Holy Cow! - Mt. Shasta erupting!Oh, not really . . . but dramatic view of Mt. Shasta at sunset viewed from the east
The Fall River Century ride, with a total elevation gain of 4,350', takes place in the far northeast corner of California with the 100 mile route traversing the hills, rivers and creeks of the breathtaking Fall River Valley.The Valley is bordered on the west by the Cascade Range anchored by Mt. Shasta and Lassen Peak, and the Big Valley Mountains on the east.
The route is awesome and one of the prettiest century rides you will find. The scenery varies from flat valley roads criss-crossed by the Fall and Pit Rivers and Hat Creek - all very popular fly-fishing streams, the conifer foothills of the Cascade range, the stark red and black lava formations in the shadow of Bald Mountain, and the rustic and cute little hamlet of Day.
Base Camp for the ride is the Shasta County Fairgrounds in the tiny community of McArthur located a few miles east of Fall River Mills, if you know where this is.
Being located in a remote region of California, the ride draws a modest number of riders, about 350 this year, but the event organizers, volunteers and community in general, goes all out to make the cyclists feel welcome and appreciated.
Free camping is offered at the Fairgrounds on lush green grass. The rest/lunch stops are well stocked and this ride prides itself in providing homemade treats prepared by many community organizations. No one goes away hungry or thirsty on this ride.
The only thing negative about this ride is the heat. I recorded a high of 97 degrees on my cycle-computer. But heck! . . . coming from Sacramento, it hardly fazed me.
For enlarged view, click on pic
Gordy Vredenburg and Dennis Renault relaxing the day before the big rideFree camping at the Shasta County Fairgrounds
Temperatures approaching 100 degrees forms thunderheads over the Big Valley Mountains
Tent sites in the shade are premium
Moving our chairs into the shade
Lassen Peak in the early morning
Riding west on McArthur RoadIn order to beat the heat, most of the riders start at 6 a.m.
Riding northwest toward Mt. Shasta
Southeast view of Mt. Shasta
One of many fish camps along Fall River and Hat Creek
Small hills bordering the valley
Cool arched bridge - unique design for dam roadThe route crosses the Pit River Dam which forms Lake Britton
Crossing over Pit River Dam road
Gordy cruising over the dam
Time for a photo opp at Lake Britton
One of many well stocked rest stops
Gordy's tire goes psssst at rest stop . . . a convenient place to flat if you're going to get one
Katie GiromonteOtter Pops ROCKS! . . . when it's near 100 degrees
Cruising down Hwy 299 with Mt. Shasta looming over the western horizon
Katie, Dennis King and John MarinkoFeasting at the rest stop in Day, a tiny hamlet in the eastern valley
The reason the Day rest stop is annually voted the best rest stop
The famished Wheelmen contingent scarfing up the goodies
Gordy in cookie heavenScrumptious homemade cookies (above and below)
Well, thanks Dennis . . . don't mind if I do!
The other reason the Day rest stop if voted the best . . . icy cold shower on a hot day
Bracing!
Cold spray to cool hot feet
Established 1888Gordy, a retired postman, gets a kick of the historic Day Post Office sign
A grand home in Day
Me, Richard and Gordy at the end of the 100 mile ridePosing in front of the McLaughlin Steam Tractor at the fairgrounds
On the way home, Gordy and I check out Burney Falls
The unique geologic feature of Burney Falls is that the water cascades out of basalt springs
Mt. Lassen partially covered in snowWe also swung through Lassen National Park
At summit parking lot
Lake Helen (behind me) is still frozen
Frozen blue waters of Lake Helen
Prolific field of yellow mule ears on the mountain side
One last shot of Mt. Shasta at sunsetEnd of Fall River Century blog
