early august ride 2006
- From: "RICHARD SERVATIUS" <rich911@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2006 09:37:32 GMT
Now i know that most of you don't plan, think, whatever, that far ahead, but
consider checking out northern idaho during early august.
a batch of us will be riding the gravel roads and trails...atv's are
welcome....half the group will have them.
we generally visit a lot of mines and peak out quite often. Varmits poke
their heads out of the bushes often...silly suckers are trying to show off!
13 bear were sighted our first trip by the group. elk and moose are always
trampling over the country side and the beaver keep roiling the creek
waters. Deer come down often enough to give us a break from chasing the
moose out of camp.
One peak, Stevens, has four known trails up it and one trail side hills
it....but it is quite steep and none of the trails make it to the top. One
trail up it is so rough that if you go faster than about 4 mph, you are a
much better rider than most people...i admit that i had to atv in low range,
4wd, crawl up it to the ridge top. Nice views though...about 6 lakes in the
area. Loop trips are very possible and on the same mtn.
If you get hot, there is usually a stream to cool off in...some colder than
others. A few tiny towns around the area to quench your thirst or gamble
in.
Warning; there is one gravel road area with trails that is very easy to get
lost in. It is an old mining area that they put roads in going every which
direction and there are lots of trails crisscrossing in between. To get
across the area is a challenge...kinda like a maze.
Expect 100 degree weather with low humidity and if you stay a week; then
expect one very short storm with rain, wind, and who knows?
Do you like views from the top? there is one road that follows ridge tops
near 5 lookout fire towers and two more are seen in the distance. Average
elevation on this road is about 6700 feet..
Like mountain bikes? there is a semi-famous trail called the "Hiawatha
trail" that goes through a batch of old railroad tunnels and across RR
trestles. The whole way is slightly downhill so that even old fogies can
peddle it. When you get to the bottom, you can catch a bus with trailer
behind it to ride back to the start or ride a gravel road in a loop trip
that climbs up a steep grade.
Like long rides? We have taken 200 mile plus rides in a day. Most of the
cycle trails are much shorter and most are not very well defined because
they aren't used that often. As usual, the forest service doesn't think
about making loop trips for cyclers...you generally have to catch roads to
loop or ride the same trail back the way you came. But believe me, a
shorter, tough ride with a break for a beer or bite to eat before you ride
back is heaven.
Trail conditions: usually rock and sand...almost no mud or clay. Sometimes
round rocks on top of sand makes for poor traction when steep. the snow
doesn't always completely melt off the roads and trails at the higher
elevations by august. ridge roads and trails seem to get a lot of blown
down trees blocking them. They are usually cleared out by mid august. Lots
of steep catapillar track mining roads/trails which sometimes don't go
anywhere. Lots of water run-off ruts...not too many bike wheel ruts.
Campgrounds: lots, but most are small. At least 5are large enough for very
large groups. We normally have about 15 people participating and there is
room for about 100 where we camp.
Fish are all pretty small. Don't bother. maybe so of the high lakes have
better fishing, but we haven't tried it...too busy riding!
Special events: Mid July rodeo for atvs...too crowded for good riding.
Usually a dance in one village in august.
Shopping: antiques, huckleberry ice cream, fair bar food, mining stocks,
museums, rock samples and not much else.
I'll be posting more about the dates where to camp, etc.
rich
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