Northern California - Siskiyou Century: Ride Report

Yesterday Midland and I rode the Siskiyou Century (105 miles - 5500 feet climbing) and it was excellent on just about every count.

The mountains, including Shasta, and the meadows reminded me of pictures of the Swiss Alps.
There were almost no cars and all the roads were good. One stretch had just been repaved with chip seal and was a bit chattery but it was through a beautiful valley so it was mitigated somewhat. There was a guy there in a Davis Double jersey and we looked like twins. I suppose some riders thought, " I see that guy everywhere"

This was only Midland's 2nd century and his first organized one. He rode an unsupported one with me back in July. It was his first 7:30 am roll out and he is not a get up at 6:00 type. After a slow start while he woke up and warmed up we set a decent pace. We hit 100 miles at 6:45 on bike time, so not too shabby.

There were two moderate climbs, one at mile 3 and one at mile 70, and the rest was flat meadow or rolling country. The descents were not technical at all and they were wicked fast, great fun!! We were always ringed by high mountains and the clouds were pretty too. We even saw a bald eagle!

The post ride meal was top notch,melt in your mouth tri-tip, chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, great garlic bread, green salad, assorted anti-pasto (nice touch).

Just a 4.5 hour drive from Contra Costa and that included a meal and gas stop. I will do this again.
Pics Follow:
Will the real LanceOldstrong please stand up
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Siskiyou/SeeingDoubleJPG.jpg
Truly gorgeous, if you go for this sort of thing.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Siskiyou/CowsandCrags.jpg
Bald Eagle - look closely in the center of the frame
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Siskiyou/Eagle.jpg
Midland and The Mountain
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Siskiyou/SteveandShasta.jpg
The real LanceOldstrong
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Siskiyou/MeandShasta.jpg
Midland give it 2 thumbs up, even with an early start.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Siskiyou/Thumbsup.jpg

Beautiful country up there in Yreka. Looks like you guys had a great ride. Hey, would you mind sharing the route list with me by fax (650) 745-3576 - Chris? I go there a lot for work and wouldn't mind bringing my bike next time. You must've driven up the day before, right? Did you stay at the BW Tree House in Mt Shasta City or in Yreka, Weed? Thanks!

Beautiful country up there in Yreka. Looks like you guys had a great ride. Hey, would you mind sharing the route list with me by fax (650) 745-3576 - Chris? I go there a lot for work and wouldn't mind bringing my bike next time. You must've driven up the day before, right? Did you stay at the BW Tree House in Mt Shasta City or in Yreka, Weed? Thanks!

2 problems with faxing it

1) it is on legal size paper and won't fax well.
2) my kid spilled something greasy on it and gunked it up.

So, here is a Bikely Map with Cue Sheet (click on Show - Cue Sheet when you pull it up)
I re-created it turn for turn and word for word.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Siskiyou-Century

I've ridden the Siskiyou Century a couple of times -- it's excellent.

Thanks!

For my first organized Century boy did I pick a good one. Beautiful scenery, no traffic, nice rest stops & my buddy Oldstrong to pull me the whole way. Great way to start my vacation.

My wife and I did the 64 mi version on our tandem. We absolutely loved riding up there around Yreka. The scenery is awesome, roads are mostly good, there is hardly any traffic and we too saw the happy California cows. The thing that we noticed most is that it is a peaceful ride, even though we had some awesome downhill runs. The people at the rest stops are really friendly and helpful and the post ride meal was great. We keep telling ourselves that it is stupid to drive all the way to Yreka from Elk Grove for a ride. But, we will be back next year.
Eric

This was only Midland's 2nd century and his first organized one. He rode an unsupported one with me back in July. It was his first 7:30 am roll out and he is not a get up at 6:00 type. After a slow start while he woke up and warmed up we set a decent pace. We hit 100 miles at 6:45 on bike time, so not too shabby.]

14.8mph average? I'm very, very disappointed in the both of you.

Slugs. That's what you are. Slugs.

Fantastic report and picts Dan! Glad to see you guys had such a great time.