we’ll be regrouping several times each day. We’ll stop and regroup at every major intersection. (An observation about mountain bikers: When mountain biking, people seem to stay in groups, they stop at the tops and bottoms of just about every sizeable hill and wait for everyone else. It’s just part of mountain biking.)
Bugs?
No. Well, not many. For sure they’ve never been a problem.
Have Questions or just need more information?
Larry "Sourdough" Robinson
Phone: 916 483-3390
Email:
"Saddle Sore" Bill Gude
Phone: 916 722-2198
Email:
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