Epic Cruiser Ride

On a steel single-speed with comfort saddle, coaster brakes, and balloon tires, I set out with Dad yesterday at 8:30 am. Our mission? To summit the pass to Whiskeytown Lake… on the cruiser bikes.

Less than two hours and two Jack ‘n the Box breakfast sandwiches later we triumphantly arrived at the Whiskeytown Lake Visitor’s Center. Photographs were taken as we remarked on how much easier it was than we had thought it would be. The fun way back was of course to make a loop out of it.

Enter Mule Town Road. Emphasis here should be more on Mule and less on Road.

Ever ride down an extended 16 percent grade on loose gravel with slick tires and a coaster brake? As I fishtailed down at ever increasing speed I had to consider when would be a prudent time to just cut my losses and jump off. Well, I made it to the bottom without a crash only to be forced to dismount and push up the other side (steep- with loose dirt and all varieties of rock).

After 2 rounds of this - and knowing we were less than one mile into our 8 mile leg of Mule Town Road - I asked dad if he had cell coverage. We called the house and alerted them we were in BFE, possibly under-equipped; just in case.

Though the going was rough, the view was quite easy on the eyes. And as the miles passed Mule Town gave way to Horse Town, then Car Town and finally we were back in Cruiser Town. Yay! Do the people that do the Downieville Downhill on cruisers ride knobbies?

We rolled back up to the house as we were entering hour five. This is when I realized the beer situation was dire. Cold? Budweiser Select, O’Douls, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade. Warm? Black Butte Porter and Sierra Nevada Summerfest. How could I have let this happen?

Lessons: cruising is rewarding, fun, and easier when you to stick to the hard-pack. Oh yeah, and have a good cold one waiting for you when you get home.