Western Express, Section 1, Map 6 - road washout - April 2017

[JHamelman]

Shake Ridge Rd. has been washed out and a detour is necessary.  It is unknown when this road will be repaired. In the meantime, the following detour is suggested:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20438395

This will add approximately 14 miles to the route. It goes through the All Services town of Volcano.

Updates may be found from Amador County: www.co.amador.ca.us/departments/transportation-and-public-works/road-status-and-conditions

Jennifer

[jamawani]

Umm - - Rams Horn Grade outside Volcano exceeds 10% in places. Only 2 miles but killer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVlSoxqgOTs
(not me)

I would suggest a return to the old Mormon Emigrant Trail, except it will probably be snowed in until July.
A better option might be to go via Shenandoah and Omo Ranch Road - -
or the old Omo route as per ACA 2 years ago?

I anticipate that facilities - i.e. campgrounds, etc. will be very late opening this spring.
Given the focus on road repair, any campground damage repair will probably be put on hold.

[dhelder]

Would Omo Ranch Rd be clear?  (It's not cleared in the winter.  I've heard stories about tourists following Google Maps down it in the winter and getting stuck.)

How's Ridge Rd from Sutter Creek to Pine Grove for bikes?  I use it by car to bypass Jackson, so I'm a little worried about traffic.

[Nyimbo]

I used to live that direction and regularly took the ridge road bypass. I picture it as fine - but then again that was before I started cycling so my eyes would have been different then.  BTW Volcanco is a lovely fun town to hang out in for a couple hours (or longer)

[JHamelman]

I just spoke to someone at El Dorado County Tourism office and they said Omo Ranch Rd. is still closed due to snow. They were not optimistic about it clearing soon.

Once it clears, you can use this detour: ridewithgps.com/routes/20632419 It adds about 8 miles to the route and goes through Omo Ranch which has a convenience store. Omo Ranch Rd. status can be checked at www.eldoradocounty.org/roads.html


Jennifer

[jamawani]

I just spoke to the ranger at the Amador Ranger Station of the Eldorado N.F.
She said that Omo Ranch is open all the way to Hwy 88.
And I called El Dorado County Roads to double-check.

No snow, no damage closure like Shake Ridge.
They may be patching a few potholes, but that is all.

Also, no snowpack indicated  below 5000 ft.
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/snow/PAGE6

[JHamelman]

Excellent news. Thanks, jamawani!