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Bikefishing Bikepacking Idaho Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route Other Our Trips Surly Bikes

Middle Fork Sub24O


A few months back, I came across a small article about a Sub24O ride from Crouch, ID to Boiling Hot Springs. After posting said article to Facebook, I find that I have 3 general types of friends, the kind that will click that little ‘heart button’ and then comment something like “you are so badass, I wish I could do something like this”, well dude you could, and you should. Then there are the people, who you probably haven’t spoken to in years, that will like and share the post and then go do it on their own, with their own bike touring squad. The best kind, however, are the ones that text you later, with genuine interest, and over tacos you start to develop a plan. Many beers and several puns later, a weekend was chosen and the gears were put in motion (pun intended).

The thing is about drinking beer while planning a bike trip, some of the fine details get lost in translation… A bit of advice I’ll share with you, something I’ve learned in my bike touring endeavors, always have a plan B, in fact always have at least a plan B, probably a plan C, and just for good measure, keep plan D tucked away in your back pocket. The weekend I picked for this adventure just so happened to be the first weekend after the start of Boise State’s Fall Semester, and with my touring partner in the middle of earning his MBA, he had to back out at the last minute. I’ve toured alone before, see ‘Crazy girl rides across Oregon’, so I had no qualms about setting out on my own, but when the Bike Hermit and Sky King caught wind of the trip, they felt it necessary to join in on the fun. And so, after a few beers, I left the two of them to pour over maps of the route that I had planned for months, double checking all the details and making sure I hadn’t just made the whole thing up.

The next morning I pulled up to Bike Touring News at 0900, gear spread across the entirety of the garage, Revelate frame bags, Surly junk straps, Hennessy Hammocks, BTN water bottles and various bits of clothing needing to be packed and loaded into the truck. I tried to keep my cool as I stuffed my sleeping gear into my handlebar bag, a Revelate SweetRoll that was fighting back. An hour later, we were heading out, driving in circles so the Bike Hermit could find an ethanol free gas station (Horseshoe Bend does have ethanol free for future reference). As the temps rose into the high 80’s we pulled into Crouch, finding a spot suitable for overnight parking, next to the log cabin that doubles as the town hall. Thankfully the City of Crouch offers free WIFI, thus I was able to get a shot of the fully loaded Karate Monkey off to my many instagram followers (all 50 of them). At noon, I headed up Middle Fork Rd, a few minutes ahead of the Bike Hermit and Sky King.

The first 8 or so miles are rolling pavement flowing past a mixture of old barns, open fields and modern homes perched along the Middle Fork of the Payette River. Once the road hits the boundary of the Boise National Forest, it turns to gravel with both designated and primitive camp spots every few miles. The steady climb takes you past several fishing and/or swimming opportunities, which despite their remote location seem to surge with popularity on weekends. Most of the motorists and ATV users were respectful to the ‘Share The Road’ signage, but without doubt, we did encounter the occasional driver who seemed to give zero shits about the lives of cyclists. I would highly recommend bringing an extra handkerchief to tie up bandit style for this exact reason, protecting yourself from the intermittent dust bowls. The 16 miles of gravel transitions from washboard, to packed dirt, to deep layers, making us thankful for the 3” tires in place on the Surly ECR, Troll and Karate Monkey.

In late August, the Middle Fork runs at just above 100 CFS, making it the perfect time to access the natural hot springs requiring river crossings to access. The low flow also leaves small pockets above sections of rapids where brook trout made futile attempts to hide from the Bike Hermit’s Tenkara Rod. The short distance from Crouch to our destination allowed us for plenty of time to stop and fish with daylight left to set up camp. At mile 16, the road forks, the east taking you along the traditional main route of the Idaho Hot Springs trail, the north taking you up to Boiling Hot Springs, our intended destination. Sky King’s research showed that the designated camp spot at Boiling Springs would cost $16.00, more than the cost of gas to get from Boise to Crouch, leading us to look for a primitive spot along the river. Just below Silver Creek, along a stretch of river where several trout could be seen with the naked eye jumping in the afternoon sunlight, we set up camp for the night. IPA’s supplied by Mother Earth Brewing were cooled in the sub 60 degree water and fly rods were rigged for slaying. As the sun set below the canyon, the fishing slowed and Sky King whipped up a delicious riverside happy hour consisting of crackers, cheese and red peppers. After refueling, the Bike Hermit and I headed north in search of undiscovered trout waters, scurrying down steep embankments to the deep pockets protected by downed trees and large boulders. We fished until dark before drifting off in Hennessy Hammocks to the sound of the river bubbling close by. 

The quiet of the remote location and the lack of sun in the canyon allowed us to sleep in well past 0900 and we took our time packing up in the cool morning air. The Bike Hermit revealed his ninja fast packing skills, training from coffee drinking, jogger pants wearing, sunday breakfast type guy into the Bike Hermit in less than 10 minutes, a real Clark Kent to Superman type moment.
It wasn’t until we had gone a few miles before we realized how much of a steady climb we had undertaken the day before, making it a true Sunday Funday. The extra time allowed us to stopped at Fire Crew Hot Springs, the Bike Hermit fished while Sky King and I explored the warm pools on the west side of the river. We came out of the canyon in the late Sunday afternoon heat, making the last few miles a bit harsh. Thankfully The Dirty Shame serves up a good burger and the squad was once again smiling while reliving tales from the past 24 hours.

Bike Touring News endorses this ride for numerous reasons

  • quick overnighter not far from home with options to go further.
  • road surface is doable – could ride w/ 32 mm tires (mildly rough – washboards, sand and gravel)
  • gradual climbing
  • great shake down trip for new gear, new bike packers, new bikes etc.
  • plenty of water at various campgrounds along the way (or take a filter)
  • hot springs (is on the Adventure Cycling Idaho Hot Springs Route)
  • successful fishing

 

Categories
Idaho Our Trips Planning Resources Tours and Rides

Grindola Weekend Ride: May 19-21

Spring has finally arrived in southern Idaho and it’s time for a good overnight bike trip!  We’re planning a ride for next weekend and want you to come along!

 

Spring Riding

 

For the record, this is not an organized bike race or event and is unsupported, unsanctioned and in no way affiliated with Bike Touring News.  We are offering a suggested route and meeting place/time; nothing more.  You are 100% responsible for yourself and every aspect of your participation.

 

photo by David Jones / @awakenengage

 

Disclaimers aside, we hope you’ll join us for what we hope will be a great weekend!  Here’s one version of the plan:

Friday, May 19

  • Depart Bike Touring News (3853 Garden Center Way) at 4pm.  Ride to Montour Campground.
  • Approx. 27mi & 1,800ft elevation gain.  Mostly paved or well-graded dirt roads with some sustained climbing.
  • https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20783892
  • UPDATE:  The campground is open!  16 spaces available for overnight camping at $8.00/day, as well as dispersed tent camping for $3/day. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Potable water and bathrooms are available.

Saturday, May 20

  • Ride the “Grindola” route mapped by David Robert Jones (@awakenengage)
  • Approx. 84mi & 6,500ft elevation gain.  Mostly rolling dirt roads with some sustained climbs and pavement sections.
  • https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20809180
  • Some riders are planning on splitting this segment into an overnighter, camping somewhere at the northern end of the route.
  • For purposes of camping Saturday night we are considering riding this counterclockwise, camping just after the Dodson Pass.

Sunday, May 21

  • Ride back to town via Friday’s route or an alternative.

 

 

Want to Trim some Miles?  Shorten the Trip!

There will also be a number of folks driving from Boise to Montour, either Friday night or Saturday morning.  Email [email protected] or call the shop to inquire about ride sharing.  Parking may be limited at the campground but perhaps we can leave cars at the Triangle Cafe.  This itinerary is only a suggestion and you’re welcome to make adjustments or do your own thing!

 

Rolling Johnson Creek

 

Bike Suggestions

Wide tires and low gears will make for happy riders.  We’d consider 35mm rubber the minimum, though some prefer the more exotic brand of suffering delivered by skinny tires on Idaho gravel.

We’re psyched to ride and hope you are too!  Call, email or comment with any questions!

 

photo by David Jones / @awakenengage
Categories
Tours and Rides

Overnight To Montour Report

photo of camping bike and hammock
Montour Bureau of Reclamation campground

Well, the weather finally cooperated this weekend and we were able to complete our Boise-Montour-Boise overnight bike trip. We were attempting to find a passage over the foothills without traveling on the main highways. That didn’t exactly work out, but the adventure and the exploration were really the main point.

And the timing couldn’t have been better. It had been a difficult week and the combination of work-a-day events and everyday average life events were beginning to feel oppressive. Funny how halfway through the first day the thought patterns in the brain were beginning to be a little bit more objective and coherent. Such is the power of getting out on the bike!

Just after the road turns to dirt and just before it becomes Pearl Road
photo of camping bike along road
Where's Sky King?

Eagle Road becomes Willow Creek road as one travels north from Eagle and about 17 miles from our front door it turns into dirt. A fairly well maintained dirt road which goes basically straight up for the next 8 miles, and becomes Pearl Road along the way. We were watching for a road which, according to Google Maps, veered off to the left shortly after the abandoned mining town of Pearl and wound back down towards Montour. We never saw this alleged road and finally ended up on Highway 55 just outside of Horseshoe Bend. Dropping down into Horseshoe Bend on the old highway and then about 11 miles on scenic highway 52 along the Payette River brought us to Montour. About 10 miles more than we had planned on, and the 47 total miles for the day took us almost 5 hours to ride. Luckily, we were able to replenish our carbohydrates and spirits at the general store!

photo of front basket loaded for camping
Can you spot the bike touring dietary supplement?

Being so replenished, and having set up the hammocks, we proceeded to cook our pasta primavera and to enjoy the sunny windless evening, with mosquitoes. Sitting in the sun and reading, we could have been anywhere….Texas, California or Croatia, and yet we were only a few hours from home.

image of Hennessy Hammocks
Dual Hennessy Hammocks

The next morning we decided to take the dirt road on the north side of the river into Emmett instead of taking the main highway. According to the campground host, the road was well maintained with little loose gravel and only one climb. Never listen to a cigarette smoking diesel pickup driving campground host. I’m sure the road is a piece of cake driving the pickup home from the bar in Emmett. It’s just that the climbs were numerous and sharp, and the washboard effect was in place on most of them….. heck of a way to start the day.

After a big breakfast in Emmett, the ride up Old Freezeout hill and then on highway 16 back into town was relatively uneventful. And so, with just a little bit of planning and just a little over 24 hours, we were able to get away for a little adventure, recharge and come back raring to go and ready for the next kick in the teeth.

Another successful adventure
Categories
Living Vicariously

Overnight, Boise To Montour


View Larger Map
The forecast for this Memorial Day weekend features the possibility of snow! So the planned overnight excursion from Boise to Montour, ID will be postponed. We could do it but it’s not designed as a test of endurance, it’s supposed to be fun. At any rate this is the route. From Boise we will head west to Eagle and then north on Eagle road which is paved for only a few more miles. Then it’s gravel all the way to Pearl and Montour. Total distance from Boise to Montour will be about 36 miles, and I’m guessing it will take us about 3 hours. There is a campground in Montour that we have visited on earlier trips, and it will probably be less crowded after Memorial Day anyway.

UPDATE!

We finally got to do this one. Read the account at Bike Overnights Adventure Cycling’s most excellent blog.

Categories
Planning Resources

Bike Overnight Reconnaisance

Exploring off the beaten path, the stream uses the road.
I thought this was a desert.

Saturday we decided to reconnoiter a potential overnight bike trip. East of town is a reservoir surrounded by a patchwork of state, federal and private land blanketing the foothills. Riding for about 15 miles from our front door on the highway and green belt put us at the top of the dam at the lower end of the reservoir. Traveling past a gate and a sign prohibiting aggressive behavior (dang) we started up the dirt road leading up the draw hoping it eventually connected to the network of roads on the other side. I think at this point we were on private land, but it was hard to tell because there was really no signage. No matter because the road continued to deteriorate  and actually became the stream bed for large sections. The grapefruit size rocks and loose sand would have been easier to navigate with some wider tires at a lower inflation. And Sky King’s rear tire picked up a goathead thorn and flatted. I wasn’t going to admit this but we violated the 7 P’s ie; proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance, in that we only had one spare tube for Sky King’s bike.

Trail side flat repair
Bike Down!

But it wasn’t all a bust. We had fun and we found out what we wanted to, namely that this course would be less than enjoyable on these bikes when the bikes are loaded with gear for overnight camping. And it also nourished the seed of an idea for adventure or expedition touring. A seed which will be further nurtured until it sprouts into some sort of as yet unknown mis-adventures!

Riding past a nice little spot by the stream.
Sky King navigates past a lovely site.
Offroad touring
The Bike Hermit approacheth.