Pacific Crest Bike Trail -northern california

[matzoh ball]

I am looking to ride the PCBT in mid-Novmber, heading north from near Reno to just north of the Oregon border.  Anyone done this? Are the roads going to be passable or is there just going to be too much snow?
Definitely planning on cyclocross bike and cold weather gear.

[JHamelman]

I would expect it to be cold and if not snowy, then likely wet. Daylight hours are shorter too, so less time to deal with adverse conditions. You might want to consider the southern end of the route.

.Jennifer.

PS Are you referring to the Adventure Cycling Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route maps or Bil Paul's book? Routes are similar to same, just wondering.

[matzoh ball]

All I have is the AC route map, and I just read in the fine print that Lassen Park Road uss. closes late October/early November.  It looks like there is a go-around at lower altitude that would have plowed roads.

I would consider the southern end of the route if I was doing this completely for amusement, but I ussually try to combine my trips with a utilitarian purpose - in this case, helping remodel my sisters new house in southern Oregon.  So I'm getting off the train at Reno, or Sacramento and riding thru the mountains or to the coast...and I guess now its my call whether I want to be pretty darn cold, or just a little cold but wet.

[matzoh ball]

Just found this in the forum archives: "A back road route that avoids Hwy 89! Some wild, remote riding. Some mandatory dirt/gravel roads"

Sounds like a lot more 'adventurous' than the AC route, no slight intended.  Think I might give it a whirl.
http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?topic=9333.0

[JHamelman]

Matzoh Ball,

No slight taken on the the adventure level. If you do that alternate route, let us know how it went. Particularly what you thought of the road surfaces and services, and traffic volume and type.

Have a great trip. I understand the need to combine pleasure and utility. You do what you have to to get yourself out there. =)

.Jennifer.

[bdesj]

Matzoh, I know the bottom section of that route, and can confirm that it is NOT a good alternative to the highways if your goal is to avoid weather related road conditions.  The section from Stampede Reservoir, almost to Loyalton is unpaved and very rough, and part of it is a common snowmobile route when the snowpack gets deep enough.  If you make it before it snows, and have nice fat tires, it`s a nice ride, and relatively easy to navigate with good maps (don`t expect street signs because you won`t find any).

Across Sierra Valley is paved, plowed, and very nice riding, then another 15 to 20 mile stretch stretch of (smoother) dirt road just north of Beckwourth.  You`ll reach pavement again at the top of the mountain, but it isn`t plowed either until almost Janesville.

The top portion of that route I`m not very familiar with, but I suspect it`s all paved and plowed year round.  If you REALLY want to try it, your best bet would be to take CA routes 89 and 36 to Susanville, then pick up the top part of that RWGPS track.  All in all, a nice ride for late Summer/early Fall, but pretty crazy to try in November.  For what its worth, there`s a current tour on CGOAB (called "California Lima Bean") that pretty much follows your proposed route.  The rider started the Henness Pass segment, then decided against it and turned around.

[matzoh ball]

thanks, bd...

Yeah, I'm getting that a lot of the mountain back roads there and further north might have closure due to heavy snow etc.  I can do that in small doses but not when I have to make 60/70 miles a day.  So sad, but I think I will have to change my approach.  thanks much for the heads up.

[matzoh ball]

bd...I still have to get out of Reno to get to 89.  Is the Henness Pass road passsable? - I have cross tires, steel cx frame, mountain derailler and while carrying winter gear, have made every effort to minimize the weight and eccentricity. Huge thanks in advance!