July 31st and August 2nd a busy weekend in Mt. Shasta

If you’re in Mt. Shasta this weekend (July 31st and August 2nd) you’ll see that there is a lot going on. Cyclists will be coming to town for the Hill Climb and Summit Century rides, ShastaYama taiko performance will draw an evening crowd, and Saturday afternoon folks will head up to the Ski Park for the Jefferson Brew-fest. Whew.

Things get started Saturday when the Jefferson Brew-fest (from noon to 5pm) brings a celebration of local and regional microbrews. Local band the Fabulous Blackwells will be performing. Many local and regional breweries will be in attendance, some with specials brews. The Brew-fest is at the Mt. Shasta Ski Park, where the Coyote Grill will be serving food. The $20 entry fees goes to a local scholarship fund.

Saturday evening the air will be filled with music and pageantry at ShastaYama and the power of taiko drumming. See yesterday’s post for more about ShastaYama. If you’re in town this weekend, sitting on a picnic blanket in Shastice Park watching inspiring performances is the place to be.

Sunday morning hundreds of riders will take to the four routes of the Shasta Summit Century bike ride. For those who want an enjoyable, short ride through the hills and the Shasta Valley on the half metric (30 miles) or metric (60 mile) rides. The half metric is popular with families, and you’ll see young kids riding up the South Fork of the Sacramento River with their families. The longer rides are simply punishing. The Summit Century covers 100 miles and 10,500 feet of climbing on the route that climbs up the South Fork, up to Castle Lake and up Everitt Memorial to finish at the Old Ski Bowl. The Super Century challenges experienced riders with 139 miles and 16,500 feet of climbing.

It’s also a wonderful weekend for enjoying the outdoors. Wildflowers are blooming at the higher elevations, so a hike along the Pacific Crest Trail or a day at Castle Lake would be nice. Lake Siskiyou provides a cool place to hang out, rent a paddle boat from the Lake Siskiyou Resort, or a place for a nice walk along the lake trail. Whatever you choose to do – enjoy!