Mountain Biking

With the spring weather it’s time to hit the local trails.  Nevada City offers some world-class mountain biking, much of it accessible directly from downtown.  If you’re looking to connect with others, think about joining BONC (Bicyclists of Nevada County), YBONC (Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County), Women’s MTB Experience or one of the Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop group rides.   Nevada City has access to public multi-use trails trail on Tahoe National Forest, Empire Mine State Park, and Bear Yuba Land Trust.  

The cyclists in the area (and from outside the area) are all talking about the new Hoot Trail, off the Pioneer Trail.  Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop employee (and Outside Inn night manager) Kurt Stephens said “Built by the Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC) in conjunction with the Tahoe National Forest and Gold Country Trails the new Hoot Trail section is approximately 1.3 miles long of fun jumps, berms and flowy descending.  As my fiancé Kerri said with a big smile “it’s like a water slide with all the swoops and whooshes—so fun!”    Leaving the Harmony Ridge Market—a great place for tasty snacks, beverages and sandwiches—it’s a short half mile pedal on the Pioneer Trail to the access road on the left.  From there it’s a quick jaunt to Hoot Trail’s entrance, where fun can be had for all levels, from expert die-hards to the young novice adventurer.  Flowy berms and rolling jumps make for a great descent, but it’s far from a DH trail—so leave your pads and full face at home.”  Tahoe resident Jeremy Benson, who just published a Mountaineers Tahoe Mountain Bike book told me, “I love riding bikes and I often make the short trip down the hill to enjoy the warm weather and perfect dirt near Nevada City. I’m really impressed with the new Hoot trail and the work that BONC and Orion Kroeger did in creating it. I think it’s a wonderful addition to the already impressive trail network, and something for people of all ability levels to enjoy. I can’t wait to see what else is in store in the future.”  If you need more information about the trail, click here for the Trail Forks listing.

Additional upcoming mountain bike events include the YBONC 2017 Nevada City Dirt Classic May 7th and May 20th.  The course starts at 3500 ft elevation and has forest canopy, technical descents, and punchy climbs. The USAC sanctioned event is open to pros and amateurs of all ages.  And don’t forget to mark you calendars for the TDS Throwdown Party (April 28th) for the TDS Enduro (April 29th and 30th) and the Nevada City Classic Bicycle Race:  Sunday, June 18th.  So folks, time to get outside and get on your bikes.

© 2017 Photos by Justin Wages, JT Teerlink and Chris Kaufman