Posted Sun, 10/18/2009 - 17:15 by CWilson
This weekend was a very busy weekend for FATRAC. On Saturday, Oct. 17 we had 25 riders come out for the monthly third Saturday club ride. We broke up into three groups so that everyone could ride with people of their own ability and speed. Everyone had a great time and I provided soda, chili, chips and cheese back at the picnic tables when they were all finished.
Then on Sunday we had our monthly trail work along the south fork of the American River. We helped the American River Conservancy work on the new trail from Cronan Ranch to the Salmon Falls bridge. It was exciting to get to build new trail. We went along the path carved by a Sweco and removed Manzanita stumps form the trail. It was hard work, but we now have that pride of ownership that only comes with sweat equity! Join us next month for our trail work on the FDLT.
Posted Sun, 10/04/2009 - 17:38 by CWilson
For the past couple of years I have heard Bert rave about the Fleming Meadows ride, but have never been able to go with him. Well of Sunday, Oct. 4 I finally got my wish. We were supposed to ride the Flume Trail in Tahoe, but it had snowed the night before and there was talk of chain restrictions still in effect. We decided a lower elevation would be more appropriate. On the trail, we warmed up quickly as we climbed out of the parking lot. I shed my jacket at the summit and then enjoyed a flowing single track in the big chain ring on the way down. Kurt had his video camera running on the most exciting parts of the ride so you might be able to experience the thrill (especially if he posts the video of his adventure in the tree!) vimeo.com/6922893 . We decided were are going to have to have a FATRAC video night where we play clips of that year's best rides. We arrived back in the parking lot after about 8 miles, dumped our jackets, grabbed some food and headed out to go around the lake. Again a climb to start out, but lots of fun single track on the down side. We finished with a total of 19 miles and about 2200 feet of climbing. Mexican food and drinks on the way home made it another perfect day with a few of my best friends!
Posted Sun, 10/04/2009 - 17:22 by CWilson
Saturday, Oct. 3 was national Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day, so FATRAC recruited REI to help sponsor our annual event. We raffled off the items so generously donated by REI, briefed the kids on the safety procedures and then took off. The weather was perfect as we wound our way around Granite Beach past Twin Rocks and to the top of the hill. We kept asking the kids if they were ready to turn around and they all yelled for more! We finally got out to the parking lot at Doton's Point and made the kids turn around. Besides a few on-the-trail bandage applications, no one got hurt and everyone had a great time. Check out the FATRAC Facebook page for pictures. If you ever get bored riding the same old trails, take a child with you and see the trail through their eyes. The adults laughed almost as much as the kids. Next time you see Randy Martin, thank him for spearheading this annual event and when you go to REI tell Erin Harrington thank you for their repeated support.
Posted Mon, 09/28/2009 - 06:38 by CWilson
On Saturday, Sept. 26, six FATRAC riders were able to enjoy the trail network at Cronin Ranch. Franke did a great job of guiding us among the many trails available to us. We started at the main parking lot and wound our way across to Up and Down Trail, and it was! The river looked very inviting, but we did not stop for a dip. I regretted that decision when on of the riders flatted and we had to sit in the hot sun for the repair. We ended up with between 16 and 20 miles depending upon which way the different riders returned to the parking lot. It was a great ride and I can't wait until we get to help build the trail that will connect Cronin Ranch to the Salmon Falls trail. Keep you eyes on the calendar for future rides and trail-building dates.
Posted Mon, 09/21/2009 - 08:18 by CWilson
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On Saturday, Sept. 19, Mad Cat sponsored the monthly Try the Divide Ride. We had ten riders take on the Foresthill Divide Loop Trail. Mad Cat provided coffee and pastries and a mechanic to check out our bikes. Some of the riders just did an out and back but the bulk of the group did the entire loop. The weather was perfect and the chips and drinks were a welcome refreshment at the end. Join us next month on the third Saturday for our next Try the Divide.
Posted Mon, 09/21/2009 - 08:14 by CWilson
There are two great opportunities for you to get your children out for a spin in the next couple of weeks. On Sunday, September 27 at William Pond Park there will be a fund raising ride along the American River Bike trail. The Mustard Seed Spin is a charity bike ride for kids and their families, and all registration fees are given to the Mustard Seed School. www.mustardseedspin.org
Posted Sun, 08/30/2009 - 15:48 by CWilson
On August 30, five FATRAC riders did the FDLT loop and threw in the Connector just for fun. No matter how much I pleaded with them, they insisted on climbing the fire roads in full sun during the hottest part of the day. You can see more photos on FATRAC's Facebook page. It ended up being a great ride and Jason and I stopped and had a burrito on our way out of the canyon. Join us next week for a trail work/ride on the Hole in the Ground trail.
Posted Mon, 08/24/2009 - 12:36 by CWilson
FATRAC did another Hole In The Ground ride on August 22. There were 9 riders in all - not a bad turnout. The weather was beautiful, we all had a great time. Took a swim in Lola Montez Lake. Jim and Cathy and four others did an extra out-and-back on the Donner Rim Trail - about 5 miles total. This is a great ride that every intermediate rider needs to experience. We are conducting a trail work/ride in September, so be sure and come out then.
Posted Mon, 08/17/2009 - 15:29 by CWilson
The weekend of August 14-16 saw about 15 FATRAC riders join mountain bikers from all over northern California for three days of riding, building and rejoicing on the trails around Lake Tahoe. We camped right on the shore of the lake and rode to our hearts' content. We built over 800 feet of new singletrack that connects to the work we did last summer. We raised $200 for the Donner Land Trust by raffling of the camera that Kurt donated from GoPro (see the video attached to our Facebook page). Check out the other pictures of the campout on Facebook as well. Be sure to keep an eye on the FATRAC calendar for more camping/riding opportunities coming up and join us next year for this annual Epic event.
Posted Sun, 08/09/2009 - 20:22 by CWilson
On Saturday, August 8 seven riders took on the Flume Trail in Tahoe. We carpooled out Highway 50 and started the ride just before 11 AM. All of the guys had geared bikes and the one girl rode her single speed right up to the lookout above Marlette. The descent was much more fun and the Flume Trail was in great condition. We are doing this ride again in October so keep your eye on the calendar for the date and join us for one of the best rides in the US.
