Dualsport Loop around Mount Shasta

[Alleycatdad]

PLEASE NOTE: 8-18-12 Big bike bypass revised. Track is in post #17.


Upon review and a re-ride, I've come to the conclusion that calling this "big-bike friendly" may lead some into peril. Accordingly, I am working to identify a specific big-bike bypass around the "worst" (may be best if you like sand) sections. MILITARY PASS ROAD IS NOT A VIABLE BYPASS AROUND THE SAND ON A FULLY LOADED BIG BIKE UNLESS YOU LIKE THE SAND!


Understand, I laid this route out on a KTM 990 Adventure and I've ridden every foot of it on that bike, but there are a couple of sections that were not very much fun.

S



Sequential tracks for a DS loop beginning and ending at the Lake Siskyou Campground near Mount Shasta City.

Conditions on these routes may change significantly with weather, use, and runoff. There are some sections with significant sand, some rocks and plenty of brush which may damage yourself, your equipment, or your attitude.

In other words, use at your own risk and don't whine to me.

That said, I laid the route out on a KTM 990 adventure and I have seriously short legs. I'd call it big-bike mostly-friendly, but YMMV on that.

Total Distance is about 115 miles depending on whether you follow the paved return along the river or take the added-dirt return, and how much exploring you do along the way.

It's roughly 50/50 scenic pavement and dirt two-track. Dirt ranges from easy broken pavement to rocks and sand as noted above. Don't forget to look around, there is some serious scenery on this route.






















Part 1.



S

[Alleycatdad]

Part 2.

[Alleycatdad]

Part 3.

[Alleycatdad]

4...

[Alleycatdad]

5

[Alleycatdad]

6...

[Alleycatdad]

Part 7..scenic pavement along the river.

[Alleycatdad]

Part 7 Dirt Alternate.

S

[Alleycatdad]

Sorry there's so many files, but I wanted to stick to the 250 track point max limit for some of the garmins.

Also, the basemaps of this region are sometime pretty minimal, so it does take some trackpoints to make sure I don't send you someplace bad...

There's a gas stop in Weed at about 60 miles. I say "about" because there are some attractive and obvious side routes and of course, it's nice to explore.

This track was verified with the current "woodcutter's version" MVUM for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and DOES conform to that version. No promises as to what may come, but it's legal today.

Last, I think it's more scenic ridden in the morning, clockwise. The light's better that way and the views are GREAT!

Steve

[SkiBumBrian]

Thanks Steve,

That for sure looks like an awesome loop, still feeling out who is actually going to show up. Right now I feel pretty comfortable with the one campsite unless more respond. I figure some will drop out and HopSing and Reddog are making their own camp/lodging plans....
Regardless we will have a great inaugural rally, rides, and eat some awesome food... I think Hondahoser and I will be there weekend after next to poke around some closer to camp, take some pics and video.

I can't wait to meet everyone!

Brian

[Alleycatdad]

Yeah, it's gonna be a hoot. Sorry I won't get to ride with y'all--and there's no obligation to use this route. Like I said when we started, I've wanted to put this together for visitors to the area for a while.

Have fun!

Steve

[Hobbes950]

Where are the worst parts of this route. I am considering the north and east sides of Shasta at the tail end of a multi day ride with fully loaded big bikes.

[eakins]

sweet

[Alleycatdad]

Worst part? that'd be the sand sections on the northeast part of the loop behind the mountain. EASY bypass, though--simply follow the track to Miliary pass road if you're goiong counter-clockwise and ten just stay on it to hwy 97. if you're going the other direction, come in from 97 on Military pass road and pick up the track where it joins up to that road.

I'll spend a little time with basecamp and drop a waypoint in for you; when are you traveling?

S

UPDATE: THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS INCORRECT. PLEASE SEE LATER POST FOR REVISED BYPASS INFORMATION.

[Hobbes950]

Late September. We will be coming in clockwise from Weed. Ugh, hate sand. Want to learn how to like it, but after a week with a full load I don't think I would be looking forward to it.
Thanks!