VaultGuru

I am looking for a new century or double metric to ride and came across the Fall River Mills, CA 19th annual century ride on July 20. Has anybody ridden it? What is it like? Looks like it is pretty low key and local, so it could be really fun. Plus, I have never been in that part of CA. Here's the link.
https://www.fallrivercentury.com/index.htm
Thanks

metalheart44

Never ridden it, but used to live in Hat Creek, which is nearby to Fall River. It is one of the more interesting and attractive parts of Norcal to me, mostly rural ranching and farming country with nice views of Lassen and Shasta, depending on where you are. Plenty of ups and downs and some nice mostly flat roads. If you fly fish, take your rods......

VaultGuru

Thanks MetalHeart. Just the kind of info I was looking for. I fished Hat Creek many years ago and remember that it was beautiful country. Here is a link to the route. 5k of climbing is no problem. Is this a scenic route?
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/98778

metalheart44

They are taking a route through a mix of the geography in the area --- that should be a beautiful ride. As I remember, none of those hills are much to worry about if you have any climbing legs. And, as you turn onto Cassel Road at about mile 43 or so on the map, Clint Eastwood's ranch is to the right where the lakes show on the map. I think he bought the property from Bing Crosby. Only worth noting because there are some killer large rainbows in the lake that spawn in Hat Creek and make for some fun fishing at the right time of year.

Anyway, the western part of the ride has more trees and the more east and north you go, then it becomes more farm and ranch land (this is where you get some great views of Mt. Shasta). And, when you are done for a true cross-cultural experience, stop in at the Buckhorn Saloon in McArthur. You might be careful about the lycra in there or at least wear some cowboy boots with your bibs.... Anyway, that should be a very fun ride.

VaultGuru

Thanks for the info MetalHeart. Should be a fun ride. Will post up after the ride. However, if it is as hot on the 20th as it is right now, I am cancelling. Way too dangerous.

Markelp

I rode this last year and had a great time. Similar to you, I wanted to try a new area and the Fall River Mills ride didn't disappoint. Nice variety of terrain including forests, rivers, lakes, farms to volcanic rock fields. Great views of Lassen and Shasta. There was nothing too hard or strenuous, if you are used to centuries. I started early and it got pretty warm, but nothing too bad. The last out and back to the town of Day was hot.

The folks that organize the ride are pretty good. I think they expect a lot of travelers and they have camping at the start. Lots of people pitched a tent or slept nearby. The route was well-marked. Lots of food/water/etc at each stop.

I posted a photo album on Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHsjGvLLwL

Unfortunately, I don't think my schedule allows me to go this year. But I certainly want to ride it again.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

M

VaultGuru

Markelp, thanks for sharing your opinions, advice and especially your pics. Metalheart said it is a scenic ride, and your pics certainly support his opinion. Beautiful country.

Looks like I need to pack my cleat covers to get to the rest stops. Speedplay's are not dirt and gravel friendly. I think this will be a fun ride.
Did you get a chance to stop into the Buckhorn Saloon?
You mentioned starting early. They talk about starting at 07:00. 05:00 to 06:00 might be better. Your thoughts?
Which road has the red paving?
Thanks
C

Markelp

I rode with Speedplays and didn't have trouble with the stops, but yes covers would make it easier. For me clogging cleats usually happens in mud... no need to worry about that on this ride!

Never heard of the Buckhorn Saloon, just looked it up and found one outside Fresno far from this ride. Which are you referring to?

I dug up my old GPS track of the ride and it looks like I started at 6 and finished at 1:30 for the double metric (128 miles) and about 5k climbing. I don't usually linger at the stops and skipped one or two. I got back before the hottest part of the day.

I think that red road was the out and back south to Little Valley. It was through beautiful farmland then climbed about 1000ft to the rest area.

Good luck with the ride!

---Mark

VaultGuru

Karkelp, here are a couple of links. Also read Metalheart's commentary. Google Buckhorn Saloon McArthur, CA
https://www.topix.com/forum/city/mcar...BSO9HFQ0Q4MDH1

Looks like a colorfulplace, but I think I am going to pass. Might be a little too colorful.

I am planning on the double metric also.

metalheart44

The Buckhorn has, as valutguru notes, a "colorful history. When I lived there in the late 70's, it was the quintessential cowboy bar where local ranchers and farmers gathered for a brew after their workday, and a few before their workday. Over time, it had its troubles, but seems still to be a place where you can get the flavor for local culture. It is just on the outskirts of town as you are headed toward Burney/Pitt River. I still think I would stop in for a beer, just to see what things are like.

VaultGuru

Hello all:
We rode the Fall River Century an couple of weeks ago. You were all correct. Beautiful country, great scenic ride, the organizers put on a first class event and the support was the best. Of course, the weather could have been a little cooler. We drove up from Fair Oaks on Friday and stopped for gas in Redding - 112º. It was supposed to be even hotter on Saturday.
I had planned on riding the double metric but decided not to, given the forecast. I think it was a wise decision. I started at 5:30 and finished at 1:00. The temp was 96º when I finished.
I still loved the ride though. We ate dinner at the Fall River Hotel on Friday and at Spinners on Saturday. Good food.
Here is a pic of Shasta shortly after leaving the start.

metalheart44

Spectacular pic ... glad you had a good ride!