State of the Trails

The snow has stopped flying and we're back to work on the North Yuba River Trail, hoping to connect Downieville to Goodyears Bar before the May 16th Mountain Epic event. This trail project has broken my spirit a number of times over the years, and I'm really looking forward to punching it through and moving on to another project. Preferably somewhere with a little less rock. My back and hands are sore, my feet hurt, and my blisters and knuckle scrapes are abundant. But, no matter how much it hurts, it still feels great to be back in the woods, spreading a chocolaty singletrack ribbon along the mountainside.

We are pleased to announce that Henry O'Donnell is back working with us this season on the Trail Crew. Henry and I have been building the North Yuba Trail together since he was just 10 years old. Now he's 23, and i'm, well, getting older. Henry is experienced and quite comfortable in the backcountry, not to mention he's one strong mutha. He has spent his lifetime on the trails above Downieville; riding, hiking and fishing. He's even spent a few years racing as a pro downhiller for Santa Cruz Bicycles, and was one of the top ranked American racers, winning the Downieville Downhill and setting a course record when he was just 15. Henry knows how to make a trail flow, on and off the bike, and we look forward to working with him again this season.

We have a Sacramento Cyclocross has donated $500 for the groceries, and Hoppy Brewing in Sacrmaneto is providing the after-work refreshments. There will be group hikes and bike rides on Sunday. Come on up, the weather is great and so are the trail conditions. If you can't make the Trail Daze event, but still want to lend a hand on the North Yuba Trail, let us know. We're happy to house you and feed you if you're willing to get your hands and knees dirty with us.