(4-7-24) EDIT: Thanks for those who have pointed out the snow up North. I'm changing the ride to go down south instead to lower elevation checkpoints. See down lower for details.
Hey,
I'm think I'm going to try to hit Challenge Point #42 High Valley Guard Station Tuesday April 9th. The tentative plan is to meet up on the east side in the Eagle Christian Church parking lot. From there we could ride north on 16, hit up up #19 - Slope Road for any who don't have that one yet. Then go through Emmett, Blacks Canyon Reservoir, and then north again on Montour Rd. At the checkpoint we can either hop onto 55 via Smith's Ferry or go down south a bit and get on at Banks. All depending on road conditions.
I'm anticipating around a 2 for difficulty, perhaps a 2.5 if we get into any mud. This is an educated guess, if anyone has insight on these please chime in. I plan to take my adventure bike and don't get too technical on it, so if things get hairy we will find a better route. Pace with be nice and moderate. We won't be racing.
Plan was to leave around 5:00. I can postpone a bit if folks need to get off work. Total ride is about 115 miles. This isn't set in stone yet, so I can be flexible.
The eyes of the ranger are upon you.
2000 Suzuki DR-Z400
2005 BMW R1200GS
2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100
1978 CX-500 Scrambler (in progress)
I’m interested! I just have stock tires on the KTM 790 so not sure what they are capable of yet.
2024 KTM 790 Adventure
2022 Triumph Tiger 660 sport
I just talked to a friend of mine who has some land up there. The road from Ola is maintained but they recommend chains this time of year still. The road tops out around 5k elevation so good chance of running into snow. The smiths ferry side is not maintained and will most definitely have snow
2024 KTM 790 Adventure
2022 Triumph Tiger 660 sport
Jason,
I'm also hearing that there might still be snow up there from folks on Facebook. We might end up changing the route and/or destination. I'll research it a bit more today.
The eyes of the ranger are upon you.
2000 Suzuki DR-Z400
2005 BMW R1200GS
2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100
1978 CX-500 Scrambler (in progress)
I came home to Cascade from Boise around 7 last night. Snow started around Banks. It was coming down hard. We got probably 4 inches of heavy snow overnight. Smiths Ferry side is still closed to wheeled travel. Signs are still up. So it hasn't been plowed open yet. Just a fyi.
@davebracht Thanks for the heads up. Yeah, we'll probably select a different destination. Seems like I *always* forget to check elevation early in the year. I get excited to be out and riding.
The eyes of the ranger are upon you.
2000 Suzuki DR-Z400
2005 BMW R1200GS
2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100
1978 CX-500 Scrambler (in progress)
Thanks, everyone for the correction, looks like Smithy Ferry is inaccessible.
New proposed ride is head down and hit up 01 - Jump Creek Falls then 03 - Reynolds Creek Cemetery . Time permitting we can hit 38 - Celebration Park on the way back.
This is still a level 2 ride. I hear reports on minor ruts on the way up. This should be adventure bike compatible for most riders.
Meeting point will be 5:00 at the Chevron
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fJTRcMZHFa3AgG1C7
The eyes of the ranger are upon you.
2000 Suzuki DR-Z400
2005 BMW R1200GS
2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100
1978 CX-500 Scrambler (in progress)
I’ll be there Alex. I’ll text you if something falls through.
John H
Can’t make it in time tonight. I’ll see you the next time. I may make my way down there later maybe our paths will cross
2024 KTM 790 Adventure
2022 Triumph Tiger 660 sport