Slammin' Salmon May '04

'No lies told today' This century is a killer, and the best is the 12-1/2% for five miles starting at mile 85; there were some doubters that are now believers. Seventeen Mt Shasta Pedalians and guests enjoyed a picture perfect day to challenge this, the authors favorite ride in Siskiyou County. We had two rides to choose from and both were very challenging. Ride #1 started in Callahan with Bonnie Eddy as leader. Bonnie had six victims join her for 60-70 miles of climbing to Carter Meadows the cold descent to Cecilville and on to the Forks of the Salmon for our lunch stop. Bonnie's group then continued up the North Fork of the Salmon River through the challenging rollers and through the village of Sawyers Bar, finally ending at Idewild Camp. All were happy to climb into the sag wagons provided by Pam and Sandy. Ride #2 started in Etna about an hour behind Bonnie's riders and followed the same route to our lunch stop at the Forks. Bonnie and Sabrina had some minor mechanical tire issues at points 10 and 7 miles from our lunch area. Not surprisingly neither one of them had any problem catching a ride to the lunch stop where they found parts and lots of advise. Besides the always beautiful riding conditions through the mountain passes and along the pristine Salmon River, this year we were treated by seeing many groups of kayakers paddling the rapids. Between the colorful jerseys and the bright kayaks, I'm quite sure the locals will have something to talk about for a while. Group two continued past the Idewild Camp, this is where it really gets steep, and on to the Etna Summit. At the Summit we all stretched out on the black top and reveled in our success. Our day ended with a celebratory dinner at the Etna Brewery. All in all it was a day to remember.
Pete

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