New Trail Creation

[PCMBT]

Hello,

I recently had the desire to bike the Pacific Crest Trail, only to find out that bikes are prohibited from use on the PCT! I'd like to get a new trail created but before I can do anything I need to know if there is anybody who would like to see a trail dedicated to mountain bikers that stretches from the Washington-Canada border to the California-Mexico border.

Thoughts?

[AZTtripper]

There was a thread a while back about an attempt to get the non Wilderness parts open to bikes. Then at least all you would need to do is figure out the Wilderness bypasses. Of course just that would a fairly big project, and of course riding it all would be equally big. Either way there is no doubt interest.

[PCMBT]

I'm familiar with the attempt to open just parts of it, but alas, the request was denied. It's been made quite clear that hikers and equestrians don't want us there, never did, and likely never will they hear the word mountain bike and think downhill adrenaline fed charges with riders that have the get out of my way or be run over mindset. I agree that this would ruin the fun for the vast majority of people who use the PCT. My goal is to create a COMPLETELY new route with us in mind. Those downhill adrenaline junkies (not that I don't enjoy a good run every now and then) can go to any one of the countless trails designed for them. Our route will be for people who want to make it from border to border, or at least multi-day use.

[JRA]

As both a long-time hiker and long-time cyclist I can understand how some hikers get pissed.  Some of us cyclists can be our own worst enemies in terms of greater access to trails.

I think your idea is a great one though.  

[PCMBT]

JRA,

Thanks for the input! Also, if anyone has any good ideas to reach more bikepackers or XC mountain bikers please let me know, the more involvement the better!

[metalartgate]

I think it's a geat idea. Was actually thinking about working on a route through Oregon.

[Buttermilk]

I'm currently in the process of mapping and riding a route that circumnavigates the Sierra Nevada. It would be possible to tie into that route either on the west or east side. It would be great to have a nice west coast route that is mostly singletrack.

[mtntraveler]

Hi I'm in southern California and would be interested in knowing how your route works out.  Are you thinking generally in the Bishop area or further north.   

[Buttermilk]

Full circumnavigation of the Sierra Nevada geologic formation. Basically Tehachapi in the south, Fredonyer Pass in the north, west and eastern foothills to connect the passes. Around 850 mile loop, but breaks up nicely into shorter trips. Still in infant stages. Map, ride, remap, ride, etc... Once big chunks are in good shape I'll post up and see if anybody wants to ride some

[JRA]

Full circumnavigation of the Sierra Nevada geologic formation. Basically Tehachapi in the south, Fredonyer Pass in the north, west and eastern foothills to connect the passes. Around 850 mile loop, but breaks up nicely into shorter trips. Still in infant stages. Map, ride, remap, ride, etc... Once big chunks are in good shape I'll post up and see if anybody wants to ride some

Great idea!

[dave54]

There already is a route from Shasta to Tahoe.  Mostly forest roads, only a small amount of singletrack.  I'll look around and see if I can find a link.

[JRA]

There already is a route from Shasta to Tahoe.  Mostly forest roads, only a small amount of singletrack.  I'll look around and see if I can find a link.

Please do.  I'd be interested in looking at it.

[dave54]

Please do.  I'd be interested in looking at it.

I read of the route in a book some years ago, since loaned out and lost.  I was unable to find an online description.  If memory serves, it started near McCloud, wandered on forest roads south, followed the 17 Road along the west side of Lassen Park, cut east to Lake Almanor area to Westwood, then Moonlight pass south through the east side of Plumas County, to Truckee, then Tahoe.  The area is very well roaded and many variations could be created.

A route I have pencilled out circumnavigates Lassen Park.  Another intriguing route is combining the Oregon OC&E trail K-Falls to Bly, south on forest roads to Alturas, then riding the Modoc Line Trail to Susanville, then the Bizz Johnson Trail to Westwood, then the yet undeveloped Collins Pine Trail to Chester.  All total over 300 miles mostly on Rails-to-Trail.  It is possible (not convenient) to put together a shuttle from Chester to K-Falls using public bus systems. 

[mtntraveler]

I think you might be referring to a route in Northern California that a guy named Bodfish put together.  The only issue is that for 5-10 miles you ride  on the PCT, to  make a connection.

Will check my library of mtn bike guide books, I think, I have a copy.

[dave54]

'Bodfish' is his nickname.  Chuck Elliot owns Bodfish Bicycles in Chester.
The route was another book.

[JRA]

Bodfish is a somewhat legendary dude as I recall.

[AZTtripper]

There's a small town of Bodfish in the southern Sierra. I used to live near there in Kernville, working for the outfitter who does the Cannell shuttle. Always crossed over the PCT just west of there. Also used to go up to Black Rock station to ride. The PCT goes thru Kennedy Meadows just east of there.

As I recall there there is a dirt road that runs along the south fork of the Kern. A way to connect from the Black Rock area down into the Kern Valley. Seems like the Sierras will be a tough one to figure out. Lots of National Parks and Wilderness areas to work around.

Lots of cool country to travel thru tho. Best of luck figuring out a great route.

[PCMBT]

Thanks everyone for the support!

Sorry it's been a while since I've replied, we have been in contact with the National Trail Program Leader in DC. He was supportive and even gave us some contact info of people that might be able to help! The next step is to get any / all trail reports and maps in WA, OR, and CA you never know what bit can be used.

A special thanks goes to AZtripper as I have given special thought to the southern sierras. Much of the area is wilderness, and that which isn't designated as wilderness can be tough to navigate.

Also, we have started a facebook to try to gain support and reach out. the address is: https://www.facebook.com/PCMBT

If you have any info you'd like to share with us you can email us at PacificCrestMBT@gmail.com

Thanks again, and as always, Ride Safe

[briandunnington]

Last summer I started working on a route that spanned Washington from the Canadian border to Oregon. Some info and a preliminary map of the route can be found here: http://wambr.org/route.html

The route has been revised quite a bit since that map was published as I work out the kinks and verify the route in real life. In another month or so, a friend an I are going to start at the Canadian border and ride (slowly) and map (accurately) the route as we go, knocking off as much as we can in each chunk. All of the data will be available online as it is compiled.

[JRA]

Thanks everyone for the support!

Sorry it's been a while since I've replied, we have been in contact with the National Trail Program Leader in DC. He was supportive and even gave us some contact info of people that might be able to help! The next step is to get any / all trail reports and maps in WA, OR, and CA you never know what bit can be used.

A special thanks goes to AZtripper as I have given special thought to the southern sierras. Much of the area is wilderness, and that which isn't designated as wilderness can be tough to navigate.

Also, we have started a facebook to try to gain support and reach out. the address is: https://www.facebook.com/PCMBT

If you have any info you'd like to share with us you can email us at PacificCrestMBT@gmail.com

Thanks again, and as always, Ride Safe

Don't take this wrong because I totally like your idea. 
Something to consider - using "Pacific Crest" in the name of the trail may be a cause for greater resistance from some within the hiking community.  Particularly from those who may not like bikes on trails to begin with.  The Pacific Crest name is an icon in the hiking world and using it could cause some confusion.  Your idea might receive wider acceptance if PC was not used in the name.