Downieville Trip

Hey everyone!
Check this out! The Downieville Classic races are on July 13-15. A number of us will be heading up to Downieville the following weekend (21-22, Sat and Sun) to do the course a couple of times.

Here's the pertinent info...

1) Suggested itinerary:
First: Head up early Saturday morning and get a camp site. Set up camp and chill for a bit.
Second: Head into town to get the shuttle to the top.
Third: Ride the course.
Fourth: Head back to camp to eat BBQ and drink some brew.
Fifth: Wake up the next day and break camp.
Sixth: Ride the course again.
Seventh: Have lunch and head home.

Option: Anyone interested in riding it a third time? I am sure I will be up for it! Since I only go once a year I think I would like to ride as many times as possible. But two times is a lot already.

2) The drive:
It takes about 3-4 hours to get there (I can't remember exactly. Also I made a wrong turn last time!). There are a number of camp sites just outside of the town. Last time, mine was about 10 miles away. I suggest leaving very early, like around 5 AM. Anyone planning to rent a bike should do the same.

3) The trail:
The trail is challenging. I think it is just like Demo, minus the jumps and drops. The trail is about 15 miles long and is probably 90% downhill. It is mostly in the shade. There are a number of stream crossings as well as sections that actually go upstream. Last time I was there I crashed twice, but neither was serious. It is very diverse as well. There is smooth, clean singeltrack as well as rocky, narrow, tight-cornered singletrack. Very fun!

4) Things a learned last time:
First, bring a bear box. The black bears are very bold and will steal your breakfast!
Second, get there early to get the best campsites!
Third, wear armor, if you have it.
Fourth, bring an axe
Fifth, not much in town for food or entertainment, though there is a decent pizza parlor

5) Expenses
Gas is the most expensive thing!
Camp site is around 20
Shuttle is 20 per person
Trail itself is free

6) I highly recommend riding the trail more than once. It is great, but since I go only once a year I want to do it multiple times. The guy who drove my shuttle last time said that he know a guy who did the course 7 times in a single day! I think we could do it twice over two days, maybe three times! Let's see how much juice we have.

Email me if you have any q's. I hope we can have a good sized group this year.