2004 Mountain Epics
From the Yuba Expeditions, Downieville Classic and SBTS crew www.sierratrails.org
Posted June 24, 2004
And now for something completely different ...
As the season has begun to warm
up, the Yuba Expeditions website has been bombarded with concerned and alarmed
emails -- "Say it ain't so! No Downieville Classic this year?" Well, it is so. After nine years, Greg has decided to take a break from the Downieville Classic. Originally named the Coyote Classic, it came into existence as a way to draw riders to Downieville and showcase some of the epic trailriding that hides in these hills. With the last two editions of the Classic being totally sold out, and a seasonal influx of around 30,000 mountain bikers coming through town, it is safe to say that the goal of drawing people here to ride has been successfully met.
Now there are new challenges to meet. 30,000 people on old trails leaves a mark. And if those trails aren't cared for, they degenerate into environmental disasters, while becoming a whole lot less fun to ride along the way. This is why we started the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship - so that everyone can continue to enjoy the spectacular backcountry that some of us call home.
So, instead of the Downieville Classic,
the SBTS is hosting THREE separate Mountain Epic rides this season. Conceived
as a way to showcase some of the lesser known but still world class singletrack
in the region, each ride will comprise between 45 and 55 miles (and around
8,000 feet of climbing) of truly amazing big loop, high country trail. Each
ride will feature a catered lunch stop in addition to well-stocked aid stations.
Each ride will have a band and a party afterwards. There will be a clock running
for anyone who feels the need for speed, but the rest of you are encouraged
to stop often, snack heavily and enjoy the views. Think of them as really sweet long rides, like the Classic, only bigger. And, just like the Classic, expect some good time partying once the riding is done.
Here are the dates:
- July 10th. Mountain Epic #1. Downieville to Forest City to Downieville.
- September 11th. Mountain Epic #2. Downieville to Johnsville to Downieville.
- October 9th. Mountain Epic #3. Graegle to Lakes Basin to Graegle.
Each ride has a field limit of 300 riders.
Basic entry fee, which includes ride entry, catered lunch, aid stops, raffle
ticket, commemorative ride bandana (which also doubles as your course map),
and a post-event shindig, starts at $40. For $45 we'll throw in a shower and
a free beer. Add another $10 and you get the ride, the shower, the beer, and
dinner afterwards. Entry forms can be downloaded by going to http://www.sierratrails.org/pages/events.html. If you get to the home page, click on the "events" feather. Please print forms out and mail them to us at P.O box 454, Downieville, CA 95936.
These rides are not the Classic, and we know how much some of you loved that race. But these are something different from the usual race experience, and are kind of cool. Some of you might not be into this sort of ride, and that is just fine. We want to thank all of you for your years of support. And we hope to see you again, soon, up in the high country.
Cheers,
the Yuba Expeditions, Downieville Classic and SBTS crew