SLT Three Rivers Bike Tour Ride Details and Registration Page
This four day ride will start in Etna, CA on September 22 and end in Etna on September 25 in the early afternoon. We will ride along the Cal Salmon, Klamath, and Scott Rivers and then on the last day, go through the scenic Fort Jones and Scott Valley area before ending in Etna.
Ride profiles by day. These are subject to change depending on availability and weather. During the pre-ride of the course our GPS recorded different numbers for elevation gain than computed by on-line mapping sites. Those are shown below for your comparison. We believe the on-the-ground numbers are more accurate. Read the FAQ’s below for more info on the ride, what to expect and what to bring. Pictures of the pre-ride at http://www.siskiyoulandtrust.org/If, after reading the ride descriptions and FAQ’s, you have any questions, please email us at admin@siskiyoulandtrust.org. If you want us to call you, include your phone number. Register now:
You can download the registration form and mail with your check by clicking here >>> form.
Registration and payment by Paypal right here…..
Day 1 September 22
We will have a challenging climb out of Etna that will test your legs right away. After about 3000′ of climbing you will be rewarded with a long 30 mile downhill to our destination for the first night at the beautiful Nordheimer Campground on the Cal Salmon River. This campground is used as a staging area during the rafting season for Class 4 and 5 rafting trips and the river is an easy 5 minute walk from the campground. The water in September is usually just a trickle of the spring season snow runoffs. Total vertical is estimated at 5531′ – on-the-ground recorded came in at < 4000′. Total mileage 43 miles.
Day 2 September 23
We start the day with a 10 mile downhill to the small town of Somes Bar on the Klamath River. Then we will ride through rolling hills with the Klamath River next to us all the way to our destination in Happy Camp. Total vertical climbing is estimated at 5308′ - on-the-ground recorded came in at 3169′. Total mileage is 53 miles
Day 3 September 24
We will continue riding next to the Klamath River until reaching the confluence of the Scott and Klamath Rivers. Then we will start climbing up the little used Scott River Road with breath-taking views of the Scott River taking your mind off the climb to our final night at Indian Scotty Campground. Total vertical is estimated to be 4275′ - on-the-ground recorded came in at 3230′. Total mileage is 47 miles
Day 4 September 25
Our final day is an easy ride back to the start in Etna, CA. We leave the rivers behind and take in the vistas and open expanse on our ride through Fort Jones and the Scott River valley . Total vertical is estimated at 1260′ – on-the-ground recorded came in at 1050′. Total mileage is 29 miles.
You can download the registration form and mail with your check by clicking here >>> form.
Registration and payment by Paypal right here…..
FAQ’s
How hard is the ride?
The routes detailed above have total mileage and total elevation gain and loss listed under info on the Trip Stats boxes . In addition, there are some short sections of road that are approximately 10-15% grade. You should be comfortable both climbing and descending hilly terrain. You should have experience riding similar distances and total elevation gains and losses as described. The maximum distance per day is scheduled to be less than 55 miles.
Why do you have two different numbers for vertical gain?
The websites we used from mapping rides reported a vertical gain that is computer generated and most likely overstated due to computer simulation algorithms. When we did our pre-ride of the course we used a Garmin 60CSx and also showed those numbers which we believe are more accurate and substantially less.
What kind of bicycle should I ride?
You should ride the bicycle you are most comfortable on and with gearing that supports climbing hills.
What should I do to get ready for this ride?
Ride your bike a lot on whatever terrain you can easily access. The more mileage you put in prior to the ride the easier this will be. Riding at least 3 times per week leading up to this ride is a good plan. Include some hilly terrain in your training rides if possible.
What else should I do to be ready?
Make sure your bicycle is in good working order. Take it to your local bicycle store and get it tuned up. Also, if you have not used your camping gear in a while, get it out and make sure it has not rotted or gotten mildew.
Will there be a way to do bicycle maintenance during the ride?
The ride organizers are planning to have support from a local shop made available during the ride. There is the possibility that could fall through so bring some commonly used tools, a spare tire, three spare tubes and a patch kit. You should know how to fix a flat tire on your own. We will have a couple floor pumps for people to use in camp. Make sure you have a good frame pump to fix flats on the road.
How does my luggage and camp gear get moved?
You will pack your bags and camping gear up each day and deliver them to the van for packing, storage and movement to the next destination. Make sure each bag is clearly labeled with your name and phone number.
Are we going to being roughing it?
The plan is to camp in established National Forest and possibly private campgrounds. The campgrounds may or may not have showers available. All three planned campgrounds have access to a river and a “river bath” at the very least will be available. We are still in the process of arranging for a portable hot shower and will update this info when that is confirmed. You should be comfortable using a pit toilet. Food is being catered and you should not worry about going hungry. Of course, if there are certain foods and snacks you really love, then bring some along. Also, bring your own alcohol along for your private consumption.
Will we be able to buy food items, toiletries, liquor, etc along the way?
The first day has very limited to possibly no access to shopping once we leave Etna – Etna has a grocery store and drug store. There is a small store in Forks of Salmon that has limited hours and days of operation. On the second day there is a small market in Somes Bar and a moderately sized grocery store (Parrys Market) in Happy Camp. On the third day there is a small market in Seaid Valley. There is a small pharmacy in Happy Camp. Our advice is to carefully plan for your needs including biodegradable soap like Dr Bonners, toothpaste, contact solutions, lotions, sunscreen, lip balm, anti-itch creams, any prescription medicines you use, and insect repellant.
What will the weather be like?
Average High Average Low Precip (rain) Precip (snow)
Happy Camp 87.3 45.5 0.88 0.00
Sawyers Bar RS 85.2 45.3 1.03 0.00
Source: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmnca.html
Should I bring a folding camp chair?
Bring an easily stowed folding camp chair something like this one if you want an alternative to the ground and picnic tables.
How about if I want to ride more than the designated distances?
For the hardcore rider, we can offer additional recommended mileage though the additional mileage/routes are unsupported. For instance, the first day offers an alternative climb out of Callahan that increases the mileage to 76 miles.
Will there be a SAG vehicle?
Yes, we will have a SAG (Support and Gear) vehicle carrying water, your day gear, and snacks. In addition, there will be a guide on a bicycle that will be helping out when and where needed.
What does the scenery look like?
We believe this is one of the most beautiful and remote places in California. Most people cannot believe that there are still such places left in the most populous state in the US. The slide show below is from the pre-ride we did in June.
