Ideas for a fun weekend ride please :) [Archive]

Jr_Bullit

12-14-2004, 08:47 AM

We're going riding for a day ride on either Saturday or Sunday (or maybe both, we'll see).

Any ideas of a good place to go for a, not quite epic, but maybe a 3-4-5 hour ride in the mountains? I'd like to get some elevation (500-1000feet above sea level) as we're going to carry packs and look for chantrelles.

I do want to ride down at Mt. St. Helens at some point...do you think that's a possibility for this weekend?

Other ideas?

DBR X6 RIDER

12-14-2004, 09:00 AM

Skookum Flats or Galbraith are probably both ridable at this point. Flip a coin on either and you can't go wrong.

Skookum

12-14-2004, 09:01 AM

Hmm i bet Skookum Flats would still be decent right now...... :think:

You can't ride at St. Helens no more, it still could blow at any moment....

Skookum

12-14-2004, 09:03 AM

Also Cap Forest and Green Mt. are good but i just got done riding both in the past two consecutive weeks. :p

Snacks

12-14-2004, 09:42 AM

Also Cap Forest and Green Mt. are good but i just got done riding both in the past two consecutive weeks. :p

The last time we were up at Green Mt. there where tons of shroms :D

Jr_Bullit

12-14-2004, 12:14 PM

Snacks

12-14-2004, 12:18 PM

I've been hearing about this green mountain place...but haven't ever ridden there. Where's it at? How are the trails? Lots of climbing & descending? or relatively flat, low grade? Can I find this info on the bbtc website? :)

Dude....great place to ride in the winter....trails drain great. The climb is a little longer than Tiger but not as steep. Skookum has a link to directions.

Jr_Bullit

12-14-2004, 12:36 PM

Yo skooks! Hook a sista up, bro! :D

(and yes, anyone who knows me and my prissy blonde self, can laugh heartily at the image of me tryin to talk like that)

PsychO!1

12-14-2004, 12:48 PM

If weather permits, I could be in for a green mountain day. Sunday or Saturday best??

Jr_Bullit

12-14-2004, 01:10 PM

Not 100% sure, but I'm thinking Saturday for a long wonderful ride :) Have you been there before?

evilbob

12-14-2004, 01:31 PM

Yo skooks! Hook a sista up, bro! :D

(and yes, anyone who knows me and my prissy blonde self, can laugh heartily at the image of me tryin to talk like that)

:evil:

evilbob

12-14-2004, 01:33 PM

I've been hearing about this green mountain place...but haven't ever ridden there. Where's it at? How are the trails? Lots of climbing & descending? or relatively flat, low grade? Can I find this info on the bbtc website? :)
Awesome place I want to go to again. :thumb: :thumb:

PsychO!1

12-14-2004, 01:35 PM

Not 100% sure, but I'm thinking Saturday for a long wonderful ride :) Have you been there before?

Yes, I know GM very well. Dirt road climb with some steep sections. Excellent view at the top if it's clear, and some of the sweetest singletrack you'll find this time of year.

It's just west of Bremerton, sooo, you'll probably want to take the ferry over. You could drive through Tacoma and over the narrows to get there...but that's a loooong drive from the north end. What time are thinking??

stacy1

12-14-2004, 02:07 PM

I am down for a ride either day at green. The earlier the better, it is pretty packed on weekends.

Skookum

12-14-2004, 02:10 PM

i have a loop, it's a good loop. Vno should go, he's been asking about the place and i should show him.
Mike you hafta start at Wildcat now because they blocked off the Gold Creek parking area. It's fenced off and full of huge uprooted stumps, it looks like the beaches of Normandy WWII.
As far as ferry service goes i know that the Bremerton Ferry takes FOREVER to cross. at least 45 minute trip. if you live in the north end maybe the Edmonds Kingston ferry might be better, but for me living next to the airport i can get to the trail quicker and cheaper going around the bridge, believe it or not...

Anyways i'll go, Green is always good especially when it's dry.

Snacks

12-14-2004, 02:16 PM

PsychO!1

12-14-2004, 02:24 PM

Mike you hafta start at Wildcat now because they blocked off the Gold Creek parking area. It's fenced off and full of huge uprooted stumps, it looks like the beaches of Normandy WWII.

Bwahahahaha...That don't scare me.

Actually, I prefer the Wildcat start too. At least for XC stuff, the DH runs were better from the Goldcreek side, the only problem with riding DH bike at GM is I keep getting equestrians stuck in my wheels. :mad: :)

PsychO!1

12-14-2004, 02:27 PM

What's your loop Skook???

I like taking the road to the top, down Beaverpond to first road crossing, back to the top, then down Wildcat.

Skookum

12-14-2004, 03:11 PM

What's your loop Skook???

I like taking the road to the top, down Beaverpond to first road crossing, back to the top, then down Wildcat.
Verrrrrry similiar but better! Instead of bailing on first road crossing stay on Beaver Pond almost the whole way. Then after the bridge almost to the wall of switchbacks that go up to Gold Creek you hang a right on Plummers which is gonna be named Gold Creek as well. It eventually drops down to Gold Creek trail next to the actual Creek. Can either head towards the old parking lot, but the trial is not being maintained and there are lots of trees in the trail, or hang a left go up the trail then take the rock garden spur down to the forest road. Climb up the other side to Vista then do Wildcat.....

PsychO!1

12-14-2004, 04:04 PM

After first road crossing, doesn't Beaver Pond meander through the woods until the camp ground. At the camp ground it joins wildcat. That's how I remember it.

SuperSlow

12-14-2004, 06:47 PM

galby is a huge mud pit right now. But there are a few trails that get less travel that arent that bad

Borneo

12-14-2004, 06:48 PM

I actually may be down with that too. Need to get over there and the snow season is not cooperating. Is the Fauntlaroy ferry the best way to get across?

Skookum

12-14-2004, 08:21 PM

After first road crossing, doesn't Beaver Pond meander through the woods until the camp ground. At the camp ground it joins wildcat. That's how I remember it.
Ok i go backwards from that.
Ride from Wildcat to forest road
forest road to camp
get on Beaver Pond all the way until you get to plummers
Plummers starts right when the trail starts heading up the switchbacks to Gold Creek.
Doing it this way you have about 35% singletrack climbing but ALL of it rideable and 65% fun singletrack descending.
Then you climb back up from Gold Creek parking lot and do Wildcat and you know how that is...

I actually may be down with that too. Need to get over there and the snow season is not cooperating. Is the Fauntlaroy ferry the best way to get across?
Man i dunno if you can go from Fauntleroy straight to Southworth.... the best would be taking the Bremerton ferry but they make you go real slow thru the peninsula because of the sea walls of rich people who own houses on the beach so it takes the ferry forever.... it just depends on if you wanna spend the dough and take a ferry ride or just put some miles on your car..... as far as time i think you might very well save it if you live on the north end, just how much depends.....

Jr_Bullit

12-14-2004, 09:56 PM

what's a reasonable time in the am to get there if you ferry it?

erikkellison

12-14-2004, 10:34 PM

galby is a huge mud pit right now. But there are a few trails that get less travel that arent that bad
How would you know? I thought you didn't have a bike yet?? And even if you did get the new one, what are you doing riding it THERE?? ;) Assuming that it is indeed some sort of three digit offering from a color company...

SuperSlow

12-14-2004, 10:41 PM

hahahahhaha yea I have another bike that I ride up there. Plus my girlfriend rides up there almost daily

Skookum

12-14-2004, 11:27 PM

what's a reasonable time in the am to get there if you ferry it?
i dunno seems like 10 a.m. always seems to be the popular time for RM rides. :D :dancing:

Jr_Bullit

12-15-2004, 07:59 AM

Alright - but since I don't know how to get there, can steve and I meet up with you and Snacks at the ferry and follow you to the trail? What time will you be at the Bremerton ferry?

Skookum

12-15-2004, 08:26 AM

Alright - but since I don't know how to get there, can steve and I meet up with you and Snacks at the ferry and follow you to the trail? What time will you be at the Bremerton ferry?
heeeey when did i agree to take the ferry? :think: :p
you can follow us around the bridge which is the way i'm going. :) If you still wanna take the ferry,directions are pretty easy to the trailhead.
Basically go to Bremerton
drive to highway 3 on other side of town
head north
Take Chico Way exit
Take a left
Northlake Way take right
Seabeck Highway bear right
Holly Rd take left
After you pass a gas station to your right you'll see Wildcat Trailhead (it's marked with a sign) to your left. (ignore wildcat lake and stuff)

Pretty easy to find. There's a basic map on how to get there on DNR website but they have you driving on an earlier exit with more back road driving.....
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/dataandmaps/maps/pdf/gm_both.pdf

Snacks

12-15-2004, 08:28 AM

Alright - but since I don't know how to get there, can steve and I meet up with you and Snacks at the ferry and follow you to the trail? What time will you be at the Bremerton ferry?

Jr_B, I'd drive around if I were you. The drive really isn't that long.

If you really want to take the ferry, PM Happy for direction to the trail head from the dock. He took the ferry to GM for a ride.

Jr_Bullit

12-15-2004, 09:38 AM

Where ar eyou and Skooks leaving from? Can we meet somewhere and follow you? (My success rate with going it on my own is only so/so :D ) Steve's better with directions than I am, but then again, he's not from around here...

Borneo

12-15-2004, 10:57 AM

OK, here's another option. Taking the Edmonds Ferry and then driving down?
Still seems like a darn long day on the road from this end...

(Balancing that with riding some sweet, very dry local stuff...)

Then, there's Baker... Decisions, decisions!

Maybe Lisa and I will hang around Friday. Depending what time we get out of the woods, to say, "hi". Coal cart.

PsychO!1

12-15-2004, 11:03 AM

Ride from Wildcat to forest road
forest road to camp
get on Beaver Pond all the way until you get to plummers
Plummers starts right when the trail starts heading up the switchbacks to Gold Creek.
Doing it this way you have about 35% singletrack climbing but ALL of it rideable and 65% fun singletrack descending.
Then you climb back up from Gold Creek parking lot and do Wildcat and you know how that is......

You are gonna kill me and my single speed....aren't you???

BRING IT ON BROTHER!!!!!

Snacks

12-15-2004, 11:23 AM

You are gonna kill me and my single speed....aren't you???

BRING IT ON BROTHER!!!!!

Wait....what day are we doing this ride?

Jr_Bullit

12-15-2004, 12:07 PM

Saturday, meet at 10am?

evilbob

12-15-2004, 12:20 PM

Saturday, meet at 10am?
You pooling over or following someone, I want to go.......I need to go........I must go......

PsychO!1

12-15-2004, 12:29 PM

Saturday, 10am, Wildcat Trailhead.

Jr_Bullit

12-15-2004, 12:44 PM

You pooling over or following someone, I want to go.......I need to go........I must go......

:) you're welcome to pool with steve and I. I can fit my bike in my trunk, and my rack carries two bikes. Steve's superlight and your cannondale should be very easy to carry. Or you can drive and we both squeeze in your rig! I'd love to have a guide along to make sure we don't get lost. ;)

Toshi

12-15-2004, 12:59 PM

actually nvmd, i might not go. 'tis far. :think:

RhinofromWA

12-15-2004, 02:33 PM

When I drive to Tahuya Forrest/Bellfair it is quicker to drive around Thru Tacoma than take the Ferries. Cost less too. Buddy and I beat a friend that left 15minutes ahead of us to take teh ferry from Bremerton and we drove around and we called him as we drove past SafeCo Field on I-5 and he said the Ferry wasn't even close to docking yet......

Timing is probably everything withthe ferries..but I have driven around probably 90% of the time. It gets shorter everytime. :D

Jr_Bullit

12-15-2004, 04:58 PM

I'd rather save the bucks and see the scenery, but since I'm only one of two who will be in the vehicle, I should prolly not commit till he and I sit down and figure out how we want to get there. :D Especially with my history of getting horribly lost. :p

Skookum

12-15-2004, 07:22 PM

actually nvmd, i might not go. 'tis far. :think:
it's not far at all relatively speaking of course.
Clicky for Vista view (http://www.ridemonkey.com/mountain-bike-photos/data/500/3282RM_20_.jpg)

but I have driven around probably 90% of the time. It gets shorter everytime. :D
No doubt, it's not a long drive at all, it takes 1hr. from Seatac Airport, add whatever time it takes you to drive by the airport. :think:
Mike you started all this stuff, damn south enders always stirrin up trouble....

I'd rather save the bucks and see the scenery.
We can meet off I-5 somewhere and everyone can follow me. it'll be a convoy.....:dancing: :dancing: :dancing: :dancing: :dancing: :dancing: :dancing:
i've got room in my car if someone needs a ride. Gonna try to get Happy to go he's been lamin out lately....

Snacks

12-15-2004, 08:04 PM

We'll have room in our truck too. We usually meet at the Perfomance in Tacoma and convoy from there. Evilbob has been there before.

Skookum

12-15-2004, 08:49 PM

Hooray i just brainwashed Happy into goin too! :thumb:

time to call pnj.....

Snacks

12-15-2004, 08:57 PM

Hooray i just brainwashed Happy into goin too! :thumb:

time to call pnj.....

Yippee! I haven't seen him in like forever!!!
:dancing:

Jr_Bullit

12-16-2004, 01:10 PM

Wowzors - this is gonna be a party! Whose bringing the booze? :D :drool: :p

Seriously - I haven't been on this big of a group ride since I rode with the BBTC women's night rides.

Who all do we have:
Skookum
Snacks
Trailhacker
Evilbob
Happy
PNJ
Psycho
Toshi?
Me
Steve

Toshi

12-16-2004, 01:22 PM

yeah, i'll wake up all early on saturday and go since evilbob said it's worth the drive... :D so my offer of two, possibly three extra spots for bikes + riders from seattle is valid again

RhinofromWA

12-16-2004, 02:05 PM

We can meet off I-5 somewhere and everyone can follow me. it'll be a convoy.....:dancing: :dancing: :dancing: :dancing: :dancing: :dancing: :dancing:
i've got room in my car if someone needs a ride. Gonna try to get Happy to go he's been lamin out lately....Just to meet up with people....I suggest the Truck scale near Wild Waves water park. It is an easy pull off and waite area and there is no trouble getting back on. There is even a porta-john :) It is easier thatn any other exit parking lot meeting type place.

Jr_B I think you could find that. :D

PsychO!1

12-16-2004, 03:52 PM

Just to meet up with people....I suggest the Truck scale near Wild Waves water park. It is an easy pull off and waite area and there is no trouble getting back on. There is even a porta-john :) It is easier thatn any other exit parking lot meeting type place.

Jr_B I think you could find that. :D

Kevin,

You going??? or just being a good monkey and helping freinds find there way to a ride???

Jr_Bullit

12-16-2004, 04:16 PM

Vno

12-16-2004, 05:00 PM

I'm in, unless I get bumped from the flight after work on friday. What time at the Wild Waves truck stop?

Skookum

12-16-2004, 06:39 PM

I'm in, unless I get bumped from the flight after work on friday. What time at the Wild Waves truck stop?
Great idea uhmmm 9'O clock would be a good time to meet there....
Never thought of using that truck stop before......

PsychO!1

12-16-2004, 06:49 PM

Great idea uhmmm 9'O clock would be a good time to meet there....
Never thought of using that truck stop before......

I've heard some rumors about that stop.
Appearently it was popular place for the 'alternative lifestyle' types to meet and go for 'nature walks' in the woods. You'll notice the woods are fenced off now.

Skookum

12-16-2004, 07:04 PM

I've heard some rumors about that stop.
Appearently it was popular place for the 'alternative lifestyle' types to meet and go for 'nature walks' in the woods. You'll notice the woods are fenced off now.
Haha probably better not to stop at places like that with hitchhikers either...
http://harland-williams.net/mary/mary01.jpg

Jr_Bullit

12-17-2004, 08:22 AM

Soooo - 9:00 at the truck stop :D
Toshi & Evilbob - Steve and I are gonna drive down in my car, do you two want to train? (i.e. follow one another)?

Toshi

12-17-2004, 12:22 PM

i'm down for the caravan action.

evilbob

12-17-2004, 01:30 PM

This is shaping up to be a good ride again. Looks to be mostly cloudy tomorrow but dry and maybe about 49-50 average temp. :thumb:

RhinofromWA

12-17-2004, 03:35 PM

I've heard some rumors about that stop.
Appearently it was popular place for the 'alternative lifestyle' types to meet and go for 'nature walks' in the woods. You'll notice the woods are fenced off now.:eek: I fear I have said to much....

:p

No I don't see myself making it....just trying to cut down on the mayhem of a caravan gathering. We have done it many times trraveling to motorcycle races. No delays....nothing to distract....just assemble and hit the road.

No food markets to get lunch....stations to gas up.....go to the bathroom (well the porta-john but most are to freaked to go that route :) ) ....not much to delay the departure once everyone has arrived. Not that anything like that ever happens :rolleyes: :D

Have fun everyone.....I may find my way out to spectate at the indoor BMXy thingy soon. I will bring my camera.

I rode 18 miles yesterday on the centenial trail and froze my rump :o: :) I swear it was sunny when I left.....

Skookum

12-18-2004, 07:17 PM

Was a great day for a fun ride at Green. We had psycho's with old skewl bikes, mushroom hunters, a desert rider who doesn't believe in front brakes, a couple of half gimped out hike a bikers, and a bonking photographer.
Was great riding with you all! Can't wait to see the pics. :)

Jr_Bullit

12-18-2004, 08:32 PM

Ditto that! Thanks for showing us the trails...great times :D and riding rocks with skinny tires isn't that bad ;)

Vno

12-19-2004, 12:19 AM

My vacation is complete...all in one day. More fun than I could have ever expected. Is there a trail Skookum doesn't know? I've never been so wet and happy! The trails were great, the people were awesome. Hope to ride with meet up with some more of you great people over the next week.

evilbob

12-19-2004, 12:42 AM

Yea that was good today. Was nice meeting Vno for the first time, trails were awesome, sky was perfect, riders were cool, views excellent and the birds were a fun little unexpected break. The only thing not perfect was my front tire getting in a disagreement with a sapling on the outside of a corner I blew...... :think: my tire lost and over the bars I went... :eek: ...the nice bushes on plummers were kind enough to catch me with no other witnesses.......... so if nobody else saw it, it didn't really happen right. :D