24th Annual Siskiyou Century Bike Ride is Saturday, September 10, 2011

The 24th Annual Siskiyou Century Bike Ride is Saturday, September 10, 2011. It’s a great ride for biking enthusiasts of all ages. The ride begins and ends at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds and offers three different ride lengths (37 miles, 64 miles and 100 miles).  Riders wishing to register can go online to www.siskiyoucentury.com or call the Yreka Chamber of Commerce at 530.842.1649 for more information.

Ride start times are staggered with 100 milers beginning at 7:30 a.m., 64 milers begining at 8:30 a.m. and finally 37 milers beginning at 9:30 a.m.. Each rider will pay an entry fee based upon their class. $30 for the 37 mile Metric 1/2 Century, $35 for the 64 mile Metric Century and $40 for the 100 mile Century Ride.

After registering riders may opt to pick up their registration packets early on Friday, September 9th at the fairgrounds between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m..  Late registrations are also available during those hours on Friday, September 9th.  Anyone registering after September 3rd will be charged a $7 late registration fee.

Anyone wishing to reserve a short-sleeved cotton T-Shirt commemorating this year’s ride must register no later than September 3rd.  The cost for a t-shirt is $15.

All registered riders will receive a ticket for the End of Ride Feast. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. Family and friends are invited to purchase meal tickets for $10 per person.

The Siskiyou Century Rides

The Century (103 Miles) Climb from Yreka (2,595 ft.) over Forest Mountain (4,097 ft.) and descend into Scott Valley. Roll along the valley through Ft. Jones, Quartz Valley, Etna , and Callahan. Next climb Gazelle Mountain (4,921 ft.) and enjoy an exhilarating downhill with tight hairpin turns. The final leg follows the western edge of Shasta Valley as it leads back to Yreka. Approximately 4,600 feet of climbing.

The Metric Century (64 Miles) From Yreka (2,595 ft.), travel out to the historic railroad town of Montague, then through the Little Shasta Valley to the first rest stop, a scenic, pastoral setting with a view of the magnificent Mt. Shasta. Then on to the second rest stop at Lake Shastina. A third rest stop is in Gazelle, and then the final road home to Yreka. Approximately 1,500 feet of climbing.

The Metric 1/2 Century (37 Miles) This is the perfect ride for novices and young families. Riders will head from Yreka to Montague, then out through Little Shasta Valley to the rest stop, a scenic, pastoral setting with a magnificent view of Mt. Shasta. From there, return to Yreka retracing some of the same route. Approximately 600 feet of climbing.

Biking socials in Scott Valley – join in May 28th

The folks out in Scott Valley care about fitness – they’ve got organized bike rides as well as organized running events. Coming up on May 28th you can join in the 2nd Annual Bike to the Iris Patch (a road ride) to view over 350 varieties of iris and get familiar with a bit of the Scott Valley

July 9-Quartz Valley Loop- Free Social Bike Ride- 20.5 road miles. Meet at 8:15 a.m. at Scott Valley Bikes & Sporting Goods 11223 Hwy. 3 in Fort Jones, CA. Helmets required. Call (530)468-5672 for info.

July 23 – Shackleford Falls Free Social Bike Ride- Knobby  Tires Required. 24 miles. Meet at 8:15 a.m. at Scott Valley Bikes & Sporting Goods 11223 Hwy. 3 in Fort Jones, CA. Helmets required. Call (530)468-5672 for info. Scott Valley- Free Social Bike Rides August 13 and 20. Knobby tires required. Meet at 8:15 a.m. at Scott Valley Bikes & Sporting Goods 11223 Hwy. 3 in Fort Jones, CA. Helmets required. Call (530)468-5672 for info.

All rides are led by Russel Willis of Scott Valley Bikes.  The Scott Valley is a wonderful place for cycling with quiet roads and beautiful scenery. To learn more about the Valley, visit the Scott Valley Chamber of Commerce website.

Humbug Hurry-Up bike race May 21st

The Humbug Hurry-Up is on the horizon for mountain bikers. Starting at Greenhorn Park in Yreka, the Hurry-Up offers loops on some luscious single track. The race is May 21st this year, with categories for expert, sport and beginner (this is an OBRA race) and single speed entries. Beginners ride 9miles, sport rides 15 miles and expert classes ride 24 miles by riding loops through and around Greenhorn Park. You can view pics online to get a sense for the hard pack, single track course (as well as the competition).

Check out the Humbug Hurrp-Up Facebook page for updates on course conditions and a link to register online. The race starts at 10am, and at 9am kids can ride in a short race.

2010 Shasta Summit Century Bike Ride Big Success, 2011 Version Already Being Planned

What kind of person rides their bike 140 miles – up and down four summits – then immediately registers to do it all again the next year?

If you were at the start/finish of The 2010 Shasta Summit Century bike ride, you’d know the answer.

The 2010 edition of the popular Siskiyou County bicycle ride came off under ideal conditions; more than 670 riders challenged themselves on the ride’s four courses (140 miles, 100 miles, 60 miles and 30 miles) – the hardest of which climbs more than three vertical miles.

Ride Director Tom Chandler said “it was the most successful Summit Century ever.”

“We had no real issues on the road, the weather was perfect, and the 670 riders helped us raise a record amount of money – which we grant to local youth sports teams that need a hand.”

The riders were equally enthusiastic about the ride, at least if this post-ride email is any indication:

I wanted to let you know I had a fantastic time at my 1st Mt. Shasta Summit Century! My girlfriend and I did 100 miles, another girlfriend did 60, my husband did 72, and all of us were very happy with the routes, the food, and the support! The friendly, happy, helpful volunteers were the best! We will definitely be back next year! Thanks for a great experience,” Read more »

Video: Mountain Biking Mount Shasta (The Weather Station)

Mountain biking in Siskiyou County continues to grow in popularity – especially the downhill runs of Mount Shasta.

This video does an excellent job of capturing the speed and excitement – but don’t think mountain biking up here is all high-speed descents.

Plenty of singletrack and dirt fire/logging roads offer challenging climbs, stunning views, and plenty of solitude for those riding cross country style mountain bikes. Whatever you ride, enjoy!