Gold County Outdoors Magazine by Jeremy Burke

FISHING, BIKING, RUNNING, OFFROAD, KAYAKING, HIKING, CAMPING, DISC GOLF, GOLFING AND MUCH MORE!

INSIDE

RUBICON MAP JEEPERS JAMBOREE AMERICAN RIVER BLACK OAK GOLF LOON LAKE HANGTOWN RESULTS ENDURANCE RUN DISC GOLF FISHING TRAIL MAPS INSIDE

BIKING, HIKING, HORSEBACK RIDING

GOLD COUNTRY OUTDOORS Gold Country OutdoorsMAGAZINE Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media - 1

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GOLD COUNTRY OUTDOORS MAGAZINE

By Jeremy Burke Entrance to the Rubicon

General Info: (530) 885-5656 Auburn Journal 1030 High Street, Auburn www.auburnjournal.com CEO: Jeremy Burke (530) 852-0200, jeremyb@goldcountrymedia.com General Manager: Jim Easterly, (530) 852-0224, Editor: Dennis Noone, (530) 852-0231, dennisn@goldcountrymedia.com Features Editor: Paul Cambra, (530) 852-0230, paulc@goldcountrymedia.com Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher shall not be responsible for any liabilities arising from the publication of copy provided by any advertiser for the Gold Country Outdoors Magazine. Further, it shall not be liable for any act of omission on the part of the advertiser pertaining to their published advertisement in the Gold Country Outdoors Magazine. A publication of Gold Country Media.

JEEPERS JAMBOREE RUBICON MAP LOON LAKE LOCAL KAYAKING AMERICAN RIVER CANYON AUBURN STATE RECREATION AREA DISC GOLF GOLD COUNTRY RUNNING HIDDEN FALLS MAP FISHING IN PLACER COUNTY CROSS TRAINING YOUTH CYCLISTS HANGTOWN 2014 PLACER COUNTY CYCLING ELECTRIC BIKES BLACK OAK GOLF COURSE GEAR HIGHLIGHTS

4 5 9 11 15 16 19 21 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 30

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JEEPERS JAMBOREE he Jeepers Jamboree is considered the oldest, toughest and largest organized event of this type in the world. The official Jeepers Jamboree happens at only one place and that is on the Rubicon Trail over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Don’t be fooled by others claiming 60 years of Jamborees. Jeepers Jamboree celebrated its 60th Anniversary last year and is the “Granddaddy” of all 4 wheel events; moreover, it’s Jamborees 61st Annual this year. Rubicon Springs has not been forgotten. Each year a hardy group of latter-day roughriders descend upon the peaceful Rubicon Valley. Forsaking horse and carriage these adventurers make their pilgrimage in sturdy fourwheel drive vehicles. Throughout the basin the voices of the “Rockrollers” hoarsely shouting, “Get that Jeep moving” echo from pass to pass. For a brief time the Rubicon comes alive again. The world-famous Jeepers Jamboree starts at the Sierra Nevada foothill town of Georgetown, California. Vehicles go east over approximately 45 miles of paved road to Loon Lake. After crossing the second dam at Loon Lake, your 4 wheel adventure begins. It’s time to put your vehicle in 4 wheel drive, air down the tires and start the most grueling 17 miles of off-roading you’ll ever experience. The Jeepers Jamboree started in 1952 as a way to help increase the economy in the Georgetown Divide area. A small group of local men came up with the idea of having a Jamboree to bring people into the area and have fun at the same time. These local men spent time devising

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the perfect route and trip itinerary. They crossed the Rubicon River to the Rubicon Valley, which was a lush green meadow with a perfect camping area. In the middle of the meadow were the remnants of the old Rubicon Hotel to add a bit of history to the camping area. To get backing for the trip it was presented to the Georgetown Rotary Club and the Georgetown Rifle and Pistol Club. They were thrilled with the idea of reviving the economy and helped back the trip. The first trip had 55 vehicles and 155 people in the summer of 1953. By the third year the trip was a huge success. The trip has been a big success every year since then. They added talent to the trip, bringing in spectacular entertainment to make the participants dance and leave their worries behind. They even hauled in a piano from Lake Tahoe for musical entertainment. At Rubicon Springs the pampering begins. The Jeepers are wined, dined and entertained in high Sierra style. The activities are many. This is the time to just plain relax and be waited on. It’s a completely catered trip, we’ll even do the dishes. At night there’s a raffle drawing with exciting prizes to win from our numerous sponsors followed by entertainment and dancing with the band that has been flown in for the special occasion. What is included in the trip: Three meals each day, experienced guides on the trail, exclusive use of the Rubicon Trail, entertainment, drawings, fun, games and relaxation. We are also one of the only, if not the only event to provide over twenty mechanics to help our participants. Of course participants must pay for any parts used and mechanics appreciate small donations. Also available are wilderness permits available in camp (Permits are mandatory for those hiking into the Desolation Wilderness Area). Through the years, improvements have been made to the event according to suggestions from guests. There has always been the continued

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movement towards the highest quality. The scenery is like nowhere else. The beauty you’ll experience is strikingly breathtaking. You can become mesmerized by your surroundings with all its natural beauty. The Jeepers Jamboree Organization always strives to keep the area as it was. There are extensive clean up crews before and after the Jamborees. Vehicles are required to stay on the trail throughout the trip. This program has proven to be very effective in getting participants to follow the rules in trash removal and caring for the surroundings. The importance of protecting the environment is contagious and you’ll find participants going out of their way to follow and respect the rules. The Jamboree committee emphasizes the protection and appreciation of the environment. In 1990 Jeepers Jamboree was noted for its commitment to protection. Jeepers Jamboree was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for being a Founding Member of Tread Lightly. As in the beginning, Jeepers Jamboree is committed to the Tread Lightly campaign to keeping trails open for years to come. The Jeepers Jamboree is considered the oldest, toughest and largest organized event of this type in the world. The official Jeepers Jamboree happens at only one place and that is on

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the Rubicon Trail over the Sierra Nevada mountain range. On the Jamboree Trail Rating System, 1 being the easiest and 10 the hardest, the trail is rated a 10 for overall difficulty. The trail is a continued test of everyone’s four-wheel driving ability. The Rubicon Trail is considered the “Granddaddy” of all four-wheel trails! It has gained worldwide publicity through TV, radio, magazine and newspaper publications. By the time the 61st Annual Jamboree is completed this year, it will have taken more than 36,026 vehicles and 103,784 people over the Rubicon Trail. People from all over the world have participated in the trip. The world-famous Jeepers Jamboree starts at the Sierra Nevada foothill town of Georgetown, California. Vehicles go east over approximately 45 miles of paved road to Loon Lake, which is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The road crosses a dam at Stumpy Meadows and also passes the old historical cattleman stop of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. You will be driving through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, passing giant evergreen pines, wondrous floral & fauna and beautiful electric blue lakes filled with pure snow runoff. The surrounding mountains remain snow capped and glisten in the midday sun. There is evidence and sighting of wildlife throughout the trip. It isn’t uncommon to have visits by brown bear, deer, chipmunk and foxes in camp. The area is also a geological heaven. During the trip you pass through 5 major events in the geological development of the Sierras. You will pass signs of the Ice Age and the volcanic activity that formed the Lake Tahoe basin. Don’t forget to bring the camera, because you’ll pass plenty of scenic overlooks that you’ll want to capture to take home with you. From Loon Lake you’ll travel to Rubicon Springs over glacial carved and polished granite slabs. The first crossing will be the ‘’Granite Bowl”, a large granite slab with fissures and scars; this is where the four wheeling begins. Annually the winter storms carve out a different trail among the rocky sluices and granite slabs providing new challenges each year for drivers. Almost all the four-wheeling is crawling at 3-5 miles or less per hour. The route traverses the Devils Post Pile made up of thousands of tons of boulders and passes Spider Lake and Buck Island Lake. You’ll also experience Walker’s Rock, The Big Sluice Box, and the Cruncher. Finally at Rubicon Springs (altitude 6,060 ft.), the site of a late 19th century Mineral Springs and hotel provides the setting for the camping on the trip. Rubicon Springs will provide relaxing opportunities to fish, swim, hike and sunbathe. The scenery at this point is breathtaking. You’re within hiking distance of many snow-clad peaks and numerous mountain lakes well stocked for fishing. The Rubicon River also affords many miles of excellent fishing. There is also a claim that the mineral springs may have remarkable medical properties. Rubicon Springs Resort was built in 1889 and became a vacationing hot spot. The allure of the

mineral springs faded and closed in the 1920’s. Sunday morning after breaking camp, you’re fed a hearty breakfast to energize you for the day’s excursion, 9 1/2 more miles of off-road travel to the final destination of Lake Tahoe. On the trip out you’ll experience the famous Cadillac Hill. The Trip officially ends at The Homewood Mountain Resort where a buffet dinner is served. Here you can tell and hear other stories from everyone’s trip. Sharing experiences and laughs is the perfect way to remember your odyssey. Also at the resort, there will be an opportunity to view and purchase photographs and videos taken of you on the trail. There will also be official Jeepers Jamboree merchandise to purchase. Also available for a fee, Official Jeepers Jamboree sportswear, Mechanical parts, Helicopter rides, Ice Cream and a No host bar. Some of the first people to come to the area were fur trappers for beaver pelts. The first record of white men in the area is 1844, a Stevens-Townsend-Murphy Horseback Survey Party. They were

searching for a clear passage over the Sierra Nevadas. The area also became an important part of the California’s Gold Rush. The area’s mineral water brought in tourists. The water and its healing powers drew people from all over. Hundreds came for the water and a resort was then developed in the area around 1889. Newspapers hailed it the “Garden Valley” on the Rubicon River. Flash Floods raged through the valley destroying many of the buildings. Improvements were made but the springs had lost their powers and the resort lost guest revenues and later closed. Heavy snows finally brought down the resort in 1953. Since then the high waters have carried away any trace of the resort. T= Traveling only where motorized vehicles are permitted. R= Respecting the rights of hikers, skiers, campers, and others to enjoy their activities undisturbed.

E= Educating myself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, complying with signs and barriers, and asking owner’s permission to cross private property. A= Avoiding streams, lakeshores, meadows, muddy roads and trails, steep hillside, wildlife, and livestock. D= Driving responsibly to protect environment and preserve opportunities to enjoy my vehicle. The geology of the route varies through every mile. In the vicinity of the Wentworth Springs area you’ll find extensive evidence of the glacial activity that sculptured the Sierras. The gravels in the valley were deposited by stream’s eminating from glacial ice. The glaciers themselves left their mark in this area by the presence of light colored granite boulders. These granite boulders were picked up by the glacial ice, then carried down slope by the glacier and dropped on the sides of the valley as the glacier melted. The brownish red rock, which is found under the glacial debris, is all that’s left of the roof of the magma chamber. In the higher elevations the route crosses over exposures of spectacular glacial activity. As the glacial ice melted, streams carried sediment into small dammed up basins. These basins filled with sediment and small alpine meadows were formed. In the Devils Post Pile National Monument there are polygonal columns, a fine grain rock that was injected as a viscous liquid, which cooled quickly. Fossil evidence from the Carson Pass area indicates that around 3 million years ago, the Sierras had an average elevation of only 3,000 feet. The elevation has risen to 6,000 feet and continues to uplift today. The Sierra Nevadas is filled with the geological splendor. “This was our first year and you can definitely count us in next year! We had an absolute blast! Thanks for everything.” - Sean and Debora Farrell “We had a trip that will be the bench mark for all others to beat. The scenery was beautiful and the company was outstanding. Keep up the good work and pass on my sincere thanks to the members of the VFW for a great job.” - Jeff Jones “Great time, thanks for all the good food and fun. Also used the mechanics in camp to fix a broke jeep, they were great.” - Mike Slaight “I commend all of the staff for their hard work. The rockrollers and expert mechanics helped me to feel safe and confident on the trail.”- Martha Lyle “Your efforts are appreciated. I am amazed how the mechanics are able to put people back (jeeps) together with limited resources. The staff and cooks are always in good humor” - Keith and Judy Harrington “Everything was run very well and organized. I’m looking forward to next year.” - anonymous “The food and the Food Group were just great and very friendly. Everything from A to Z was really organized well and the road crew and mechanics were helpful.” - Ron Luse “This was my first trip. The staff was efficient, friendly and very helpful. I would conclude that the whole trip was an excellently run”. - Kevin Dutchover

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CALIFORNIA WHITEWATER RAFTING SINCE 1982

800-462-7424

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LOON LAKE

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Location Map

16 17

Car Spur (Short)

Ice House Reservoir

To Sacramento

Wrights Lake

LEGEND

Desolation Wilderness

Union Valley Reservoir

Trailer/RV Spur (Long) Toilet

Equestrian

Group Campground Unit #2

E6 Campground

Wilderness Parking E8

E5 E4

Faucet Camp Unit No.

Foot Path

Group Campground Unit #1

Vicinity Map

5 Equestrian Loop Unit #E1-E9

Lake

Family Campground Unit #35-53

R e se

Picnic Area

Equestrian Group Campground

12 11 10

E3 48 46

2 9

Wilderness Trailhead Parking

Family Campground Unit #1-12

37 53 50

n Lake Rd. & Hwy. 50

Group Campground #1

Family Campground Unit #13-34

Group Campground #2

To Loo

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25 24

Loon Lake

Junction Reservoir

27 31

Gerle Creek Reservoir

23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and 29 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) on the south side of Loon Lake.

Loon Lake Reservoir

Pacific Ranger District Eldorado National Forest

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hings you should know The campground is generally open between midJune and mid-October. These dates may vary. The campground is at about 6,500â&#x20AC;&#x2122; elevation. Single units are limited to 1 vehicle and 6 people per site. Double units are 2 vehicles and 12 people. An additional fee will be charged for extra vehicles if the parking spur will accommodate it. Vehicle = Any equipment that is required to be licensed/registered. Includes RVs, trailers, cars/ trucks, boat/car trailer, motorcycle/atv, etc. Vehicles parked in a truck or on a trailer are not counted separately. Please check with the campground attendant or entrance board before setting up your camp. All food must be stored in the food lockers (Bear Boxes). Keep family pets on a leash at all times. Check out time is 1:00 p.m. RV filling from piped water sources in campgrounds and day use areas is NOT permitted.

Loon Lake Campground

41 42 43

2 Family Unit

Campsite Accessibility Level For People with Disabilities

Easy Access

Moderate Access

Difficult Access

Not Accessible

Boat Ramp Parking/Camping

map and information courtesy US Forest Service

LOCAL KAYAKING By Dan Crandall

’m a kayaker. Have been for 25 years now, and most of that time I’ve lived in El Dorado County. But for all those years I’ve been traveling to other places around the world for kayaking competitions or leading trips to such places as the Grand Canyon and then coming back here and realizing all over again what fantastic resources we have right here in our own back yard! It’s no wonder then that a lot of non-kayaking folks in our area have no idea that they are living and working and playing in the midst of a World Class region for kayaking- all kinds of kayaking! You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy this sport or take advantage of all that the sport of kayaking offers. There is plenty for kids, grandparents and families or

mile 0 Put in near or under the Chili Bar bridge, preferably before 9:00. Chili Bar Hole provides good surfing at levels around 2000 cfs, but is rocky at lower flows. Downstream are several easy rapids, two involving large rocks. A trail follows an old mining road on the right bank. .6 Meatgrinder, AKA Quarter Mile (class III+). A small diversion canal removes water on the left, and a large rock is visible there, just left of center. This is a long rapid (over 1/4 mile, eponymously) that can cause a bruising or bloody swim if you capsize near the top. At low flows, the lead-in rapid can be run either left or far right. Either way, you need to maneuver back to the center, entering the main rapid about 10 meters from the large rock, slanting left-to-right thru a slot between submerged rocks. This is an easy move, but failing to make it can have severe consequences, because the biggest waves and holes are still ahead. After this, keep your bow into the waves as the current funnels you towards Rhino rock on the right. Two rafters died here of foot entrapment within a 3 week period in 1989; the submerged entrapment point was dynamited that fall. A commercial rafting passenger also died here of foot entrapment in July 2000. After Rhino rock, overall wave size decreases, and you can eddy out on the left, or finish the rapid along the right.

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couples to enjoy together- AND for those looking for the wilder side of adventures there are all kinds of rivers to step up to and experience the thrills and occasional spills of Whitewater paddling on. On the Mild side, lakes abound in the Sierra and down to flatland country, with jewels like Lake Spaulding and Loon Lake and many others in close proximity. In fact, getting out in a kayak is often the quickest, easiest and sometimes the only way to access hidden or secluded beaches, campsites, trails and more. If you are like many, you might have some reservations about getting “inside” one of those kayak things. Based on 25 years of teaching beginners of all ages and body types, I can assure you that there is a kayak out there made to fit your needs that is stable, safe, of the correct fit and style for you. I do agree that it can be challenging to FIND the right correct kayak for you with all the choices you find on-line and such these days. So here’s a tip - your best sources of info on how to choose the right kayak and enjoy your kayaking from day one are—wait for it—NOT the Internet. OMG ! There is certainly a lot of valuable and ultimately useful info there for sure- once you know what to look for. If you want to get solid advice and really get off on the right stroke, take a beginning lesson from a reputable kayak school! Classes are cheap and will save you a ton of time getting going in the sport. A lesson or educational kayak tour provides you with experienced instruction on how to paddle and be safe out on the water. A truly good kayak school or shop will take the time to inform you on what the best kayak(s) is for you, where to go, when to go, (or not go!) and much more. On the Wilder side of things: Every year, whitewater kayakers from all over the world converge on the tiny towns of Coloma/Lotusknown as the central base for paddling the awesome whitewater rivers within a couple of hours drive of there. The South Fork American runs through town and is where most kayakers in California and Nevada learn to paddle whitewater for the first time, and where they all come back to time and again for the fun and thrills of the intermediate runs there. Other local river such as the Yuba, Feather, North Fork American, and so on offer everything from more intermediate paddling options to the truly epic cascades of the Sierra that only experts challenge themselves on like Four Dice Creek or Silver Fork. Whitewater is a little easier to determine the right boat and gear to start out with, but there are definitely a lot more skills that you have to master- such as the Eskimo or Kayak roll, before you can plan to go out on your own and begin your own explorations of the regions whitewater bounty. In fact, beginning and even ongoing instruction is absolutely mandatory here to get started, but fortunately some of the best kayak instruction in the country is also nearby. Bottom line is that there is no shortage of opportunities around you for paddling of all levels- opening the door to fishing, scenery, trailheads, wildlife and excite-

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Good play spots exist near center. 1.3 Racehorse Bend, AKA Sluice Box (class III-). The river curves left among boulders, then runs into an uptilted slate cliff on the right, with sharp submerged rocks along the cliff. The safest exit is towards center. Bad place to swim, perhaps the worst on this whole run. Big eddy below on the left. 1.5 Maya, AKA Traffic Light (class II+). Choose either a small hole on the right, or a ledge drop on the left. Big but easily avoidable holes at higher water (class III above 3500 cfs). Maya is a popular kayak surfing spot, often with long lines. 1.7 Rock Garden (class II). A maze of small boulders that can help you improve boat control. At lowest flows (under 900 cfs) it is best run on the far left, but most of the time you can go anywhere. 2.4 African Queen (class II+). Several willow-covered islands create a multiplicity of routes. The most common is right almost all the way, cutting left to avoid a shallow-trap at the end of that channel. This route passes some nice surfing waves near the second island. The most fun route is left over a 1 foot falls (not for rafts under 1700 cfs), then center thru a very narrow slot between islands. The far left channel is boring. 2.9 First Threat (class III). The river enters a boulder garden, then turns right into a deep hole along a rock outcropping on the left. The hole makes good advanced surfing, and is flippiest on the left, but can be mostly avoided by skirting right. Popular with hardshell kayakers and bodyboarders, surfing contests are often held here. 3.2 Second Threat (class II+). Almost immediately, the river drops again thru a slot along a rock outcropping on the right. Good swimmer’s rapid with a large eddy below, making it easy to reach the rock outcropping for repeated swims. 3.3 Third Threat (class II-III depending). Make of this one what you will. The center is easy and unobstructed, but there are large holes on the far left halfway down, and on the far right near the bottom. Running both holes is an advanced maneuver. 3.7 Unnamed (class II+). The river slaloms right to left, and enters a channel on the far left with many barely-submerged rocks. Rafts often get stuck here. Kayak routes exist to the right. 4.0 Minigorge, class II+. The river enters a miniature gorge in bedrock, with pleasant waves and rapids. Major squirreliness towards the end.

4.3 Swimmer’s Rapid, class II. A boulder bar rapid with big waves, this is a good place to practice throwbag techniques from the right bank. The Coloma quiet zone begins just below (no yelling, no water fights). 5.0 Campground and cabins on left bank, good for 2-day trips in winter. 5.1 Troublemaker, AKA S-Turn (class IV-), scout left.

ment that the different aspects of kayaking can provide. For many it is just the plain old escape from the oft fast paced, motorized and digitized world that envelopes most folks in their everyday lives. Cooler still, once you have the fundamentals down, it is truly up to you to decide just how Mild or Wild you want to take the sport, and the invaluable skills you learn when you get started will let you paddle lakes, bays and moving water all over the world, or right here in your own backyard.

The River Store 1032 Lotus Road, Lotus CA 95651 - since 1981 TheRiverStore.com, 530-626-3435 New and used kayak sales, rentals, demos, River gear- rafts, paddles, tubes, hats and much more. Expert advice on boats and gear for kayakers and rafters Open 7 days/week in summer! Current Adventures Kayak School –- since 1994 1032 Lotus Road, Lotus CA 95651 CurrentAdventures.com, 530-333-9115 Expert kayak instruction for beginners and experts- river or calm water Sierra Outdoor Center , 440 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603 530-417-6981 Raft and used kayak rentals and sales, assorted outdoor gear Adventure Sports kayak rentals at Lake Natoma’s Negro Bar – 916-971-1800 Dan Crandall is a local kayaker who has been teaching kayaking in the foothill and Central California region for over 25 years. He is well known for his involvement in Eppies Great Race as both a trainer of athletes and a competitor. He is also a past National and World Champion in Surf Kayaking, and has led kayaking trips to such destinations as The Grand Canyon, New Zealand, Costa Rica and many more. By way of full disclosure, Dan is the founder and owner of the following kayak businesses, (including two which are listed in the references section of this article): The River Store, Current Adventures Kayak School and Trips, Kayaking.com

The river enters a boulder garden, followed by a falls, with an S channel on the far left. The rapid’s name describes your route well. At lower flows, the true path is narrow indeed. If you shade right, a large diagonal wave tends to flip kayaks. If you go far left, you end up in an eddy that is hard to exit. Precise placement into the gut of the hole surfs you next to a big rock on the left below, then thru a steep channel along Gunsight rock, where rafts often end up wrapped. Advanced boaters might want to eddy left, then ferry across the hole, exiting to the right of Gunsight rock. In any case, the swim isn’t too bad, but keep your feet up. An alternate kayak chute exists to the right of the main waterfalls, but the bedrock below is badly undercut, and swimmers have been held underwater for nearly a minute. 5.6 Private campground on right, then a steel bridge. River access should be legal, but is prohibited and enforced by the county. Put in at this campground for the longest possible class II run. 5.8 Coloma Lake, a long stretch with slow-moving current. Take-out is prohibited; put-in access for non-commercial groups only, when doing the Coloma to Lotus run (class II). 7.2 Old Scary, class II-. This was formerly a class III rapid on the right shortly above the highway 49 bridge, until high water detoured the river leftward during the winter of 1982. 7.4 Concrete bridge for Highway 49. River access should be legal, but at times has been prohibited and enforced by the county. 8.0 (0) Henningsen County Park in Lotus. Mileage (in parentheses) resets. This is probably the best stopping and starting point for breaking up this run into two sections. High parking fees, for public land. Oddly, overnight parking is not allowed! Shuttle Directions To reach take-out at Salmon Falls bridge, go east on Highway 50 uphill from Sacramento. Past the top of a long grade, in the midst of shopping malls, exit and turn north on El Dorado Hills Blvd. After 4.2 miles, at a traffic light, cross Green Valley Rd, where the name changes to Salmon Falls Rd. Continue 5.9 more miles to a bridge across the river. You can park for free before the bridge, if there is space, or for a fee in the lower or upper parking lots after the bridge. Warning: break-ins occur in these parking lots, when not patrolled, so don’t leave anything valuable in your vehicle. To reach the Coloma put-ins from there, continue uphill 5.7 miles on Salmon Falls Rd. In the hamlet of Pilot Hill, turn right on Salmon Falls Cutoff Rd. Almost immediately, turn right on highway 49 south. Continue 7.6 miles to the town of Coloma. Henningsen Park (fee area) is about a mile downstream to the right, and Camp Lotus is another mile or so further. Other private campgrounds offer put-in access for a fee. To reach the Coloma put-ins or take-outs from Highway 50, continue east and uphill to the Shingle Springs exit. Shortly after crossing to the north of the freeway, turn sharp right on North Shingle Rd. Although it seems like the same highway, after 3.8 miles this becomes Green Valley Rd. In another .5 mile the road bears left at a Y and becomes Lotus Rd. Continue another 6.8 miles to the town of Coloma. To reach the Chili Bar put-in from Coloma, take Highway 49 south past Marshall Gold Discovery park. Where Highway 49 turns sharp left, go straight uphill on Cold Springs Rd. (You can also take Highway 49, but it is curvy and slow.) In 2.7 miles at a 4-way intersection, turn left on Gold Hill Rd. In .9 mile at a T intersection, turn right on Highway 49. In 2.8 miles near a restaurant, turn sharp left downhill on Highway 193, Georgetown Rd. After 2.3 miles of steep descent, cross the river and turn left into Chili Bar Resort. Chili Bar Resort is privately owned (2010) and charges parking and put-in fees. To find nearby food and lodging, type Colfax into the box and click Search. Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media - 13 Information and photo courtesy of www.CaCreeks.com

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AMERICAN RIVER CANYON rotect American River Canyons, PARC, extends to you an enthusiastic invitation to explore the American River and canyons for yourself and discover this area rich in biological diversity, Gold Rush history and exciting recreational adventure. We urge all to responsibly enjoy and care for the American River and please take care to use water sensibly from all of our Western Sierra Watersheds during this time of drought! The Auburn State Recreation Area, ASRA, was established in 1977 along 48 miles of the North and Middle Forks of the American River from Colfax and Foresthill to Auburn. Located in the heart of the gold country with a rich Mother Lode history the park offers something for almost everyone. Each year the park sees close to a million visitors, yet it is easy to have a unique quality wilderness experience on well over 100 miles of trails for hikers, runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, backpackers and geo-cachers. International events like the Western States 100 Mile Run and Tevis Cup Horse Race are pinnacle endurance events that challenge extreme competitors. The Auburn SRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique geologic limestone formation at Cave Valley provides beginner and advanced rock climbing routes.

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Spring and summer visitors are especially attracted to rigorous Class IV whitewater river runs as well as easy Class II family river boating. Legendary whitewater runs like Chamberlain Falls on the North Fork and Tunnel Chute on the Middle Fork and the Gorge on the South Fork are full of white-knuckle excitement. The late afternoon Confluence to China Bar whitewater boating run just below the city of Auburn is popular on weekends. Swimming, fishing, and gold panning are also popular summer river activities.

The Nisenan Southern Maidu native people lived in this river-canyon paradise hunting, fishing and gathering native plants for their sustenance. They wove exquisite baskets for trapping fish and gathering and processing foods, with the exception of salmon, that are still found in the river and canyons. Gold Rush history illustrated in Charles Weedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1850â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photos of the Grand Flume are a chronicle of the deep labor and ingenuity that went into extracting gold from the river. Today, the rivers and canyons are being rediscovered for their irreplaceable natural diversity, scenic beauty and recreational opportunity by those wishing to explore and connect with the complexity of this natural world. PARC is a community-based non-profit organization located in Auburn that is dedicated to building American River community through collaboration and protection of the natural recreational and historical resources of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. Visit us at www. parc-auburn.org

Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media - 17

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currentadventures.com 18 - Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media

DISC GOLF By Nick Kvaall

visc golf also known as Frisbee golf has been the lesser known step child of traditional golf for some years now, but has finally climbed the ranks to national acknowledgment and is now played in over 40 countries and organizations hold tournaments worldwide. One of the best known figures in Disc Golf is “Steady Ed” Headrick, who introduced the first formal disc golf target with chains and a basket In 1975, Headrick formed the first disc golf association, the PDGA, which now officiates the standard rules of play for the sport. The sport has grown at a rate of 1215 percent annually for more than the past decade, with nearly 3000 courses in the US and more than 4000 globally. The basic principles of the game are similar to that of traditional golf and include the following elements: Teeing Off –The start of play begins on a tee pad usually made of rubber and cement and measures approx. 5”x12” It is important that one foot of the player remain in contact with the tee at all times. Marking the Lie – Once a disc is released from the tee and a legitimate shot has been made, meaning

the disc has come to rest in bounds that shot is then marked with a mini or a player can use the disc in play as a marker, but may not move the disc from its resting position. Throwing from a stance – When throwing from a stance, typically called an upshot, a player must have one supporting point on the playing surface. No Supporting points can pass the marker or be out of bounds. Once the disc is released supporting points may come in contact with the playing surface in front of the lie except when putting. It is considered putting once you have come within a 10 meter radius of the target, at which point all supporting points must remain behind the lie marker until it is clear you have established balance. Holing Out - To whole out a play must hit the end target of the hole. Most traditional disc golf courses have baskets made of chains and a cage. You are considered holed out once that disc has come to rest in the bottom of the basket. Some courses implement a target that must be struck within a designated area for a player to be considered holed out. These in-

Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media - 19

clude wooden posts or bells. Out of bounds - A disc is considered out of bounds when it has come to rest outside of the playable area of the course. This includes water hazards or if the disc has come to rest more than 3 meters above the ground. Discs used in Play – All discs used in play must meet PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) regulations and will be commonly stamped with a “PDGA approved” insignia on top or inside the disc. Order of play – The order of the first tee off is determined by the group or order of the score cards. Each continuing hole afterwards is determined by score, after all players have teed off the player farthest away from the target plays next and so on until all players have holed out. Courtesy - Courtesy rules establish the proper etiquette for players on the course and violations of courtesy rules can result in penalties; the following are the basic rules of courtesy. • Players should not throw until they are certain the thrown disc will not distract another player or injure anyone present. • Players should take care to not distract other players while it is their turn. • Littering on the course is discouraged and considered a courtesy violation. • Players are expected to watch where other players’ discs go and search for discs in the event they are lost. Northern California is home to some of the most beautiful courses in the country. Between Placer and Nevada County alone we have over a dozen courses both public and private ranging from 9 to 18 holes. Each course has its own unique character and challenges. Including everything from the towering redwoods of Squirrel Creek golf course in Grass Valley to the sage brush and high desert landscape of Trukee. Tournaments are played at nearby 18 hole courses including Auburn Recreation Park and Johnson Springview park in Rocklin. Bruce Knisley hosts tournaments throughout the year in Rocklin and Shady Oaks disc golf course in Orangevale. He also owns and operates disc golf stores in both locations called Fianl 9. Here players can find anything the need for the game including bags, straps, discs, and markers. Bruce also offers refreshments for those hot days out at the course. There are many different discs to choose from and the key is finding the type and style to suit your game. The discs are broken down to three basic categories: Driver – This is the disc one would use when teeing off to achieve maximum distance ion the initial throw. These discs typically have a sharp beveled edge and leave the hand much faster than other discs. They require a quick snap or flick to throw accurately and consistently and when thrown correctly can easily travel over 300 ft. Mid–Range – As the name would suggest this is the disc playes would commonly use on their approach or “Up” shot. These discs are easier to throw, much more stable, and have a softer beveled edge Putter – This is the disc that a player would typically use to “Hole Out” Straight, reliable, and soft to the touch. Safety With this game continually growing in popularity and new courses popping up public and private, it is very important to consider safety. Especially when this game is played in common areas of public parks All players should always keep in mind that disc golf discs can be potentially very dangerous if not thrown with safety and common sense always in mind. Never throw a disc in the area some-

20 - Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media

one occupies unless they are completely aware you are throwing it in their direction. Players should always wait until the player or group in front of them has completed a hole and moved out of the way until they throw. If you come upon a hole where the target is blind and you can potentially not see a group ahead it is common procedure to call out “Clear on (# of hole you are on).” If there is no answer you should again call out and before throwing say “Coming down on (# of hole you are on).”

Hello, My Name is David McCormack owner of Gateway Disc Sports. I’ve been playing disc golf (well, when I started it was called Frisbee golf) for over 40 years now and my PDGA number is 2873. I’ve played in over 500 disc golf tournaments, 699 disc golf courses and now my latest hobby has me up to 146 of the traditional style “Ball Golf” courses. My passion for playing the game and growing the sport of disc golf is second to none. I continue full steam ahead, currently working on my 47th course design and installation project in the Quad Cities as I type this article, which will be my 700th course played! With the growing popularity of the sport (approaching 5,000 disc golf courses world wide, 1,000 disc golf clubs, and an estimated 3,000,000 players), it’s created a demand for more and more courses. There’s been an increasing (and alarming) number of courses currently being developed and most are installed in multi use areas of parks instead of areas that are allocated solely for disc golf. These courses often take up the only passive areas of the park and also seem to increase the chances of interference to other park users. I can remember the day that Ed Headrick (often referred to as the father of disc golf for having invented our disc catching target called the pole hole), had to give up on the policy he had where you had to be an approved course designer before he would approve the sale and delivery of his baskets. This change in policy was due to the fact other companies were willing to sell baskets where only a credit card and zip code were required for purchase. 3,500 plus courses later and (in my opinion ) disc golf course design, in terms of safety, is a growing concern. Someday soon, I’d like all existing and future basket manufacturers to recognize what Ed knew was a necessary step in helping to assure that courses didn’t go in areas of parks where they do not belong. It is my hope that disc golf course designers and park departments recognize the potential danger in some of the existing courses and are willing to take the necessary steps to steer this ship back on course. I’m in the early stages of discussion with most of the basket manufactures and hopefully (and eventually) most or all are willing to work together to form an industry standard for course design and installation that will help improve our courses, specifically course safety. I’m currently in discussions with several course designers in regards to starting a disc golf course designers guild. If anyone would like information or has an idea or suggestion on how to move our sport forward, please contact me directly by e-mail david@gdstour.com - David Mac

GOLD COUNTY RUNNING ost everyone would agree that Wendell T. Robie was the original trail blazer who would eventually put Auburn on the map as the Endurance Capital of the World. In 1955, he and five other horsemen rode the historic Western States Trail from Squaw Valley to Auburn, covering the entire 100 miles of arduous, mountain terrain in just one day. The Western States Trail Foundation and the Tevis Cup were then established to preserve this important part of Western heritage. Fast forward to 1974 and another young horseman, Gordon Ainsleigh, was persuaded to try and run the entire course on foot. He finished all 100 miles in 23 hours and 42 minutes and the Western States Endurance run was born. Today the Western States Trail is deeply woven into the fabric of the Auburn community. Generations of locals have participated in this rite of passage. Some ride, some run, and many others volunteer to support the runners and maintain the historic trail. Perched on the edge of the American River Canyon, Auburn is the gateway to an expansive network of trails that offer limitless opportunities to explore the

natural beauty of the Auburn State Recreation Area and up into the Sierra. To live in Auburn means to embrace and live an active, outdoor lifestyle. Triathlons, trail races, Ride and Tie, Endurance Riding, and cycling of all varieties. There is truly something for everyone. The best part is that for most all it means is walking out your front door or a quick 5-minute ride to a trail head. If you are in town for only the day or staying for a week, there are many good resources for maximizing your outdoor

Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media - 21

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experience and getting onto exactly the kind of terrain you seek. The California Welcome Center in downtown Auburn, offers a wide variety of maps and other local information to get you moving in the right direction. The local running store, Auburn Running Company, and the numerous cycling shops also have knowledgeable staff that can help you out as well. While there is a seemingly endless array of trails to explore, there are some areas that are not to be missed. The Confluence area of the Auburn State Recreation Area is the epicenter of the local running scene. Situated where the North and Middle forks of the American River converge, there are dozens of trail options that cover the full spectrum of difficulty. All of these are set along the beautiful backdrop of the American River. From here you can traverse portions of the Western States Trail, cross the iconic No-Hands Bridge, and take a refreshing dip in the river to cool down. The Auburn Dam Overlook also offers many opportunities to run and hike trails along the American River Canyon. On the edge of downtown near the Fairgrounds, the Overlook area offers a beautiful vista of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance. From here you can traverse a spidery network of trails all the way to the Confluence area or go 26 miles in the other direction all the way to Folsom Lake. Wildlife, wildflowers, and inspiring views around every bend will greet you no matter which option you choose. Another option for a scenic day hike is Hidden Falls Regional Park(see map on the following page). Just a few minutes from downtown Auburn off Highway 49, the trails range from ADA accessible to more moderate or difficult. These trails are well marked and easy to navigate depending on the type of effort you or your group wants to exert. The trails flow along Deadmill and Coon creeks offering opportunities to cool off or enjoy the sounds of the flowing water and waterfalls. If you have a bit more time to explore or are the more adventurous type, there are hundreds of miles of trails along the Foresthill Divide further into the Eldorado National Forest and into the upper elevations of the Sierra. These beautiful canyons will show you why a young John Muir was so taken in and led to dedicate his life to exploring and preserving these natural wonders. Be sure to be well prepared for outings into these areas as weather can change quickly and access to water and cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent. In August, as the American Fire ripped through one of the most iconic sections of the Western States Trail, many were worried about the aftermath of the fire. They wondered what would the impact be on the trail, and, looking further into the future, for June 28’s running of the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run. As of mid-May, the organizers of the Western States 100 were beyond pleased with the progress that had been made in a coordinated effort launched in the fall to rehabilitate and re-open the trail in time for this year’s race. June 28’s run, which will bring the world’s finest ultra runners to Auburn, will not be affected by the fire; nor will August’s Tevis Cup, which will bring the world’s finest endurance riders to the region. “Working together in numbers has been the secret to our success,” said Western States Endurance Run Foundation Trustee Mark Falcone and trail team lead for the Western

States 100. Here is what has happened. Beginning in the early fall, meetings were held between representatives of the Western States Endurance Run Foundation (WS 100 run), Western States Trail Foundation (Tevis Cup ride), as well as agency partner Tahoe National Forest, American River District. Since those planning and resource assessment meetings, an historic volunteer effort has been unleashed. More than 6,000 volunteer hours have been logged to date, as work crews have descended on the burn area, which included Swinging Bridge in Deadwood Canyon below the Devil’s Thumb aid station at mile 47 of the Western States course. The volunteer group worked swiftly and effectively, logging more than 1,000 hours in November alone before winter weather set in. Contingency plans were also developed. For example, with Swinging Bridge burned and not scheduled to be replaced until next year, race director Craig Thornley and his operations team deployed welltrained volunteers along with a safety line with all the appropriate safety measures to help runners across the waters of the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River during the annual Memorial Day Weekend Training Camp held in Foresthill. A similar deployment will be in effect during the actual race on June 28. “Our runners will have two river crossings this year,” Thornley said. In addition, a second bridge that was impacted, the Pacific Slab, was replaced in early May by an army of focused volunteers who literally carried the newly constructed bridge pieces on their backs into the canyon and spent the weekend installing the new structure there. Finally, the effort was augmented with the presence of eight young people from the federal service organization known as AmeriCorps. For seven weeks, the young volunteers were ferried by volunteer hosts onto different areas of the trail for trail rehab work. The combination of volunteerism and altruism, along with a remarkable level of collaboration and collegiality between the Western States Endurance Run Foundation, Western States Trail Foundation and the American River District of the Tahoe National Forest has meant that the summer’s coming premier endurance events should be “business as usual” and in for yet another remarkable rendition.

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24 - Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media

FISHING IN PLACER COUNTY By Penne Usher

akes, rivers, reservoirs and streams abound in Placer County and offer first-rate fishing for pros and those who just love to drop a line in the water. John Maes is a professional bass fisherman and Roseville resident. One of his favorite locations to fish is Folsom Lake, because it has all three species of bass – small mouth, large mouth and spotted. “Spotted are the easiest to catch. They are the most aggressive and will eat in anytime in any weather,” he said. “They are the shark of the bass world. “ Maes said largemouth are more finicky and are harder to catch. “They eat more during the summer and during the day,” he said. “They will eat three or four times a day.” Placer County stretches from the mountains in the east to the grasslands in the west, with plenty of fishing in the lakes, streams, rivers and reservoirs in between. Maes is also fond of Lake Clementine, located off Foresthill Road. There you can fish for rainbow, brooke and brown trout as well as some bass. “Clementine is awesome, but it only has small and large mouth and trout,” he said. “It’s a more difficult lake to fish and it’s a ski lake, but it is one of my favorites.” There are also reservoirs at lower elevations, namely Sugar Pine, Hell Hole and French Meadows, which contain native brown trout and planted rainbow trout. Randy Mercado, 27, of El Dorado, has been fishing the waterways of Placer County since he was 11 years old. He mainly sticks to trout fishing in the rivers at the higher elevations. “On the North Fork of the American River there is a designated wild trout section. It’s hard to fish because you have to do a lot of hiking to get away from the gold panners and swimmers,” he said. “Once you get above Yankee Jims, you get away from everybody and it’s really nice water to fish.” For good native trout fishing, the higher up you go, the better your chances. Mercado is a fly fisherman and ties his own flies. Lake fishing isn’t something he does often, but he said he did pull a good sized trout from Folsom. If something other than trout is on the menu, anglers can head out to one of the

Pro Bass fisherman John Maes reels in some good sized Bass at many Auburn-area locations. Courtesy Photo many other lakes or streams in the central part of the county, including Folsom Lake for catfish and bass and the North Fork of the American River and Lake Clementine for bass. Fishing spots in Placer County: Lake Clementine Donner Lake Folsom Lake French Meadows Reservoir Hell Hole Reservoir and Ralston Afterbay Kelly Lake & Lake Valley Reservoir Kidd, Cascade, Long & Serene Lakes Martis Creek Lake Prosser Creek Reservoir Rollins Lake Sugar Pine & Big Reservoirs Lake Tahoe Yuba, Bear, & American Rivers

Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media - 25

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OUTDOOR POOL

e’ve all heard it before, “Go big or go home!” Never has this applied more to an area as it applies to Auburn california, titled the “Endurance Capital of the World.” Auburn is the finishing line for the Western States Endurance Run, and the Tevis Cup, both of which are 100-mile endurance runs. It’s also home of kayaking the American River, hiking, mountain biking, road biking, dirt biking and many more activities that demand both mental and physical acuity. People come from all over the world to train in and around Auburn. Those who travel the world find Auburn to be the best place to train. Captain Mark McCluskey, a 1997 Iron Man Finisher talks about training and his biggest takeaways. “As a commercial pilot, I’ve travelled to over 80 countries. Yet, my favorite place to train is right here at home, Auburn, CA. Whether training for another Ironman Triathlon or a paddle through “the canyon” on the American River, the variety of training intensity is there.” He further states, “Two of my takeaways from training: 1. Focus on the journey and growth along this path rather than it being all about the (finish line.) 2. Be OK with small improvements. It’s the small, achievable steps that get us there.” To prepare to “Go Big,” you have to train and train hard. Results don’t come overnight so that means you have to make it a lifestyle, which is par for the course as many of these activities are not simply hobbies you do on a whim. When submitting your body to the crucible of a training program you forge your body into an elite performance athlete, which in turn sharpens and tempers the mind, readying you for the physical demands and mental battle of the upcoming event. Ross Brown, an avid kayaker and member at Courthouse Athletic Club tells us about his experience and how he has prepared this body to take on the American River. “Whitewater kayaking is all about core and having a strong core is a must. It also helps to have some muscle to carry your kayak when you have to portage. There is also the mental aspect where having the confidence in your ability can get you through. Training at the gym is what has gotten me to that point.” One of the best ways to train your body is through a well-designed high intensity interval-training program known as HIIT, designed to turn you into an athlete. There are numerous HIIT and HIIT style programs and articles available on the market that can be found on websites like dailyhiit.com, NASM.org and acefitness. org. There are a plethora of books on the subject found at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com. You can purchase programs complete with nutritional guides online like P90X and Insanity. Most of these options are designed for at home fitness and these are good options for preparing, however they are missing a few key components that are vital to success and becoming an elite-performing machine. At home fitness is a lonesome process and many find that they buy, try, and fail over and over,

OUTDOOR POOL

CROSS TRAINING

Hoping that the next program will be the one that sticks. Community, accountability, motivation, and enjoyment are the most important factors in a program. Leverage these factors to your advantage. Remember that these outdoor activities are not hobbies to be done on a whim; we are talking about a lifestyle and lifestyle change. Lifestyle change happens most effectively when you surround yourself with those on the same mission as you. Fellowship with others, who share common attitudes, interests, and goals; this is community. Having someone who can give you the support you need and who will pick you up when you fall down. There is strength in numbers; there is strength in community. Having a coach to provide feedback about your performance is a must. Look for a nationally accredited coach who will hold you accountable to your goals and lead you to victory. Your coach should be unrelenting in his pursuit to chisel you into a moving work of art while at the same time being uplifting. Many people lose motivation because they don’t have the right training in place. Look for HIIT programs that place you in a fun and exciting dynamic team environment. The competitive nature of team training driven by a coach that motivates you, will blow the roof off your limits! As Ross referred to in his statement above, training both mind and body, is key in preparing for the physical demands of an extreme outdoor sport. Find a well-designed HIIT program that will provide community, accountability, motivation and that you will enjoy, maximizing your success and results. All the above-mentioned factors are found in a friendly health club that you feel comfortable with in your community. A club with a training culture you can integrate into as if they were all family. A club where training with a team is fun.

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C L AS S E S • WE I G HTS • CAR D I O • S P I N N I N G • R AC Q U ETBALL • C H I LD CAR E

YOUTH CYCLISTS uburn Bike Works has been a favorite shop of foothill cyclists for more than 40 years, but in the last few years ABW has taken the lead in supporting youth cycling. From strider bikes for toddlers to high-end race and downhill mountain bikes, Bike Works has the equipment scene covered. But ABW’s commitment to youth cycling extends beyond simple bike sales. The shop has become a community leader in expanding opportunities to ride for riders of all ages. Bike Works has taken the lead in fundraising and planning efforts for the Auburn Bike Park. The Bike Park is currently in the final planning stages with construction scheduled for 2015. When complete the Bike Park will be a tremendous asset to our community with over an acre of manicured bumps and corners to challenge new and experienced riders alike. The Placer Foothills Mountain Bike Club gets super support at ABW. The shop helped get team sponsorship from Giant and provides top-flight mechanical support both in the shop and at the race. Student riders and racers have benefited greatly from the repair and maintenance that Bike Works hosts. Shop manager Neal Richardson, at 22 years of age, has become the wise “old” mentor to the young free-riders at the Auburn Skate Park. Neal regularly spends his evenings at the park fixing bikes, teaching tricks, and helping young riders learn to ride safely. For Neal helping kids at the park is a great way to give back; “It’s cool to see the excitement in the kids when they’re figuring out new tricks, and watching the thrill they experience when they finally pull it. But it’s also great to help them with the stuff they’re dealing with in their life.” Lisa Kodl, the owner of ABW is recognized in the Auburn community for her tireless efforts to maintain and expand trail access in the region. Lisa keeps a full calendar of meetings with representatives from the State Recreation Area, the Auburn Recreation Districh, Auburn Endurance Capital committee, Auburn Bike Park planning committee, and other local community service organiza-

Neal Richardson in Auburn. Photo by Travis Mortz tions, all focused on cycling, fitness, and promoting Auburn as a destination for healthy outdoor recreation. The idea of professional instruction on how to ride a bike sounds strange to many. But riders who have taken the time to be properly trained report huge increases in their safety and enjoyment. Auburn Bike Works is the home shop to Paige Ramsey and Mike Thompson, two of the region’s International Mountain Bike Association Certified Skills Coaches. Mike and Paige regularly spend their weekends teaching both adult and youth riders how to have safe and healthy fun on the trails. Bike Works is the driving force behind the Cool Mountain Bike Race that is held every March. This race attracts hundreds of racers and their families to the area, which helps our local business, but ABW goes further, donating the proceeds from the race to local youth cycling clubs and organizations that maintain our local trail system. The race is a win for cyclists, a win for the trails, and a win for the community.

Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media - 27

bikes are COOL ...

for so many Reasons! the cool wind across your face the childhood memories they get you where you need to go they help you get fit you don’t have to be fit Planet Earth agrees they are cool Be cool....ride a bike! Malcom Stewart, factory rider in the 250 class for Troy Lee Designs/Honda team, tries to move up in position Saturday at the Hangtown Classic Motocross race as thousands of fans look on. photo by Dan Zahra

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28 - Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media

HANGTOWN 2014 By Penne Usher

ancho Cordova - Prairie City OHV Park was full of action and people Saturday as nearly 30,000 spectators vied for a good viewing spot to check out the action of the 46th Annual Hangtown Motocross Classic. Ron Johnson, 48, of Auburn, competed in the 40-and-over amateur race. “I did pretty good. I got 2nd place in my first moto out of 42 riders in my class,” he said. “In the second race I got a bad start and got 6th place.” Overall Johnson took 4th place and received a plaque for his efforts. “It was cool. The track was pretty gnarly with all the breaking bumps and it was super rough with all the deep ruts,” Johnson said. Malcom Stewart 450 class rider for Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda team agreed that the track was a difficult one. “The track is a little dry and in spots a little narrow, especially around those last two turns,” Stewart said. “Overall very rough. It’s a challenge. This is one of the most technical tracks on the circuit.” Matt Ryan, 19, of Roseville said he did “all right.” I ended up with two fourth place finishes,” he said. “It was rough.” HE said the biggest challenge was the start. “There were about 15 to 20 riders in my (amateur) class,” Ryan said. “I didn’t have any problems other than a rough start.” Johnny Macio of Manteca and his 11 Year Old brother stood in line for autographs from a couple of the riders. Macio said it’s his second year at Hangtown. “It’s all about the excitement and spending the time with family and friends” he said. Pros 450 Class (Moto Finish) First: Ken Roczen, Germany, KTM (1-1) Second: Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM (2-2) Third: Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, (3-4) Fourth: James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki (5-3) Pros 250 Class (Moto Finish) First: Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha (1-1) Second: Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha (2-2) Third: Christophe Pourcel, France, Yamaha (8-3) Fourth: Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki (4-6)

PLACER COUNTY CYCLING SCENE

hanks for checking out this new guide. We’ve been around the Placer County cycling scene for quite awhile now, and if you like to jump, slide, pedal, or skid, roll, dodge, gap, or drop – We don’t care how you do it… we say Pedal Auburn. It’s a great place for adventure outdoors. Auburn rests in the foothills of California, and is host to some of the best single track mountain bike trails a rider can pedal. You can challenge yourself with the fun Foresthill Divide trail of roughly 35 miles from our shop, and then take a swim in the American River afterwards. Or If you like to go downhill only? Get your DH fix by doing shuttle runs in the Confluence. Like a bit easier venue? Just roll down to explore Hidden Falls, or pedal Auburn Lake Trails, Salmon Falls, or the really simple Folsom Lake trail system. We’re always happy to show you a map in the shop on how to get where you want to ride. Not sure what to ride, Road or Mountain? Just stop by the shop for some advice on trail conditions and or suggested routes. We have been riding these trails and back roads for 25+ years and take pride in serving the cycling community of Auburn. As Auburn’s premier shop we have a wide range of products for both male/female riders alike. We host group rides weekly and provide annual bicycle demos with the latest products from Trek, Colnago and Santa Cruz for our customers to try. Call us today and find out where we’re riding while you’re here in Auburn. Please feel free to join us anytime, and call for a ride leader or just to tag along with us, you’ll be glad you did. Interested in the new 650b wheel size? Or a new 29er wheel? Do you want to see why everyone is riding these wheels today? You can today with our Santa Cruz Demo Fleet in-store! We have several sizes available for you to try. If you love the road scene and like to climb, look no further than Auburn as your starting place. With the world’s toughest Tri race here and the Death ride just a few miles up the highway Auburn can be a pretty fun place to hang out. Our Race Team is sponsored by a few great water holes in the area, we invite you to check out Knee Deep brewing, or Casque wines if you like some local

ELECTRIC BIKE lectric bikes generate both personal and global benefits. And the benefits are multiplied when other household members use your electric bike. Riding a bike, even an electric one, is about waving to your neighbors, talking to people at crosswalks, enjoying your own power, coasting down the hill with a bit of wind in your hair, paying attention to the cracks in the road, sticking your tongue out to taste the spring rain, always being able to find a parking place, feeling like a kid. It’s a part of what the new culture is about -- enjoying the moments of life, the getting there as much as the being there, the effort as much as the reward, wholeness as much as efficiency, muscle power as much as turbo power, your community as much as your solitude. The economic benefits of electric bicycles are better, in terms of quick payback, than insulating your home. Substituting e-bike trips for car trips saves on purchase price, insurance, and registration fees. Beyond the purchase price, cars cost about 10 cents per mile in fuel and parts. Some families will use an electric bike to augment their car use, while others will find tremendous savings by living with one less car. For some folks, there’s no comparison because they don’t have a license to drive - and don’t need one for an electric bike. The environmental benefits include reduced pollution (CO2, NOX, tire and brake lining fragments) and reduced resource consumption (less material, fuel, and infrastructure). Reduced CO2 emissions is most

Flaire. And the Auburn Alehouse is a super fun place to end up a great ride. Bicycle Emporium is proud to call Auburn our home enjoy your stay here in the foothills. Bill Marengo owner

important because scientific opinion is close to unanimous that global warming is already happening. The average car emits one pound of CO2 for every mile driven. Electric bicycles also allow you to reduce your risk of living in a technology-dependent culture. Automobiles and buses may be stalled by oil embargoes, fallen bridges, and mega-traffic jams. An electric bike, a vehicle light enough to carry short distances over or around obstacles, is nearly immune. At the personal level, an e-bike owner is free of license, registration, and insurance requirements. We also provide a reality check on the “bicycling around cars is dangerous” myth. E-bikes support a simple lifestyle. They’re easy to use; just flip a switch to get a gentle, but firm, push. They save time in two ways: 1) For errands up to a mile and on some congested commutes, e-bikes are quicker than the car; 2) Their low cost means you work fewer hours supporting them. The pace of life slows a bit while riding an electric bike. Stress goes down, enjoyment of life goes up. Fun happens! Your health and fitness will likely improve. How can that be with a motor on your bike? Because you will actually be riding that bike more often. It’s more fun! Traffic snarls aren’t frustrating and stressful. In fact, the worse the jam, the more gratifying the ride. It doesn’t just feel like you’re “beating the system”. In many ways, you are! Despite our culture’s belief that bicycling is dangerous, remember that heart disease is almost 1,000 times more dangerous.

Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media - 29

BLACK OAK GOLF COURSE

During the past 25 years, Black Oak Golf Course has been transformed from a relatively unknown facility, to one of the most popular golf courses in Placer County. Considered one of the toughest nine hole courses in Northern California, Black Oak GC attracts many players from the Sacramento region, and is a common stop for those traveling from the Bay Area and Tahoe areas. Located above the fog and below the snow, Black Oak is open year round, and offers affordable golf to players at all levels. The challenging par 36 measures over 3100 yards, featuring two par 3’s, and two par 5’s. The signature 4th hole is a scenic par 3 requiring an accurate shot over water. Mature redwoods and oak trees provide ample shade on warmer days; generous fairways and challenging greens will test players’ skills throughout their round. Located in the beautiful Gold Country, just a few miles between Hwy 80 and 49, Black Oak GC was once considered the best kept secret in the foothills. With the summer season upon us, come out and enjoy excellent course conditions and a friendly staff for your next golf outing. You can book your tee time online at www.golfblackoak.com or call the Pro Shop at 530-878-1900.

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30 - Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media

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32 - Gold Country Outdoors Magazine - Publication of Gold Country Media