SALMON FALLS TRAIL, FOLSOM LAKE BIKE TRIP, SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 Thought you might enjoy this picture. We love these bottles! The liquid comes out so much easier than the others you have to suck on. We could use a few more. The Salmon Falls trail starts at the bridge on the South Fork of the American River at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, about 30 miles east of Sacramento. Roger rates it as semi-technical and "not a trail for beginning singletrackers!" We agree. Although there is a lot of really good, smooth single track, many portions are quite rocky. There are also quite a few dips into switchbacks through (now dry) rocky streambeds. At one tenth of a mile into the trail Roger says "You then encounter a steep, loose, and rocky climb that is probably better walked than ridden." At this point you are on a narrow trail a few hundred feet above a nearly straight, rocky drop to the lake. Neil chose to ride it, got caught in a deep rut, and he fell over the side! Right in front of me he rolled over the cliff like a rag doll and landed about 10 feet below on a bit of a ledge (red arrow on picture). His helmet and elbow guards saved him from certain injury and the ledge probably saved his life. He bruised his shoulder and ribs but after some serious recovery time he decided to continue the trip. It took us both at least an hour to settle down to where we could enjoy the trip. We took a wrong turn somewhere and did quite a bit of a more difficult trail that eventually rejoined the real trail. We didn't mind since it was more challenging than the trail we eventually came back on. Except for the big cliff dive we really enjoyed the trip and we expect to make it a regular trip once a month. We should mention that the trails had quite a few bikers to watch out for. Some weren't even wearing helmets! Check out the pix here! Submitted by Dr. Steve and friends... Thank you! |
