Findley Exploration Ridge Route

I have been watching the weather very carefully this morning.  Looking at the forecast, I was thinking that I was going to ride in the rain today.  Somehow we got very lucky.  I wanted to continue on the ridge that I took last time and see if I could find a different route or possibly connect back with findley road.  We knew there was a pretty good chance that we'd have to hike-a-bike for some of it-  we were right.  We ended up coming out on BLM road 38-5-26.  It is an unmarked road on most maps.  There was probably 1/4 to a 1/2 of a mile we had to carry our bikes until we hit the road.  I should have took a few pictures because the trail was pretty nice most of the way (until we had to walk).  Wasn't a lot of miles but a fun adventure.

A new out and back route.

It has been raining all day.  There has been a few times where there was light rain- which is always fine to ride in.  Either way, all I knew is that I was going for a ride.  It was raining pretty heavy when I left with some serious wind gusts.  The weather calmed down once I hit findley road.  It wasn't too rainy for the climb- there is basically a creek running down the road though.  I had been thinking about a ride that I used to do when I was a kid.  It used to be a loop and some people bought the property and blocked it off.  It is the Whiskey gulch area which connects in with Findley and what I used to call "Smith Lane".  Just like Findley road, you have to cross through Private land to get to the public land.  Just make sure you stay on the road ridge road.  The owner of the land is OK with people respectfully crossing his land using this ridge road and assumes no liability or responsibility for what happens while you are crossing the road.  In fact, I don't recommend, promote or suggest that you try this or any of these routes on this blog.  If you decide to give them a try, you will assume all liability for whatever may happen- and anything can and will happen.  Did you see the wipeout with my riding buddy?

The rain picked up so I guess I wimped out.  I went to the top of the ridge on the road and then turned around.  I brought a few extra layers because I knew I'd get cold.  I also put on my balaclava for the downhill because with the combination of rain and sweat, I was getting chilly.

The creek here was really flowing.

A creek here too, not as pretty.  The only reason I stopped here was because I lost traction.

Nice view up on the top of the ridge.  Not as high as the other "Findley Peaks" I ride to.

So I am rethinking my "no fenders" philosophy.  Especially when it is raining.  I'm ok with mud in my face, not really OK with a deluge of water and mud...

I thought I stopped the timer, I looked at my computer later and it was still running.  I think it was about 1:20 round trip.

Two in a row

Yesterday was beautiful.  Today was snowing off and on most of the day.  I didn't think there was much of a chance to get out on a ride.  Thankfully, I was wrong!  About 5:00 Dan, Mike and I headed out just at the right time.  The snow, hail and rain stopped and it was partly cloudy with an occasional glimpse of the sun.  It was quite cold- my thermometer said 41.  I don't know it felt a lot colder than that.  We had a pretty quick ride up panther gulch to the lower road and then down the single track near the old rock quarry.

On the way up the lower road, we caught a great view of the valley with the sun peaking out.

Here, Dan is heading down the steep section of the trail that hooks up with a BLM road that eventually comes out on East fork road.

There has been some water running down the trail so it's rugged.

Panther Gulch and Jeep Road Downhill

Headed out this afternoon about 4:30.  Was hoping that Dan and I could ride together but ended up going solo today.  This route is a pretty easy climb with a fun downhill.  Quite a few road miles.  The weather today ended up being amazing.  Partly cloudy skies, some sunshine and not too chilly. 

On the way up I had a bit of trouble- a flat.  I have been running pretty low pressure lately and I think that it finally caught up with me.  Replaced the flat and I was on my way in about 10 minutes (maybe less).

It is good to be prepared.

Here you can see the turn off from the main road it follows a short portion of the Layton Ditch Mine trail and then you connect with an old jeep road. 

Take this trail then make a sharp right.

The downhill is actually quite technical with the ruts and down logs that you have to navigate.  Was a bit muddy with all the rain we have had lately.  Looks like a river has been running down the old road.

Good ride other than the flat:

Findley West Peak

Unfortunately I haven't been riding enough lately to keep up the fitness level that I would like.  The last two "real" rides that I have done I could really notice my strength and stamina was lacking.  The west peak up findley is a pretty good climb.  It took me a lot longer to do this ride compared to the last time.  About 10 minutes slower this time.  I ran into a lot of snow in a shady section up there- actually had to walk through it.  There is a pretty steep section the last push up to the peak, today I couldn't make it up without walking.  It is steep but add some slick conditions and it is near impossible.  Not to mention my legs were pretty tired.  Great view up there today.  Here are a few of the pictures: 

My stats for this ride are a bit discouraging but I can gain back my strength pretty quickly.  I still feel like I have a pretty good base.  Lots of extra daylight now and hopfully some good riding weather will help in that process.  I need to train for my Birthday ride this year.  I'm planning to ride in the hills above applegate lake.  Stein Butte, Squaw lakes and possibly little grayback mountain area.  Shooting for around 40 miles of intense singletrack and a lot of vertical.  It will take some definite training for this one.