Negotiating a loose, rocky pitch.
Nancy hadn’t ridden since our trip to Oregon, so we decided to ride a short trail to protect her tender butt bones. The Donner Rim Trail (which is a work in progress) has a section from the Hole-in-the-Ground road to Summit Lake that is short but very fun and technical.
Taking a break with Ryder at the beginning of the rock ramps.
This section was built last year, and the builders did a great job of making it bike-friendly. They built ramps through the rocky sections—instead of rock steps—so bikers could ride the whole thing.
Nancy clears a tight section.
The rocks are all granite, which is more typical of east shore riding than the trails on the north and west shores. Granite is great for mountain bikes because of the traction it gives you.
Rolling through the mules ears.
It was a hot day and Ryder doesn’t do well in the heat, so we took it slow, even though it’s only four miles to Summit Lake.
Enjoying the day at Summit Lake.
Ryder does what he always does when he gets too hot, which is drink too much water too fast and then yack up his breakfast.
We sat on a rock by the lake and watched schools of little fish in a feeding frenzy with Ryder’s barf, the fish pushing and biting half-digested balls of dog food in the water like a bunch of eight-year-olds flailing at a soccer ball.
Nancy rips a granite slab near Summit Lake.
We spent a long time at Summit Lake hanging out, letting the weekenders get off the trail before we headed back. There’s always someone out with their poodles, afraid Ryder will turn their four-legged dust mops into hors d’oeuvres.
Panicky Tourist: “Could you please call your dog?”
Nancy: “O.K., what do you want me to call him?”
Another rock ramp.
The trail is in the middle of a bunch of other trails, so you can ride/hike it in conjunction with the Warren Lake Trail, Negro Canyon, Hole-in-the-Ground, the PCT, or the Donner Rim Trail as it continues to be developed.
Attempting a tricky little corner.
I always try to make it through all the technical sections clean. So far, I’ve cleared it both ways, but not on the same ride.
The last little hill before rejoining the Hole-in-the-Ground road. Castle Peak is in the background.
Nice!
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