California (Local) Muni Weekend 2015, Oct. 24-25!

General
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The “official” 2015 Muni Weekend, carrying on the annual series I started in 1996, took place in the Seattle area on August 7-9 and was hosted by Noli Ergas.

But many of us California-dwellers were unable to attend. Because I’ve recently moved to a new house that’s closer to the local Foothills trails, I wanted to invite people out to a smaller, more intimate Muni Weekend and a visit to our new place. Riders from anywhere are welcome, but this will probably be a small group.

The dates are October 24-25. Rides will be flexible, but one of them will be what I call the Salmon Falls Shortcut. This is a variation of the Sunday ride from the original (1996) MUni Weekend. Instead of starting that trail from the beginning, we jump-start it by crossing the Old Salmon Falls Bridge, which has spent most of its life underwater since the creation of Folsom Lake in 1955. That lake is now mostly river, and at historic record lows. Anyway, this route brings us to the middle of the trail, where we can ride its second half with a shortcut. This might leave us with more energy to ride out onto the penninsula, at the center of Folsom Lake, and see land that hasn’t been above water level in 60 years.

Or we might visit the foundations of Mormons Island, a little gold rush town that was flooded when the reservoir was created. There are walls, foundations and lots of artifacts out there.

The other day’s ride is TBD, but will likely be either a long, downhill shuttle ride of Auburn trails, or possibly Stevens Trail in Colfax. Or, if people are more ambitious, a drive up to the Tahoe area for Mr. Toads Wild Ride. Maybe even Downieville, though those two involve much longer drives.

Guests are invited to stay at my house if they RSVP before we get too many people. There will be a hot tub, and a patio that overlooks Sacramento and Folsom Lake.

Interested? Let me know if you’re thinking of coming, especially if you would like to stay at our house (Fri. & Sat. nights). Details to follow!

Here are some Salmon Falls Shortcut pictures (from 2009). Picture even less water in the river/lake. More pictures later, once we have a better idea where we’re going to ride.

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Sounds like a great event, John! I would like to attend, if I can arrange my schedule to do so.
Not being familiar with the trails, would they be suitable for an “intermediate” level rider?

3

Your timing is impeccable Mr. Foss. I’m planning a visit to my sister in Aptos (you are a 3 hour drive north) as we speak. I’ve been using Corbin’s 2007 mUni weekend itinerary to research trails. I had settled on the Forest Of Nisene Marks and Soquel Demonstration Forest which is about an hour from her but I’d obviously rather join you guys. And I’d love to ride Downieville. I’ll see if I can fit you into my busy schedule. Thanks for putting it on!

4

No one will be left behind. If we decide to do Downieville, which is a one-way ride with shuttle, it might be a little much for you. I’ll keep that in mind when picking rides. Keep me posted on whether or not you’re going to make it.

That’s one vote for Downieville (and not really any other votes yet). I’ve got to research the shuttle services there, to see if they will still be running in late October. And just so you know, Nisene Marks is actually in Aptos, and the Soquel Demo Forest is probably only about half and hour up the road. Both have been featured rides at past Muni Weekends based out of Santa Cruz. :slight_smile:

5

Soquel Demo is great, and you should also look at Pogonip/UCONN off of Highway 9. Let us know if you’re going to hit those, we may be able to get an expedition down from the East Bay.

6

I got a weekend pass from my “master scheduler,” so I’ll be there!

I have a 7-passenger vehicle (with room for unis), so I can help with shuttling.

You’re offer of accommodation is exceedingly generous. I will bring my own inflatable bed. :slight_smile:

(Skill-wise, I’m pretty good with distance and most terrain, but not so much with big hops and drops.)

7

Count me in! I don’t need a place to sleep as I can in my van but a shower and hot tub would be great. I’ve never done downieville or mr toads so my vote would be for one of them.

8

Cal Muni Weekend

Wow John, I’d love to attend. I normally haul a teardrop trailer to stay in, (size of VW bug) any chance of parking it nearby?

9

My plans have already fallen thru. Wife has a wedding and both kids need rides to their sporting events that weekend. Thanks anyway for the invite! Keep putting them on! We will make it to one eventually.

This is very helpful information. I was trying to probe my sister for geographical specifics but all she could come up with is “I can see the beach/ocean from my front porch”. Suffice to say, she does not have her finger on the pulse of the mountain biking scene.

Ran across the U-Conn trail at Pogonip doing research for a possible itinerary. I was under the impression it was a rails-to-trails type asphalt greenbelt so I had already ruled it out as my KH36G doesn’t travel well (Though I’ve always dreamed of giving Nathan a run for his money on Rob’s Ride). Appreciate the offer to show me around a bit tholub. I will definitely keep you guys in mind if/when I finally get out your way.

10

I’m out

My plans have already fallen thru. Wife has a wedding that weekend and both kids will need rides to their sporting events. Thanks anyway for the invite! Keep putting them on! We will make it to one eventually.

This is very helpful information. I was trying to probe my sister for geographical specifics but all she could come up with is “I can see the beach/ocean from my front porch”. Suffice to say, she does not have her finger on the pulse of the mountain biking scene.

Ran across the U-Conn trail at Pogonip doing research for a possible itinerary. I was under the impression it was a rails-to-trails type asphalt greenbelt so I had already ruled it out as my KH36G doesn’t travel (Though I’ve always dreamed of giving Nathan a run for his money on Rob’s Ride). Appreciate the offer to show me around a bit tholub. I will definitely keep you guys in mind if/when I finally get out your way.

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U-Conn is a unpaved mostly-singletrack big climb from Highway 9 to the (unpaved) university fire road (which is featured on Rob’s Ride). If you head north along the fire trail, there are dozens of MUni trails heading back through Pogonip towards Highway 9.

U-Conn is doable on 36, and some of the Pogonip trails are, but most of Pogonip is more fun with a real MUni. Most people with a 36 doing something along Rob’s Ride’s route will want to go down through Wilder Ranch towards the coast.

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Welcome! You are one of the first to request a spot, so you will have one. Your 7-passenger vehicle will be most welcome also! Combining it with mine will surely help us reduce # of vehicles to the rides.

Skill-wise, big hops and drops are always optional. I think Downieville is off the table due to it not having any decent short version, and being more of an arduous drive from our new house than it was before. I’m thinking maybe Stevens Trail, or what I’ll call the Auburn shuttle.

Stevens Trail, in Colfax, was an old toll road from the town down to the gold miners along the North Fork American River, deep in a canyon. The trail is about 8.5 miles, total, out and back. It descends about 900’ to the river, and then it’s basically uphill all the way back. Scenery is fantastic, with much of it on the side of the canyon. Plenty of opportunity for cliffside retrievals. The trail is narrow, and there are a few sections most people will want to walk it. This trail comes with a swimming hole near the bottom which, if conditions permit, we will stop for. :slight_smile:

The shuttle ride starts at the top of the Forresthill Divide Loop, then goes down the Clementine Connector Trail and onto the Culvert and Confluence Trails in Auburn. That’s a relatively long ride: About 11.5 miles total, I think. But this one is mostly downhill, losing about 1300’ of elevation from start to end, but with plenty of ups and downs. It’s less technical than Stevens Trail and can be done on 29ers, though the more technical parts are definitely more fun on a regular Muni. If we want, we can end that ride with the original Muni Weekend competition event, the Confluence Uphill Challenge. Just a timed race up a short piece of trail from the riverbed up to the Stagecoach Trailhead. George Peck did it, Roger Davies did it, Kris Holm did it, etc.

Saturday dinner is shaping up to be quite a treat, a friend of our up in Shingle Springs is offering to host at her house, which has a pool and hot tub section, fire pit, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, shady yard, and good food TBD! We would return to my house to clean up, then head up there, about a 25-min. drive.

We’ve got you covered.

On the street would the the only thing close. We’ll fit as many cars in the driveway as possible, and the rest on the street. The nearest public parking otherwise is miles away.

Oh well, maybe next year!

For everybody who’s coming, please send me (via email) your current email address unless you’re sure I have it. I won’t be posting my address or travel details here on the Forums, and not sure if I’ll post stuff to the website because I don’t want our group size to get out of hand. :slight_smile:

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Just to clarify, would jfoss@unicycling.com be the appropriate email address for people to use?

thx,
LanceB

14

Oh yeah, thanks.

I got yours. :slight_smile:

15

John;

I will be bringing Augie up to ride. If room at your house great. We can also tent it , or get a motel if you are at capacity. In any event TY for putting this together the trails sound exceptional. Looking forward to seeing you .

Chuck

17

Chuck,
I need your email address for event updates, addresses, etc. I’ve put together a list now, and will be publishing a firmer schedule shortly.

Saturday ride will be the Salmon Falls Shortcut, with the possible option of riding out onto land that hasn’t been high and dry since 1955. Folsom Lake is that low. I just don’t know the distance to such areas from the end of the trail.

Saturday afternoon/evening we’ll hang out back at the house, then head up the hill to Shingle Springs, to the Sisson home for dinner, pool, hot tub and possible back yard muni. I haven’t seen the back of their 5 acres, but her son has done gold mining down there (and found some!).

Sunday we will do the long Auburn Shuttle, from the top of the Foresthill Divide Trail all the way down to the Confluence. That’s a downhill-trending ride but still with a good amount of climbing in it, and lots of fun speed sections, and plenty of technical as we get to the lower elevations.

For people that want to tackle one of the bigger, farther away rides, I can offer directions and other info to get you there. Downieville is inconveniently located in relation to our (new) house, but it’s a lot closer to South Lake Tahoe if people want to ride Mr. Toads Wild Ride. I still don’t know if I’ll have to work on Friday…

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The event is only one week away! I will post some more information here, and send it out to our local uni email lists, but if you want the full details, you’ll need to contact me by email. jfoss - a - unicycling - dotcom

Accommodations at my house are full. If you would like to attend the Saturday dinner event at Casa de Sisson, I need to know ahead of time so we can have the right amount of food there. We’re going to put up the food, you supply the drinks, and we’ll have a collection bucket or something there to help recoup the expenses. This Muni Weekend is otherwise free!

I will post the basic schedule here, with directions to the ride starting points. Early weather forecast suggests highs in the 70s and little to no chance of rain (what else is new about that part?). It should be a really nice weekend to get together and do some rides!

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Muni Weekend 2015 (Local) Schedule:

Note: This schedule is subject to change, for reasons of weather, delays or other forms of reality. :slight_smile:

Friday, 10/23:
The Foss house will be available from 2:00pm. Don’t arrive earlier; there may be nobody home! No specific plans, but there are plenty of photo albums to peruse, and unicycles in the garage to check out. For dinner we might go to a restaurant, or cook something up on the BBQ. I’m requesting all house attendees to let me know which nights they plan to spend at the house.

Saturday 10/24:

  • 9:15 – Depart Foss house for the Salmon Falls Shortcut ride. Driving distance about 7 miles, prox. 15 mins. Drive time.
  • 10:00 - Ride start. Bring snacks! We might be out there for a while
  • 2:00-4:00 – Estimated ride finish. Return to Foss house for cleanup and light lunch
  • 4:00 – Depart Foss house for dinner at Casa de Sisson. 17.4 miles, about 30 min. drive time
  • 4:30 or 5:00 – Dinner! Including sushi platters. We're putting up the food, and requesting donations to help cover the cost. You supply the drinks. Pool and attached hot tub available. Indoor and outdoor dining and seating. Rough trails on the "back 40" for anyone who would like to explore.

Sunday 10/25:

  • 9:00 – Depart Foss house for Auburn Shuttle ride. Drive: 22 miles, estimated 40 min. to get to The Confluence.
  • 10:00 – Activities start, possibly with Confluence Uphill Race (time trial) and/or other fun stuff, then shuttling up to the top of the ride
  • Pile into the shuttle vehicles. Shuttle drivers: 8 miles northeast, on Old Foresthill Road and then Foresthill Road to large parking area on left.. Estimated drive time 12 min.
  • Then we ride back down to the Conflunce, connecting several trails together. Trail distance is between 11-12 miles.
  • After ride, shuttle drivers will need a ride back up to their vehicles..
  • A safe trip home for all!
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IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND:

  • Please contact me by email so I know you're planning to come
  • I'm only sending out directions to my house and our Saturday dinner location via email
  • You must RSVP if you plan to attend the Saturday dinner at Casa de Sisson (we really need to know how many people to expect)
  • Parking is limited at the Saturday ride staging area. Try to carpool as much as you can.
  • The Sunday ride has lots of space, but a $10 fee to park in the area. Again, carpooling highly recommended!
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Directions to Muni Weekend (local) Ride Locations:

I’m hoping that most of you now have access to GPS devices, like smartphones or similar, and know how to use them to get to locations with the information provided below. Please let me know if you need help with any of this.

Thanks to constant improvements in Google Maps, it’s now possible to give directions to anyplace you can click on the map, even if there’s not associated address! “Addresses” of the ride locations are not actual buildings or houses, just a point of reference on the map.

Saturday Ride, Salmon Falls Shortcut via Sweetwater Trail:
Point Google Maps to 471 Salmon Falls Road, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762.
You will see a small parking area on the left (north) side of the road. Do not block the gate (possible towing)! Parking is limited, so carpool where possible. More cars can park on the North side of the road beyond the little parking area. Don’t leave valuables in the car; there have been some break-ins. This is free parking. Don’t forget to allow yourselves enough time to be ready to ride by 10:00am.

Sunday Meeting Point, Auburn Long Shuttle (starting from The Confluence):
This location is named for the meeting place of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. Point Google Maps to 137 Old Foresthill Road, Auburn, CA 95603.
$10 parking fee! No free parking nearby. You will see a little outhouse and some trail signs; park near those. This is the bottom of the Stagecoach Trail, and the location of the Confluence Uphill Challenge, if we choose to do it.
We will shuttle up to the ride start from there.
Be ready to ride at 10:00am. Shuttle vehicles will be loaded after we’re done with our activities at the Confluence area. Same parking fee applies at the ride starting point, but your payment covers the whole Auburn State Recreation Area so you only need pay once.

Sunday Ride Start:
Shuttle drivers will head up Old Foresthill Road (northeast; away from Auburn), for about 3 miles to where it ends at Foresthill Road, and turn right. From there, continue about 5 miles (total of 8 miles) to a paved parking area on the left side of a big, sweeping curve in the road. Point Google Maps to 38.973599, -120.954047.
From there, it’s a one-way ride back down to the Confluence. There are side trails, so stay with the group!

If you would like to join us for Saturday dinner at Casa de Sisson, contact me via email for the details. jfoss, unicycling, com is the address.