Confessions of a Downieville Virgin: Interview with Myself
Why are you going?
Now that I am badass after riding the North Dakota Badlands in June, I am ready for anything! Well, not quite. Truth: I've heard about Downieville as a biking destination for nearly 20 years and haven't ridden there yet. In particular, this bike festival, the Downieville Classic, is supposed to be a blast! At last, I will go check it out! Kind of like how I heard about Burning Man for ages and finally made the pilgrimage to Black Rock Desert, Nevada in 2007.
Photo credit: from Downieville Classic website
I finally signed up because my friend Winona wore me down with her repeated invitations to join her at this race. But she went to Japan instead. (Thanks a lot!) No lake jumping for me, instead just hours and hours of rocky, hot climbing and descending: yeehaw! From the website:
"The Downieville Classic cross country race is one of the last remaining point-to-point bicycle races in the United States. The 29 mile course follows a rugged "Gold Rush" era route that departs the mountain town of Sierra City (elevation 4,100'), climbs to the crest of the Sierra Nevada (elevation 7,100'), and then plunges 5,200 vertical feet into downtown Downieville."
Where is Downieville?
A long, solo drive from Santa Cruz! Downieville is on California Highway 49, and is just over a two-hour drive from Sacramento. The drive from Reno or Lake Tahoe's North Shore takes just under two hours.
Where are you staying?
In a small cabin with a guy I hardly know.
Have you been training for this cross country race?
No.
Karen negotiates dangerous descent through grass in Maah Daah Hey, North Dakota.
(Mom, I am kidding!)
Photo Credit: Jereme Rauckman
"Oh my! EEEK! Be careful-- it is challenging especially in a racing situation. I am very proud of you-- I'm ready to ride there, but not race unless I am comfortably at the back! Can't wait to hear your report!" — Henrietta Stern
"We rode most of the cross country course - very difficult course. I suggest bringing extra food, water and clothing as it will probably take a long time to get through the whole thing. Good luck!
— John Caletti, Caletti Cycles
Custom Bicycles Handmade in Santa Cruz, California
* "I am impressed that you're riding Downieville."
— Dwight Follien, survivor of many broken ribs and concussions from mt. bike riding/racing
* Dwight being "impressed" makes me more nervous than anything. Except maybe for the red-lettered note on the Downieville Classic website:
"Be prepared for adverse trail conditions, including deep and fast moving water crossings and snow drifts. We will be removing all downed trees from the course and installing drainages, however we will not be shoveling snow from the trail. This year will be Classic!"
Wish me luck and feel free to send me advice here!
Is this a plea for help? I'll volunteer to fund a psychiatric exam in lieu of this race! "Eek" is the correct sentiment, I believe. Love, Moo
ReplyDeleteDouble-Eek!
ReplyDeleteSeriously Karen, be very careful-- D-ville is harder than anything we have here as it combines the steepness of Braille's steepest sections with so many more rocks! And there is exposure where a fall means over the edge for 100+ feet.
There are also lovely sections too.
The snow element can make things even more slippery, or you can't see what is underfoot. At least it won't be so dusty.
I assume you will be near the back so a good line will be carved by the folks in front of you, which is good.
Do rock practice at Santa Teresa park at the Rocky Ridge section this week.
If you can, get there a few days early (like tomorrow!) early, reserve a spot on the shuttle and do the course slowly so you can see where to walk.
Goodluck-- we can go do this together sometime when it it is not race weekend-- maybe next year I will race.
More advice from Henri, via email:
ReplyDelete"Be sure bike is in excellent shape and you have checked the brake pads etc. By the way, there are plenty of pretty sections too. It is not a death march the whole way, but there are challenging areas too, especially down Pauley Creek. I think it is called. And of course the famous Babyheads, but the folks before you will have carved out a line.
But is also an awesome accomplishment just to finish-- and you will be riding UP the first 8 miles with no shuttle, then the 21 miles of down and up over several ridges! An epic ride for sure.
Heed your friend's advice-- pace yourself and bring lots of extra food and big CamelBak with water-- do they have aid stations to provide filtered water or is it "on your own?" If you are near back of pack, consider that they may run out of goodies to hand out.
There are streams so you will be able to cool off, if needed, if it is hot.
Certain sections may be very muddy, mucky wet with high waters this year-- last year it was a dry rainfall year. In August when I went. there were still very wet sections.
Wear insect spray!! The bugs fly faster than we can pedal on the steep uphills!
Can't wait to hear all about it!
You rock, you crazy adventurer!
You really have a fighting spirit to conquer all things possible. Its great to know that you psyched up yourself and assess your capabilities in riding your bike.
ReplyDeleteIt goes to show that if you want to conquer something, if you put your energy and your all, you can do it even if you're a beginner.
ReplyDelete