Feather River/Quincy Run - April 2005 - Sacramento Road Cruisers

RIDE REPORT:

Howdy SRCs,

I'm glad that we have another Feather River Canyon ride planned for later this year. Not because this one was a bust, because it turned out to be a GREAT ride.

Nine bikes with 13 riders made this scenic ride on Saturday.

The first leg of our journey was from Sac to Oroville where we stopped to gas and to take a little break. From there we headed UP and into the canyon. As you ride up the canyon, you can see the river far below. Then after what seems to be only a few curves, the river is right off your shoulder. You cross back and forth over bridges so the river view is always changing from right to left.

Gundi not seeing one of the many trains that we would pass along the ride, commented about a funny "metal on metal" sound. It was the sound of the train's metal wheels going around the many curves of the canyon.

The day could not have been more perfect, in fact most were over dressed and a bit warm on the ride up to Quincy.

We made one stop along the way to take a picture of our little group with the river in the back ground. Roger was having a bad hair day so he left his helmet on, just kidding Roger.

We did run across (or better said she ran in front of us) one deer trying to decide to stay put or run across the road. But with a few blasts from my horn, we scared her enough to "high-tail" it out of there. Gundi spotted another deer still down at the river and far away from the road as we passed the spot where she was standing.

We ate lunch at the "Morning Thunder Cafe". If you're ever in Quincy be sure to stop in for breakfast or lunch, but get there before 2pm because they close right at 2pm. Over lunch the conversations were all about the scenery and great weather.

We rode out home towards "Serriaville", over to Hwy 49 via Hwy 89. It was along this stretch that those of us that took off our heavy leathers wished we waited. We reached the pass at about 6700' with snow piled up along both sides of the road. The cold temperature only lasted about 30 minutes and soon we were back into the comfortable range for riding in light gear.

It was long this part of the ride that a large Hawk took a close look at our group, from his perch on the side of the road. I was not sure if he was just curious or sizing us up for lunch...

Our last stop was in Downieville, were we again talked about how nice of day it was to be up in the mountains riding. Hwy 49 from Downieville to Nevada City was no disappointment either with beautiful scenery all the way home. For the entire trip the traffic was light, which only added to the enjoyment.

Even though I ride this route three to four times a year, I'm looking forward to our next ride in the Fall. I encourage you all to try and make the next Feather River Canyon ride.

Another great ride for the SRCs is in the books...

John