Messages

31

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / GD Sec01 Map C - FR 477/Cottonwood Lakes Rd. Closure- Jul 20-Aug 8 2020

« on: July 22, 2020, 12:57:32 pm »

From Lolo NF: Cottonwood Lakes Road NFSR #477 will be closed starting on July 20 - August 8 from its junction with Dunham Creek Road #4388 at milepost 19.1 and west to its junction with Dunham Ditch Road #17512 at milepost 18.7. The closure will be in place through August 8 for crews to replace the Dunham Bridge.

This is at the same location of another closure posted Sep 2019. The suggested detour from that closure also applies here. See https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=15859.0

Here's the closure post from Lolo NF: https://www.facebook.com/lolonationalforest/posts/1658914600933991

Nathan
ACA

32

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: ID Hot Springs Main Map - Road closure due to construction. May 18 - end of July

« on: July 10, 2020, 01:49:33 pm »

Here is the official ACA detour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32604552?utm_source=BE&utm_campaign=20200514_Routes

Nathan

33

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: ID Hot Springs Main Map - Road closure due to construction. May 18 - end of July

« on: July 10, 2020, 12:28:24 pm »

Sorry, the distance between passes was off in my above post:

"the climb up Couch Summit (about 1000 ft in 4 mi.) is followed by the climb up Dollarhide Summit (2500 ft in 9 mi) just 4.5 mi. further to the east"

should say

"the climb up Couch Summit (about 1000 ft in 4 mi.) is followed by the climb up Dollarhide Summit (2500 ft in 9 mi) 18 mi. further to the east"

Nathan

34

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: ID Hot Springs Main Map - Road closure due to construction. May 18 - end of July

« on: July 10, 2020, 12:20:34 pm »

It sounds like the FR 227 detour that the Smoke and Fire event (https://smokenfire420.wordpress.com/route/) will use will take participants (CCW) through Pine, Soldier, and over Couch Summit back to the main route. This has been suggested by a local sprocketgizmo in a previous post. Here is a link to the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33320179

As others have stated, this includes less hot desert sagebrush riding than ACA's official detour and will return a rider to the main route faster than going all the way east to Hailey. As for challenges, the climb up Couch Summit (about 1000 ft in 4 mi.) is followed by the climb up Dollarhide Summit (2500 ft in 9 mi) just 4.5 mi. further to the east.

Additionally, this detour rejoins the main route directly at the intersection of FR 094 and FR 227, where the road closure west of Worswick Hot Springs due to hauling rock for construction is slated to occur starting July 8. To avoid this closure, a rider can stick to the official ACA detour. Here is the USFS statement on this closure:

Beginning as early as July 8, the contractors will start hauling rock from along Forest Road 227 west of Worswick Hotsprings to the Bowns Project Area.  Full daytime closures on the 227 road between Five Points (intersection of FR 094 and FR 227) through the “narrows” to Worswick Hotsprings will occur at that time on weekdays only.  Travel over Couch Summit to Smoky Bar will not be affected, nor will travel to Little Smoky Creek (or Ketchum) from Wells Summit.

Nathan
ACA

35

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: ID Hot Springs Main Map - Road closure due to construction. May 18 - end of July

« on: May 15, 2020, 02:10:47 pm »

Here is a mash-up of andrewh's route (at least, how I interpreted it. Please let me know if accurate!) and the washout locations according to the USFS. I will confirm with them if this detour is acceptable, but it does look viable. The 1 mi. hike-a-bike (is any of the pack trail rideable?) seems MUCH more preferable to a combined ~4000 ft climb to the south and then riding hot sagebrush foothills all the way east to Hailey. This pack trail has a couple steep grades but overall is only about a 250 ft gain to the nondescript track leading NE to Fleck Summit.

This detour won't address the July traffic stoppages to the east near Worswick Hot Springs.

I welcome any other comments!

Nathan

36

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: ID Hot Springs Main Map - Road closure due to construction. May 18 - end of July

« on: May 14, 2020, 06:35:20 pm »

Thanks andrewh. Do you (or sprocketgizmo) know: Is the clearing work located west of the junction of FR 12 and 227? Meaning, does following FR 12 down from Fleck Summit (as you recommend) put cyclists out of the way of this work site so as to continue east on 227?

If so, I'd say that your detour sounds reasonable.

Nathan
ACA

37

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / GD Sec01 Map C - FR 477/Cottonwood Lakes Rd. Closure- Sep 2019

« on: September 10, 2019, 03:34:19 pm »

From Lolo National Forest: A segment of Cottonwood Lakes Road NFSR 477 at mile marker 19 over Dunham Creek will be closed Sept 16– Oct 12. for a bridge replacement.  Cottonwood Lakes Road will be closed to the southeast from the intersection with Dunham Creek Road NFSR 4388 for approximately a quarter of a mile.

The USFS recommended detour is to leave route at SB mi. 9.6, ride 3.3 mi. S. on Lower Cottonwood Rd./FR 9976 to Kozy Corner, then 8.5 mi. east and south on Woodworth Rd. to SR 200, then 6.7 mi. E. to main route intersection at SR 200 and Monture Creek Rd.

Here is a visual of the area in question. Purple is the closure area, green is the recommended detour.

And here is a Ride With GPS map link to the detour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31079519

Nathan Taylor
Routes and Mapping

38

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Great Divide Sec01-Missoula Spur-Trail Closures 8/1/19

« on: August 26, 2019, 11:53:16 am »

Update to Beeskove Fire closures on GD Missoula Spur: the main Rattlesnake Trail, East Fork Rattlesnake Tr. #514 and Sheep Mtn. Tr. #513 all reopened on 8/17. However, East Fork Rattlesnake Road/FR 2112 and Mineral Peak Lookout Road/FR 2120 are now closed until further notice as firefighting efforts continue. The above detour is still necessary to avoid the closed roads.

Nathan from ACA

39

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / TA Sec10-Mammoth Cave Loop-Green River Ferry Closure-8/13/19

« on: August 13, 2019, 12:39:00 pm »

From NPS: A number of large scale projects will force the closure of the Green River ferry (EB mile 30.5) and ~2 mi. of Green River Ferry Rd. N of the river from July 29 - November 15, 2019. Work will include extending the vehicle ramp, improving the ferry boat and creating canoe/kayak river access upstream of the ferry. See https://www.nps.gov/maca/green-river-ferry-improvement-projects.htm for more info.

NPS has posted a detour that is 29 mi. long and skirts the perimeter of Mammoth Cave NP almost entirely: https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/images/Re-route-to-Access-the-North-Side-of-the-Park.jpg. Note this map also shows the full closure area in detail.

Here is a Ride With GPS map of the same detour, going EB: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30833963

There are some services along the detour, notably near the SR 728/SR 1827 intersection in the north, and the town of Brownsville in the southwest.

Nathan
ACA Routes and Mapping

40

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Idaho Hot Springs-Secesh Singletrack Opt-Trail Closure-08/7/19

« on: August 08, 2019, 02:23:11 pm »

Update 8/8/19: Warren Wagon Rd./FR 21 is now closed, which makes the proposed detour unrideable. Here is the closure announcement: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6496/50191/
If you do choose to ride the Secesh Singletrack Option, which we can't wholeheartedly recommend based on current wildfire danger, here are a couple trails south of the Warren Wagon Rd. that could be used to close a shorter loop variation:

Duck Lake Trail (purple on attached map): https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7011767/duck-lake-trail
CCW: From turn G (mi 22., turn left onto Tr. #084 passing Loon Lake and following Loon Creek upstream. In 11.4 mi., rejoin Secesh Option on Twentymile Tr. #085 directly north of Duck Lake.
This trail is rated a moderate singletrack with 2200 ft ascent, 1500 descent due largely to the ridge that must be negotiated at the head of Loon Creek.

Victor Creek Trail (green on map): https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7017932/victor-creek-trail-117
CCW: From turn I (mi 24.0), at 3-way fork, turn left onto Victor Creek Tr. #117 and follow Victor Creek upstream. The trail is 10.8 mi total, moderate for the first 7 mi., then steepens as it ascends Diamond Ridge, at which point it begins the descent to Warren Wagon Rd./FR 21 (south of the closure area).
This trail is rated as difficult singletrack with 2200 ft ascent and 2100 descent, but is noted for high scenic beauty.

Note that ACA has not scouted either of these trails, so use at your own discretion.

Nathan
ACA Routes and Mapping

41

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Idaho Hot Springs-Secesh Singletrack Opt-Trail Closure-08/7/19

« on: August 07, 2019, 01:39:25 pm »

The Nethker Fire (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6496/) has closed the Bear Pete Trail #142 along the Secesh Singletrack Option. According to their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/burgdorfhotsprings/photos/a.246872975366358/2337702109616757/?type=1&theater), Burgdorf Hot Springs is also closed until further notice.

Warren Wagon Rd./SR 21 remains open, so the CCW detour is thus: At turn L (mi. 31.9), near Ruby Meadows TH, turn left onto paved Warren Wagon Rd./FR 21 and follow 6.4 mi. SW over Secesh Summit to rejoin the route at turn O (mi. 60.6). But keep in mind that conditions are changing and Warren Wagon Rd./FR 21 status as open is in flux. It is recommended to check the inciweb link above for current status before riding this detour.

Attached is a map of the detour and affected area. Note that red is the trail closure, green is the detour and yellow X is fire location.

Nathan
ACA Routes and Mapping

42

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Great Divide Sec01-Missoula Spur-Trail Closures 8/1/19

« on: August 01, 2019, 12:29:02 pm »

The main Rattlesnake Trail, East Fork Rattlesnake Trail #514, and Sheep Mountain Trail #513 in Lolo NF are all closed due to the Beeskove Fire which is burning in steep terrain directly above the route near SB mile 54.3, about 1.7 mi. S of Franklin Bridge. Here is info about the fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6458/

The SB detour is to leave the route at turn M (mi 39.3), and follow Gold Creek Rd./FR 126 3.5 mi. S to SR 200, and then follow SR 200 16.3 mi. W into Missoula. Here is a map of said detour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30723212. Just reverse for NB.

Nathan Taylor
ACA Routes and Mapping

43

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Great Divide Sec03-Map A-Bridge Replacement on Union Pass Rd 7/31/19

« on: July 31, 2019, 06:53:34 pm »

From Sublette County Emergency Management Facebook page:

30 July 2019 at 1415 hrs

Union Pass Road Closure for Bridge Replacement Project
Pinedale, Wyo., July 30, 2019 –

The Bridger-Teton National Forest will close a short section of the Union Pass Road (FS 600) from July 31 through August 21, 2019 in order to remove and replace the current bridge over Tosi Creek, which has been determined to be deficient. The Tosi Creek bridge replacement project is located north of Pinedale. It is approximately 7 miles north of the forest boundary at the end of State Highway 352, and approximately 3.5 miles northwest of the Kendall bridge.

This closure was previously unexpected, but is necessary for public and worker safety during bridge replacement. Union Pass Road is a popular route between Dubois, Wyoming and Cora, Wyoming over Union Pass. This closure will affect through traffic along this route, and will also prevent travelers coming from the Dubois side from refueling in Cora. Contractors will make every effort to shorten the closure duration, however it is likely that all three weeks will be needed for this closure. Travelers are urged to be familiar with the location of this closure and to be prepared with plenty of fuel, water, and a map.

Please contact the Pinedale Ranger District at 307-367-4326 for updates on this project, or if you have questions regarding this project or closure.

This closure is at GD SB mile 108.2, due south of the intersection of FR 600 and FR 660, and 3.4 mi N of Kendall Guard Station. I've spoken to the Pinedale Ranger District, and the ranger there said that cyclists can pass through on the road between 7pm-7am during work off-hours. He also said that anytime, even during construction hours, riders can walk bikes down to the creek and ford on foot. The ranger stated that this was not a difficult ford. Note that there are no easy detours, as this area is sandwiched between 2 federal wilderness areas and along a big river with few bridges. If we do catch wind of a workaround, I will post it here.

Here are links to closure postings:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=579372758805868&story_fbid=2390775027665623
https://buckrail.com/popular-lake-access-roads-in-winds-closing-for-bridge-replacement/
http://jacksonholeradio.com/2019/07/union-pass-road-closed/


Nathan Taylor
ACA Routes and Mapping

44

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: ID Hot Springs MBR - Featherville to Ketchum Road Closure - 8/27/15

« on: July 29, 2019, 12:44:19 pm »

The latest info on this is here:
https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=15801.0

45

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Idaho Hot Springs-Main Route-FR 227 Slide Update-07/19

« on: July 29, 2019, 12:42:22 pm »

From Tony Mason of Fort Collins CO:
Update on Idaho Hot Springs Loop washout on FR 227 We traveled going west on FR 227 July 14, 2019. The first bypass begins 0.3 miles west of Browns campground/Smokey Bar. Hike a bike for 0.3 miles along the south river bank on rough trail cut into the willows. We had to go back and get the BOB trailer after hiking the bikes. Continue west on FR 227 for 1 mile crossing the river on the bridge. The second bypass is a 200 meter rocky hike a bike along the north river bank. We were able to keep the BOB trailer attached for this short section. The remainder of FR 227 is in good condition. I do not think the washout will impose much of a problem to cyclist traveling the route this season.

Note there are several cyclist reports describing the situation along this road. Among them are these:
https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=13991.msg72787#msg72787
https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=13992.0
https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=13467.0

Takeaway for now is that the road is passable, slow but passable, even with a BOB.

Nathan
ACA