Fizzy's Adventure on the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route

[trailhead]

@fidodie....I would now, but I don't think it is legally possible without residence. Some states are working on transfer agreements. My plan was to acquire Bear Spray, but never did because of cost ( $50), weight and bar space. In hindsight, I should have got it.....as I will explain in later installments.

 

[Patrick]

i may have this
Link: http://a.co/8CM9o7m

which would be totally illegal in nj, and probably wouldn't travel well by plane.

Be safe.

 

[trailhead]

7/13/18

We wake to the sound of contractor trucks arriving at a gated compound across the road. Our location is just 10 miles outside the town of Ketchum, but we still make some coffee and eat a cereal bar before packing up and leaving. We head down Warm Springs road ( still NF-227) which now has estates and houses and a nice park. As we enter town traffic is already busy, we turn down a side road but it is closed and as we turn around see another cyclist approaching. We probably looked a bit lost, and so he ask if we were. So this guy, is riding a rather old and modest 3 speed type rig with baskets front and side, and adorned several places with the American Flag. He is wearing the bright yellow vest and helmet. His name is "Peter" and he volunteers to lead us to the "best deal" breakfast place. In seconds he is off while we still fumble getting our bikes rolling. He leads us to Wrap City Café which does have a good variety of options. Over breakfast, Pete provides us some information about town and it turns out, he has quite an extensive bike history. At one point working for Adventure Cycling as well as many tours throughout the world. After breakfast Pete offers to lead us on the resupply mission, but I kindly relieve him of tour guide duty.

We tend to get a bit indecisive when it comes to food shopping, but we get the right stuff and manage to fit it all in the space we have.
Next on the mission was to address some comfort issues as Sherri was developing some saddle sores and I needed some longs to sleep in. The Elephant Perchis an all around outdoor gear type store and bike shop named after a local geologic feature. Sherri wants to get new riding shorts as apparently the seam of the chamois and the bike seat are not working. She finds a good fit, I get some longs and another dehydrated, gulp, meal for the road. There is a nice lawn area with tables, so we make ourselves at home, drying clothes, sorting gear, using the wifi and checking things back home. The guys at the shop let me use the air hose to blow all the dust off the bikes and I lube the parts. I have had to clean and lube the rear derailleur pulleys every day as they start to chirp on both bikes. In the field I would use pine bows as a improvised brush. As I'm cleaning, I meet "Dave" who is the guy that chopped back the Willows last year, and so we discuss the conditions along Big Smoky Road. Sherri takes a spin on her bike while wearing the new shorts, things are better, but there is still a wince in her eyes. The shop has a good selection of saddles, and we settle on trying a Specialized which has a more rounded rear profile. They offer to install it right then and Rodger gets it near perfect first try, as he took measurements beforehand. After this trial run, she is no longer on the same pressure point, and feels much better about the long ride ahead. We have lunch, and visit the Sun Valley / Ski History museum while waiting for the sun to lower.

It's time to roll and we take the bike path out of town, and then a 5 mile stretch directly on Highway 75, which is not so bad because we will soon be on the renowned "Harriman Trail". A mixture of double and singletrack, this very well maintained trail provides awesome views within the valley.

We passed three campgrounds, but wanted to cover more ground and check out the next hot spring. Russian John hot spring was a few hundred feet off trail but with the GPS was able to locate it. It appeared that others had camped there before, so we decide to stay here for the night. We were treated to warm soak, awesome views and a colorful sunset.

From our vantage point, I can see some activity, headlights just off Highway 75, about a half mile below us. According to the map, there is an RV pull off ( dispersed camping). There is a faint trail from our site in that direction, probably used by those looking to soak. As the sun sets, we hear some dogs barking from that general direction. A minute later.....pow!.....someone fires off a shot. We are ok...not hit. The dogs stop barking. I'm thinking maybe the dogs were barking at coyotes, and someone fired off a shot to scare them away. A plausible explanation, but still, they should not discharge a firearm in a camping area, and I doubt anyone is considering people in the hills. I walk down the path a little bit, and wait to make sure no visitors are coming. The rest of the night is peaceful.

 

[rottin']

@trailhead I love this journey! I spent a week camping and riding in Sun Valley 3 years ago and it was awesome! Much jealous!!

 

[MadisonDan]

This is unfuckingbeleivable.... One of my college buddies lives out in Boise. I went out there years ago and we did a 100 mile road ride from Sun Valley up and over Galena Summit and back. I remember going into Elephant's Perch, nice place, good people.

 

[trailhead]

7/13/18

Coffee, Oatmeal pack up and roll.
It's about 5miles on the last section of the Harriman Trail to the Galena Lodge, where we are hopeful to get second breakfast.
Upon arrival however, we are too early and they are serving a group of day campers, no coffee or muffin for us, we fill up on water and continue on.
We want to get up and over Galena Pass as early as possible to avoid the heat.
The "Toll Road" is the original wagon trail from the 1900's, over the 8747 foot mountain pass ( Blue line) .

We really enjoy this trail, the grade is moderate, occasional shade, nice views and wild flowers everywhere.

The upper section, barely visible here, traverses an outcrop over Highway 75.

The last few miles has a couple downfall, but nothing too hard to get over or around, and we reach the summit and take in the views from a perch well above the highway....only for those who toil.

 

[huffster]

Haven't been paying attention to the site too well lately. But, just getting to read this thread. Incredible journey and thank you for sharing.

 

[trailhead]

7/13/18 continued...

We are rewarded with a long downhill, and as we descend the sawtooth range reveals itself in such splendor we must stop and take pause.

The mountains....to a climber or backpacker, they call for you to come closer, enter within, climb, scale, and concur the peak. This time however, we are bike tourers, we will circumnavigate this entire mountain range, and then some. That valley is ours, and ride it we will !

I appreciate and enjoy all aspects of the journey, from sections of the open road, bike carries over rocks, and even the four hour climbs....but getting aero and cranking hard with the mountains over my shoulder and the seemingly endless trail ahead.....is what I most look forward to.

 

[trailhead]

Still 7/13/18.....

We have been traveling up the valley parallel to the highway 75, and as the backroad turns to intersect, I'm hoping for a someplace to eat. However, there is nothing but ranches and we cross the highway and continue north on NF210. There is some dispersed RV campsites close to the river, one unoccupied, but we are getting close to Stanley and want to camp there. This distance covered is starting to wear on us, the sun high, and soon there is not much shade. To make things worse, the forest has been recently logged and the road blown out. I heard someone refer to it as moon dust, and that sounds about right. No longer flat, it has become a series of climbs, seemingly endless and patches of shade scarce. I can tell Sherri is getting close to the edge, if she can only hang on to that patch of …"oh no...she is down". Getting sucked in by the soft trail she stalls and falls over. Minor wounds on the knee and elbow are already clotted up by the dust. We push on, very slowly, taking a rest at each patch of shade, a few hundred feet at a time.

We reach what looks to be a high point in elevation, so I power up the phone, there is signal. I call several places but there are no vacancies, and the NPS folks offer know real time vacancy status at the campgrounds. Redfish lake is several miles down the road from where we emerge, and given the busy weekend, doubtful there will be sites available at this very desirable area. We finally reach the end of NF210, and proceed into Chinook Bay campground. There is a sign at one site indicating a campground host, so I enter in hope of getting some guidance. I call, nobody present?, call one more time, someone stirs from the popup and reluctantly comes out. He says no sites are likely to be open, maybe try Sunny Gulch out on the highway. Still, very hot and sunny, we take refuge under the only shade, and tend to Sherri's wounds. I break out the first aide and start cleaning the cut. She doesn't want me too, but I have to dig a to get out all the dirt.....clearly very painful. It is not a deep cut, more an abrasion, so I apply some spray, antibiotic ointment and then bandage.

We snack some and then continue on, driven with the desire for some real food and cold drinks. Though there are currently plans for a connector trail from Redfish Road to downtown Stanley, we must take the highway for 5 miles, passing Sunny Gulch along the way. It looks like a nice campground though there are no tall trees or shade and the Salmon River looks a bit fierce.

We roll into Stanley, and head up "Ace of Diamonds Street" to.....where else?....the Saloon.
As I secure the bikes and dig out some coin, I notice an ominous sound overhead.
"Creak...………..Creak."......my god that sounds like the creaking of a hanging noose from a Clint Eastwood movie, but it is only the sign blown by a hot afternoon wind. .

 

[trailhead]

It's dark and cool in the Saloon, not smoky, and only a few folks at the bar.
The beer is cold and tastes soooo good. We order food charge the phone and check messages.
After awhile we meet the owners and some patrons, all nice folk.
They don't recall ever having any bike tourers in the Saloon, let alone from Jersey!

A quick stop at the mercantile for a few supplies and we continue north on 75 in search of a campground.
We pass two with no occupancy, now 5 miles off track, finally get lucky and secure the last site at "Casino' campground.

Here, the Salmon River was fairly wide and shallow, so we were able to take a dip and wash off the trail. The dirty laundry was accumulating and so also took this opportunity to wash in the river as well. Back at the campsite we improvise a clothesline, followed by a shared dinner in a bag.

59mi, 3463'
https://www.strava.com/activities/1720800457

 

[qclabrat]

Norm, Really enjoying your write up and pics.
Don't know Sherri but she sounds like one awesome lady.

 

[trailhead]

7/14/18

Coffee, Oatmeal pack up and roll...…..this trend though, much better than the morning NJ work commute.

Another stop in lower Stanley because there may not be any other outposts for a few nights. Since the campground had no well, we also fill up the packs and water bottles.

Our turnoff is from 75 is FR633 (aka Nip and Tuck Rd) is see now this a popular area for dispersed camping, though there are no sources of water.
After climbing for a half hour or so, we top out and take in another fantastic view of the Sawtooth Range.

and another section of valley to enjoy. The condition of the trail varies greatly from loose gravel, to recently graded chunk.
We pass a few ranches, and the road is treated with something to keep the dust down, which makes for fast rolling.

When you least expect it is when the trail will present you a new challenge....or reward.
The road comes to an abrupt end at a stream crossing, however, the flow mild and we ford fairly easy.
crystal clear and cold...……...

 

[trailhead]

Trying not to repeat the day before, we find a nice shady spot overlooking a stream, rest and have some snacks. There is dispersed camping nearby, RV's with trailers full of motorized fun. After a section of powerline, we ride the Valley Creek Trail (NF304), which has a bit of single track, then later returning to double.

This trail is open to motorized as well, and a guy on a KTM stops to chat. Our experience with all the motorized community was good, they always slowed down as to minimize the dust cloud. Deceivingly small climbs, we moderate in the hot sun. We're now entering the Challis National Forest, what will be the northern most terminus of our route, and where we will cut through the range south and westward. After a straight and hot section of Highway 21, we turn off towards Bull Trout Lake. Once again, there are no campsites available at the lake, but we hangout at the "Martin Lake day use" area, swimming from the dock, drying clothes and snacking. Later, we backtrack to the dispersed camping at an unnamed pond, and find a nice site that also is good for swimming.

41mi, 1781'
https://www.strava.com/activities/1720814090

 

[trailhead]

In our original planning for the trip, we had hoped to go farther north, and take the westward crossover at Warm Lake ( green).
Now with a bunch of miles completed, we were more knowledgeable about how much longer that would take. To do so would required us to continue at least 50 miles per day, and with that, still risk getting close to our deadline for Boise. With the temperatures still in the 90's, we decided it would be best to take the Lowman cutoff (yellow). By doing so, we can take more time to enjoy the trip, stopping to swim in the rivers, sightsee, and have extra time in Boise.

 

[trailhead]

7/15/18
This day we travel Highway 21 also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway.

We pass over Banner Creek Summit, which is a notorious stretch of road in the winter, and then start on a very long descent.
Along the way is a spectacular view of an area called "Grandjean".

Emile Grandjean was one of Idaho’s first forest rangers. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1861, Emile immigrated to America in 1883, eventually settling in Idaho before it became a state. Emile joined the Forest Service in 1905, and is credited for his early efforts in organizing many of the conservation activities to protect the land from uncontrolled grazing and mining. Today, Emile’s original forest ranger cabin is part of Sawtooth Lodge located on the south fork of the Payette River.

Before long we have traveled 25 miles and stop at the Sourdough Lodge. This is a good midpoint to break up the highway travel, and fortunately there is a vacancy for one of the cabins. We unload our gear and treat ourselves to lunch, and ice-cream, and dinner, and desert...and breakfast the next day.
In between rounds of eating, I wash the bikes, we swim in the Payette River, do some laundry, and relax on the porch.

24mi

 

[trailhead]

7/16/18

The remainder of the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway to Garden Valley was a sight to behold, and despite concerns of traffic, glad to see it from the bike. The valley steepens greatly with the Payette River far below, and each series of turns are cliff hangers. It was a bit unnerving as most traffic was RV's or trucks pulling campers, and you do not want to be in the middle of a blind turn as they came through. By looking back far across the valley, we could see what was coming, and then would pull off to let them pass.

Now entering prime "Whitewater" country, as this section of the Payette River has the most challenging of rapids. The edge is very steep, and loose rock, so it is hard to get a good view roadside.

Before noon we have already traveled 32 miles and decided to stop at "Hot Springs" campground, lured by the idea of swimming in the river and a late day soak.
The campsites were nice and situated above the highway, on the opposite side from the river. We setup camp and snacked. Sherri thought it a good idea to have lunch whilst sitting upon a large tree stump until......snake....big snake...not a good idea. Did not get a chance to identify this one as it quickly escaped back into the stump. We then spent the rest of the day lounging by the river which was good for swimming, and the hot springs a nice temperature. While it was good not to be out on the road in the midday sun, we don't idle well and got a bit restless. When a couple of rafts pulled up to takeout, and we talked with the guide, we found out that had we continued to town, we may have been able to go for an afternoon raft trip....oh well....next time.

Later in the day, the campground starting filling up with groups using it as a staging area for next day rafting. We befriended our neighbors who bestowed upon us the use of padded lounge chairs. When you spend so much time lying on the rocky ground and sitting at hard picnic tables, this was a welcome luxury.
32mi

7/15/18 - 7/16/18

 

[trailhead]

7/17/18

Coffee, oatmeal, pack up and roll.
The past two days we had a free ride down the cutoff, now we look forward to gettting back into the wilderness and climbing over the two peaks on our way to the next destination. The folks in the campgroud are starting to stir as we fill up at the water hole ( spigot). Back on the fully loaded bikes, we slowly make our way out to the highway. One of the campers asks "where ya headed"......and with great enthusiam Sherri replies " We're headed for Idaho City !". She stomps on Firefly ( her bike) and we are off.

 

[trailhead]

Heading west on Highway 21, the sky is hazy, signs of a forest fire outside the town of Crouch. Later we learn that it started as a controlled burn back in April, and just now classified as a full fledged forest fire. We pass a Forest Service Ranger Station and can see the staging of temporary trailer housing, and the mobile shower trailer, the like of which we had the pleasure of using on the Montana GDMBR Tour. Fortunately, we turn south onto FR615 ( Alder Creek Rd), where the skies are clear.

With only one cup of coffee, Sherri was feeling a little grumpy, and still so after Fizzy's attempt to cheer her up. There was only one thing left to do, "ZZ Top" on the music player, perked her right up. Head swaying to the music we start our climb up to Placerville.

We roll into Placerville and head for the mercantile hoping for coffee and second breakfast. As we dismount, a guy pulls up in a pick-up, and starts conversation. We make friends with his border collie, Roscoe, and get the lowdown on things of the area. We check out the store, no grill, so get coffee and a muffin which we enjoy from the front porch, and give Roscoe the crumbs. Another fella arrives and is taking down the 4th of July flag decorations. We discuss things about the town, and while the Museum is closed, he has the keys and opens it just for us! The museum was literally overflowing with history about Placerville and we took some time looking at the artifacts.

 

[Norm]

Ok that's some pretty neat shit right there.

Also, seriously this is day what? And Sherri is still smiling at you under any circumstances? I am impressed.

So this "controlled burn" is still going after 4 months? Someone probably needs to find a new job I guess.

 

[cbiker]

Sometimes they let low intensity fires burn and monitor them for months to thin the forest out. Sounds like you are having a great ride out there used to be up in a fire lookout to the north near Riggins. Miss being out that way.