High Sierra Dirt Bike Ride;

is a two day one night dirt bike ride that explores 150 miles of the Best High Sierra terrain imaginable including spectacular views of the wild and scenic Mokelumne Wilderness. This challenging dirt bike ride explores 150 miles in two days with one night’s stay at the Bear Valley Lodge which is situated high in California’s Central Sierra Nevada. The first day of this challenging dirt bike ride begins near the historic Carson Pass and explores 75 miles of the best historic wagon passes, 4×4 trails and single-track trails that exist between Carson Pass & Ebbetts Pass. You will also experience High Sierra terrain from challenging hill-climbs, creek crossings to granite boulders including spectacular panoramic views on your way to the High Sierra Sport Hotel located in Bear Valley. After your first day of this challenging dirt bike ride you will be rewarded with a hearty and tasty Mexican dinner & drinks at the Bear Lodge. The second day of this challenging dirt bike ride you will explore some of the best single-track trails that exist in the High Sierra including breath taking views over 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon of the Mokelumne River and beyond…

Mountain Men of the Sierra Nevada: The High Sierra Dirt Bike Ride explores historic routes discovered by some of America’s most famous Mountain Men and adventurous explores of the 1800’s. During the early 1800’s and before the California Gold Rush it was the era of the legendary American Mountain Men that risk their lives to explore the Wild West. The earliest explorers through this region included Jedediah Smith, Joseph Walker, John C. Fremont and Kit Carson. After the days of the early explorers and towards the end of the Gold Rush the Mokelumne Wilderness was the the home of Monte Wolf, ’the last Mountain Man of the Sierra Nevada.

It’s all about adventure!

High Sierra “Dirt” Bike Ride

Presented by: Ultimate Moto Adventures & Sierra Nevada Adventures

Date: July 24, 25, 2010

Ride Details:

* This ride is “NOT” for beginners

*This ride is for experienced riders looking for an epic dirt bike ride.

* A license plate is “NOT” required for this dirt bike ride.

This epic ride is “NOT” a big cylinder dual sport adventure ride, this is a hard-core single cylinder ”DIRT” Bike Ride which explores “150” miles of some of the “Best” High Sierra terrain imaginable. This dirt bike ride is ideal for 450cc dirt bikes and nothing larger than a 530cc dirt bike.

Fee: $225 for non plated dirt bikes.

All non plated dirt bikes will be loaded in a flat-bed and trailered on a 10 mile stretch of pavement to link the off-road terrain.

Fee: $200 for street legal dirt bikes.

All street legal dirt bikes will travel the 10 miles of paved mountain road to link the off-road terrain.

Trip Includes:

* Over-night stay at Bear Valley Lodge

* Dinner at Bear Valley Lodge

* Continental Breakfast at Bear Valley Lodge

* 2 chase trucks & 2 gas stops

* Trail snacks & drinks

* Small rider groups

* Experienced Guides

* Sweep riders

* SNA/UMA event t-shirt

Registration deadline July 9, 2010

Pre-Register now!

*Contact: Mark at (916) 212-2232

*Questions email: markg@SierraNevadaAdventures.com

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Ever dream about a scenic twisty curvy paved mountain road to Yosemite without traffic around every corner? Well there’s no need to dream, that scenic twisty curvy paved mountain road exist! The SNA Yosemite / Hetch Hetchy Street Bike Adventure; is the ride you’ve dreaming of, with the best scenic twisty curvy paved mountain road without traffic around every corner to Yosemite. This street bike adventure begins in the California Gold Country and ventures through a remote section of the Stanislaus  National Forest. The Stanislaus National Forest contains 898,099 acres (1,403.3 square miles) in four counties and contains three wilderness areas including the Emigrant Wilderness which is located on the remote northern boundary of Yosemite National Park. This scenic twisty curvy paved mountain road leaves civilization behind as soon as it enters the wild and scenic Stanislaus National Forest with good pavement, endless curves and breathtaking scenery in the middle of nowhere. Although this route provides good pavement this is a remote Sierra Nevada road so, keep in mind you will experience the occasional pine cone, rock, wildlife crossing and free ranging cattle. “So keep your eyes wide open at all times”. Traveling this route you will also experience the wild and scenic Clavey River, Cherry Lake and the rugged and scenic Tuolumne River Canyon. The Clavey River is a tributary of the Tuolumne River and its unique because it still harbors a pre-glacial remnant population of coastal rainbow trout. The Clavey River is also special because it has some of the highest biotic integrity of any river in California, that is, it remains in relatively good condition and it is also one of the few undammed rivers in the Sierra Nevada. Cherry Lake is a beautiful crystal blue mountain lake located in the Stanislaus National Forest near the north western boundary of Yosemite National Park. Cherry Lake dam was completed in 1956 by San Francisco City and County as part of the Hetch Hetchy project, which supplies drinking water to San Francisco. After visiting Cherry Lake this street bike adventure explores the rugged Tuolumne River Canyon which provides breath taking canyon views around every corner. From the Tuolumne River crossing this adventure explores a narrow twisty curvy canyon road to the spectacular Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is surrounded by massive glacial carved granite cliffs and spectacular waterfalls that rival the world famous Yosemite Valley. Hetch Hetchy Valley was once a pristine valley with lush meadows, massive granite cliffs and spectacular waterfalls and could be described as a sister-twin to Yosemite Valley. Today the spectacular Wapama Falls (1,300 ft) and Tueeulala Falls (800 ft) are cut short as they cascade into the reservoir and the pristine meadows are buried underneath the deep blue waters of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The name “Hetch Hetchy” comes from a grass with edible seeds that grow in the valley, in the Native American Sierra Miwok language. After visiting the spectacular Hetch Hetchy Reservoir this street bike ride continues on to explore the world famous Yosemite Valley the “Crown Jewel” of the Sierra Nevada. 

Yosemite / Hetch Hetchy - Street Ride

*Ride distance: 300+ miles round trip.

*Two gas stops (additional gas stop available if required)

*Lunch at halfway point (Note: Lunch not included)

*Perfect for street riders seeking scenic twisty curvy paved mountain roads.

*Rain or Shine – unpredictable weather is part of the adventure!!!

Date: Saturday August 7, 8, 2010

Meeting Time: 7:45 a.m.

Meeting Location: Chevron in El Dorado Hills Ca

4316 Town Center Boulevard El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7101

Fee: $75 per rider

$25 off if you pre-register by: August 20, 2010

Pre-Register now!

*Contact: Mark at (916) 212-2232

*Questions email: markg@SierraNevadaAdventures.com

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If you’ve been looking for a remote and dramatic stretch of coastal landscape to explore then look no further, the Lost Coast Dual Sport Adventure ride has what you’ve been looking for. 

California’s Lost Coast; certainly qualifies as a remote and dramatic landscape. It stretches roughly 80 miles along a rugged and remote stretch of Northern California’s Coast, backed by a dozen peaks rising more than 2,000 feet, crowned by the 4,087 foot Kings Peak. Two dozen year-round streams cascade down deep, steep-walled canyons in a landscape so rugged the highway builders deemed it impassable. Only four roads reach this wild and scenic stretch of coast, two are one-lane dirt and all are twisting and steep. Yes, dramatic fits as does remote.

The Lost Coast; is located between Fort Bragg and Eureka on a remote and rugged section of the scenic Northern California Coast. From the coastal town of Fort Bragg travel north on the scenic Hwy 1 about 30 miles to the south entrance of the remote and scenic Usal road. From Hwy 1 veer north on Usal road where the pavement ends and the adventure begins. 

Usal Road; begins with an uphill climb through a heavily wooded redwood grove with giant ferns overhanging into the narrow dirt road and continues on through a remote and dramatic landscape known as the “Lost Coast”. Usal Road; travels north through the rugged and remote coastal mountains where you will explore a scenic redwood forest with jungle plants and huge ferns to spectacular cliff side vistas over looking pristine beaches and craggy cliffs. Five miles north of Hwy 1 the Usal Road reaches the south edge of the rugged and scenic Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. A short distance further is a remote campground near the Usal Creek which is located in a heavily wooded forest jungle. About one mile west of the campground nestled in a scenic cove is the spectacular Usal Beach, which is well worth the visit.

Approximately 20 miles north of Usal Beach is the cross road to the remote Sinkyone Beach which is a must see when exploring the Lost Coast. From the cross road turn left and travel about 3 miles west off-road to the wild and scenic Sinkyone Wilderness State Park Beach, at this point you will experience possibly the most secluded beach accessible by motorized vehicles on the entire west coast. After exploring the secluded Sinkyone Beach continue your adventure north for about 10 miles to Shelter Cove Road, turn left and travel about 5 miles west to the small fishing community of Shelter Cove. Located at the end of the paved road is the western most point in California and home to the historic Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, which is well worth the visit. Cape Mendocino is also one of the most dangerous points of coastline for ongoing ships in the entire state.  After visiting the historic Cape Horn Lighthouse you may choose to grab a bite to eat at the Shelter Cove Store & Deli, good burgers and tasty fish & chips. (Don’t forget to fuel up before leaving Shelter Cove). Approximately 5 miles east of Shelter Cove you will find the southern entrance to the Kings Peak Road, from this point your off-road adventure begins once again as you travel north through the rugged and remote Kings Range. The Kings Range offers panoramic views of the Pacific Coast, steep remote canyons and rugged mountains rising over 4,000’ elevation. Near the midway point of the Kings Peak Road your adventure begins a steep descent down the north eastern slope towards the remote little community of Honeydew which is located approximately 20 miles north of Shelter Cove Road on the scenic Mattole River. Because of its isolated location, Honeydew remains a small town atmosphere. There are no motels or gas stations only a small general store with very few supplies, but there are several campgrounds nearby along the Mattole River. Honeydew; is located near a scenic redwood forest were the site for the filming of Jurassic Park took place.

The scenic redwood forest can be reached by crossing the Mattole River and traveling approximately 15 miles northeast of town on a steep narrow curvy road.  From Honeydew you have the option to camp within 5 to 10 miles west of town along the Mattole River or 18+ miles west at Mattole Beach campground or continue approximately 75 miles further to Eureka. Mattole Beach is a great choice if you’re looking for an ocean view campsite but the Mattole River campsites may be a better choice if the coast is experiencing fog which can become quite cold and windy. The secluded Mattole River Valley campgrounds may be located only 10 miles or less from the Pacific Coast but when the coast is experiencing foggy weather conditions the temperature difference between the coast and the Mattole Valley can seem like the difference between summer and winter. From the Mattole River Valley your adventure continues west along the curvy Mattole River Road to the small town of Petrolia which is located on the Mattole River about 3 miles inland from the Mattole Beach campground. Petrolia; was originally named New Jerusalem, when the first oil was pumped in 1865 it was renamed Petrolia, it was also the site of the first oil well drilled in California.

Petrolia has a small downtown area with a local general store, a single pump gas station and one restaurant. After your visit in the town of Petrolia travel about 5 miles west on the curvy Mattole Road until you reach a remote and scenic stretch of coastline. This remote area of coastline has a scenic beach inhabited by free-ranging cattle which stretches over 5 miles north before Mattole Road veers inland and heads towards the well-preserved Victorian village of Ferndale. During the 1880’s the dairy industry generated considerable wealth in the Ferndale area that provided the ability for the town’s people to construct an impressive Victorian village. After your visit at the historic Victorian village of Ferndale travel north on Hwy 101 about 15 miles to the coastal town of Eureka Ca. Eureka’s coastal location on the Humboldt Bay adjacent to the Redwood Forest provided a rich environment for the birth of this 19^th century seaport town. Humboldt Bay is also the second largest bay in California and played a major role in north coast timber industry during the Gold Rush era.     

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on weather and road conditions. Mid-May through mid-October is typically the best time of year to travel this rugged and remote coastal route, however this route can become nearly impassible during or after a rain storm due to deep mud and ruts.

Distance: 800+ miles round trip

“It’s all about Adventure”   

SNA – Lost Coast Adventure Ride!

Date: 2010 details coming soon!

Time: TBD

Meeting Location: TBD

Fee: $295 per rider

Dual Sport Adventure Ride Details:

·         3 Days 2 Nights camping (Note: meals not included)

·         Ride distance: 800+ miles round trip (75 miles dirt roads)

·         This dual sport adventure ride is perfect for medium to large dual sport bikes.

·         Off-road terrain is rated “moderate to challenging” with lots of adventure.

·         Minimum 150 mile fuel range required.

·         Rain or Shine – unpredictable weather is part of the adventure!!!

Questions email: markg@SierraNevadaAdventures.com

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“The Mammoth Moto Ride”

‘The Mammoth Moto Ride’ will explore 250 miles of historic mining roads and trails, through desert, forest and mountains. Along the way you will pass through historic ghost towns and scenic vistas unlike any place else on earth.

After your fantastic dirt bike ride to Mammoth Saturday you can attend the “Official Motocross Party” at the “Village” a short walk or even shorter bus ride away. The free city bus system runs to the race track Sunday from near your hotel. Sunday night you will enjoy a banquet Dinner at the hotel. Monday you will return to Wellington and lunch at Rosie’s,  with all of this combined in one event it definitely lives up to the name as “MAMMMOTH”

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“Mammoth Moto Ride”

Presented by Ultimate Moto Adventures & Sierra Nevada Adventures

June 26, 27 & 28, 2010

Entry Fee: $310 - trip includes:

*Experienced guides

*Sweep riders

*2 chase trucks, 2 gas stops

*Breakfast Saturday at Rosie’s

*2 nights stay at the Holiday Inn

*Catered dinner Sunday night

*Tracks

*Breakfast at the Hotel Sun & Mon

*Lunch Monday at Rosie’s

*Over 250 miles round trip

PRE-REGISTRATION: http://ultimate-moto-adventures.com/Pre-Register.html

Mammoth Motocross: “Granddaddy of them all”

Back in 1968 Don Rake and some friends decided to put on a motocross in Mammoth Lakes California. They built a world class track 8,000 feet up in the Sierra Nevada. Dave McCoy came along and offered the backing of his Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and the rest is history.

Every summer racers have flocked to Mammoth Mountain for this classic event. It is the oldest continuous running motocross in the USA.  The track has changed a little over the years, but the hasn’t.

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Yuba River Gold Country Dual Sport Adventure Ride; explores the best dirt mining roads, back-roads and historic hydraulic mining sites in the California Gold Country.

The Yuba River Canyon Dual Sport Adventure Ride; explores the ancient San Juan Ridge and three historic river crossings on the Yuba River Canyon north of Nevada City. This dual sport adventure ride begins in the lower Sierra Nevada foothills and explores dirt roads & back-roads to the historic Bridgeport Covered Bridge. The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill by James Marshall in 1848 brought gold seekers to California, desperately searching all of the Sierra foothill tributaries and rivers, soon after Jonas Spect discovered gold near Rose’s Bar in June of 1848. Rose’s Bar was a short distance downstream from present-day Bridgeport Covered Bridge. The gold seekers poured into the South Yuba River Canyon creating a need to construct a bridge. Before a bridge was constructed the gold seekers overturned their wagons and tied them together to create makeshift barges. Before long river ferries were constructed along the Yuba River; Point Defiance Ferry (near present day Bridgeport) , Jones Bar Ferry (near present day Hwy. 49 Bridge), Moore’s Ferry (present day Purdon Bridge); and Edward’s Crossing near Illinois Bar. As the gold seeker continued to pour into the Yuba River Canyon the need to construct a bridge grew even greater sparking the construction of the historic Bridgeport Covered Bridge. The Bridgeport Covered Bridge on the South fork of the Yuba River is the longest single-span wooden covered bridge in America measuring in at over 230 feet. The historic bridge was originally constructed in 1862 and was part of the Virginia Turnpike Company Toll Road that served the northern mines and traffic to and from Virginia City and the Comstock Lode in Nevada. Today this historic covered bridge stands as a test of time from the early days of the California Gold Rush. After crossing the Yuba River this dual sport adventure continues off-road on a historic wagon route to the once thriving community of French Corral where one will find a lone standing but well preserved brick Wells Fargo Building. The French Corral Wells Fargo Building is one of the sharpest and most striking “Old West” buildings to be found in the Gold Country. Constructed during the town’s heyday during the 1850’s, the one-story brick structure was solidly built and fitted with iron doors and shutters, more for protection against bad-men than fire in this location, as large amounts of gold were stored and shipped from this office. After visiting the historic Wells Fargo building at French Corral your adventure continues on back-roads then soon ventures off-road once again on a historic mining route to Purdon’s Crossing Bridge. The historic Purdon Crossing Bridge located on the Yuba River was built in 1895, this historic metal bridge is the only half-through metal truss system left west of the Rocky Mountains. From the Purdon Crossing Bridge this historic off-road mining route winds up a twisty route through a heavily wooded canyon to the top of the ridge. From the top of the ridge this historic mining route ventures further up river to a rugged section of the Yuba River Canyon to the historic site of Edward’s Crossing near Illinois Bar. During the heyday of the 1800’s the gold seekers used Edward’s Crossing as the main mining route between Nevada City and North Bloomfield which is located on the ancient San Juan Ridge. The ancient San Juan Ridge, was the location of a massive hydraulic mining operation during the California Gold Rush. The hydraulic mining blasted away huge quantities of the ancient river beds of the San Juan Ridge leaving behind vast canyons and dramatic cliff-sides throughout the countryside. This adventure ride explores some of the most dramatic hydraulic carving in the entire gold country including the spectacular and historic Malakoff Diggins and nearby ghost town known as North Bloomfield. First settled in 1852, the mining camp was originally named Humbug after the creek of the same name. As the boom town grew, it was soon re-named Humbug City, and then the more dignified North Bloomfield. The mining town thrived during the Malakoff Diggins mining days when hydraulic mining was in full operation and the population grew to 2,000. A number of engineering marvels were created during the boom to support hydraulic mining which included the world’s first long distance telephone line that passed through North Bloomfield as it made its way from French Corral to Bowman Lake. This telephone line was put in place to support a massive series of ditches and flumes that brought water to the hydraulic mines on the San Juan Ridge. In North Bloomfield, a huge drainage tunnel was built to drain the massive amount of runoff from the mining operations to Humbug Creek. This drainage tunnel was 7,874 feet long and 200 feet below the surface and was punctuated by eight drainage pipes along the way. After years of hydraulic mining the massive amount of rock and earth washing down the Yuba River Canyon change the course of the river as it flowed into the Sacramento Valley creating massive floods in the farmland. The massive amount of erosion and flooding in the valley eventually became the demise of hydraulic mining when valley farmers filed a lawsuit and put an end to hydraulic mining in 1884. Soon after the end of hydraulic mining North Bloomfield became an uninhabited San Juan Ridge ghost town. In present day, the town of North Bloomfield contains many well-preserved historic structures from the 1800’s heyday which is a must-see place in the California Gold Country.

Yuba River Gold Country Adventure Ride

*This dual sport adventure ride is perfect for medium to large dual sport bikes.

*Off-road terrain is rated “moderate” with lots of gold rush history & adventure.

*Ride distance: 200 miles round trip (30% Dirt – 70% Back-Roads)

*One gas stop (additional gas stop available if required)

*Lunch at halfway point (Note: Lunch not included)

*Rain or Shine – unpredictable weather is part of the adventure!!!

Date: Saturday May 22, 2010

Meeting Time: 8:45 a.m.

Meeting Location: Chevron in El Dorado Hills Ca

4316 Town Center Boulevard El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7101

Fee: $75 per rider

$25 off if you pre-register by: May 15, 2010

Pre-Register now!

*Contact: Mark at (916) 212-2232

*Questions email: markg@SierraNevadaAdventures.com

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If you’ve been looking for an adventurous dual sport ride with an opportunity to explore, then look no further this dual sport ride puts the ADV in adventure.

El Dorado Gold Country Dual Sport Adventure Ride; explores remote dirt roads, twisty single-lane paved roads and the heart of the Gold Country where it all began, including a deeply wooded forest in search of the ruins and lost dreams of A.P.T. Elder’s once grand Hotel Bret Harte. This dual sport adventure ride begins on the edge of the Sierra Nevada Foothills and ventures east on back roads and dirt roads to the historic Coloma Valley which is located on the South Fork of the American River. On January 24, 1848, an event occurred in Coloma that would radically impact the history of California and the Nation. James W. Marshall was building a sawmill for Captain John Sutter, using water from the South Fork of the American River, James Marshall suddenly noticed several flakes of metal in the tailrace and recognized the flakes to be “gold”.  Though he tried to keep it a secret, the word spread quickly, and triggered the California Gold Rush of 1849. After visiting the historic gold discovery site in Coloma Valley this adventure ride explores off-road on a historic mining route to the nearby mining camp know as Georgetown.  

 Georgetown; was founded August 7, 1849, by George Phipps and party, Georgetown was nicknamed “Growlersburg” because of the heavy nuggets that “growled” in the miners’ pans. Arriving with a party of prospectors from Oregon, a young man named Hudson is credited with discovering the rich diggings in Georgetown in the summer of 1849.  It is said that Hudson dug out more than $20,000 in gold within a six-week period. Soon after, a company of sailors lead by George Phipps began working the stream at a spot below the present townsite where they uncovered rich placers and took out a fortune in gold. During the first few years the small mining camp was made up of tents, shacks and canvas structures lining the camp creek until a fire occurred in 1852 which totally destroyed the tent city. The fire didn’t close down the camp … instead the local folk set out immediately to rebuild their camp. They decided to make sure that they would never again lose their town to fire, so they moved the townsite from the Empire Canyon to its present location today.  The streets were much wider than before to keep any future fires from jumping.  Many of the new buildings were made of brick and stone and also fitted with fireproof iron doors. When they were finished, Georgetown was a thriving and beautiful mountain town. It quickly rose to prominence as one of the richer camps in the region and came to be known as the “Pride of the Mountains.”

From Georgetown, this adventure ride quickly leaves all civilization behind as it explores a deeply wooded forest in search of the ruins and lost dreams of A.PT. Elder’s once grand Hotel Bret Harte. Due to its isolated location and short time of existence there is very little information available about the location and history of this once grand Hotel Bret Harte, but the ruins and lost dreams are there waiting to be found and experienced to the ones who dare venture into the deeply wooded forest on the Georgetown Divide.

History of Hotel Bret Harte: Back in the early 1900’s a millionaire named A.P.T. Elder decided to build a 250 room 4 story hotel for the wealthy. Elder purchased 350 acres in the middle of the most remote wooded area he could find in El Dorado County. After purchasing the land Elder explored the remote land until he found a small meadow surrounded by the forest which he named Deer View, at this location Elder hired the best craftsmen of the time to build his dream resort which he named after the famous 1800’s author Bret Harte. The mountain resort required over 500,000 board feet of lumber and thousands of tons of material and equipment. The chimney alone needed over 250 tons of stone and rare stain-glass windows were hauled in from San Francisco to the isolated location on the Georgetown Divide.

The Tragedy of Hotel Bret Harte: A.P.T. Elder died just before the grand opening of the Hotel Bret Harte and the hotel never opened and never checked in a single paying guest. Elder’s wealthy family and his wife were living on the east coast at this time and they were not interested in his dream project so the hotel never opened and eventually became abandoned, vandalized and exposed to the elements. During the winter of 1936 a storm covered the abandon hotel in 9.5 foot depth of snow which caused the neglected, weakened hotel to collapse, then a few years later in the 1940’s the hotel burn. All that remains of this once grand Hotel are the rock walls, foundations, stone fire places and the abandon walk ways that lead into the isolated forest.

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El Dorado Gold Country Adventure Ride

*This dual sport adventure ride is perfect for medium to large dual sport bikes.

*Off-road terrain is rated “challeging” with lots of gold rush history & adventure.

*Ride distance: 200 miles round trip (30% Dirt – 70% Back-Roads)

*One gas stop (additional gas stop available if required)

*Lunch at halfway point (Note: Lunch not included)

*Rain or Shine – unpredictable weather is part of the adventure!!!

Date: Saturday May 1, 2010

Meeting Time: 8:45 a.m.

Meeting Location: Chevron in El Dorado Hills Ca

4316 Town Center Boulevard El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7101

Fee: $75 per rider

$25 off if you pre-register by: April 24, 2010

Pre-Register now!

*Contact: Mark at (916) 212-2232

*Questions email: markg@SierraNevadaAdventures.com

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This adventure ride explores the best dirt roads, back roads and forgotten mining camps in the remote corners of the Calaveras Gold County. 

The Calaveras Gold Country dual sport adventure ride ventures south on back roads and dirt roads to the forgotten mining communities of Campo Seco, Mountain Ranch and Sheep Ranch. Gold was first discovered by Oregon prospectors who worked the rich placer deposits during 1849 and named the town Oregon Gulch. Mexicans from Sonora moved into the area to work the rich gravels and soon changed the name to Campo Seco, which means “Dry Camp,” because the lack of water. During the early days of this once thriving mining town forty different nationalities were represented among the miners, making it perhaps the most cosmopolitan of all the mining camps in the Gold Country. Campo Seco once had three hotels, several saloons, three brothels, livery stable, post office, two churches, restaurants, stores and a brewery. Campo Seco is now a sleepy little community off the beaten path with historic stone structures, rock walls and a few remaining historic homes scattered across the hills sides and home to the largest cork oak tree in California. The historic cork oak tree was imported from Portugal and planted in 1858 by the California Mexican miners to provide cork material for the town brewery. Today Campo Seco is a forgotten mining town off the beaten path to most people but the mining history of Campo Seco is still alive and well to “Campo Seco Doug” who is one of the town residents and the owner of the historic cork oak tree. “Campo Seco Doug” is a walking encyclopedia of the history of this once thriving mining town of Campo Seco and the surrounding California Gold Country. While traveling through town you may be lucky enough to meet “Campo Seco Doug” while exploring the stone structures in town or meet him and his old donkey near the historic cork oak tree. Be sure to say Hi, to “Campo Seco Doug.” After your visit at Campo Seco your adventure continues on back roads and dirt roads to the historic mining town of Mountain Ranch and the forgotten mining town of Sheep Ranch which are located on the Sierran East Gold Belt. Mountain Ranch post office was established in 1858 and in 1868 it was moved 1.5 miles south to a town called El Dorado Camp, as there was already an El Dorado post office in CA, El Dorado Camp became known as Mountain Ranch. The historic little post office located on the old main street is no longer in use but at one time it was billed as the world’s smallest post office. California Caverns once known as Cave City Cave is located near Mountain Ranch and was once visited by Bret Harte, Mark Twain, John Muir and said to be the hide out for the legendary Gold Rush bandit Joaquin Murrieta. After visiting Mountain Ranch your adventure continues further off the beaten path to the forgotten mining town of Sheep Ranch. The fabulous Sheep Ranch Mine produced more than 8 million dollars in gold while in operation. Senator George Heart, father of William Randolph Hearst and associates acquired the mine in 1877. The Hearst firm operated the mine continuously until 1893 and produced an estimated 4 million dollars in gold, and reached a depth of 1,400 feet. By 1942, when finally closed, the mine had reach 3,100 feet in depth. The closing of the gold mine and general store in town marks the end of the heyday in Sheep Ranch with an old fuel pump advertising 18 cents a gallon for gas. During its heyday the town of Sheep Ranch supported 15 saloons, a general store, two churches, a brick school house and two hotels the Eagle Hotel and the prominent Pioneer Hotel which is located at the end of Main Street. The historic Pioneer Hotel regained some fame for a brief period during the summer of 1982 when it was featured as the whorehouse in the Clint Eastwood movie “Honkytonk Man”.

Calaveras Gold Country Adventure Ride

*This dual sport adventure ride is perfect for medium to large dual sport bikes.

*Off-road terrain is rated “moderate” with lots of gold rush history & adventure.

*Ride distance: 200 miles round trip (30% Dirt – 70% Back-Roads)

*One gas stop (additional gas stop available if required)

*Lunch at halfway point (Note: Lunch not included)

*Rain or Shine – unpredictable weather is part of the adventure!!!

Date: Saturday April 17, 2010

Meeting Time: 8:45 a.m.

Meeting Location: Chevron in El Dorado Hills Ca

4316 Town Center Boulevard El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7101

Fee: $75 per rider

$25 off if you pre-register by: April 10, 2010

Pre-Register now!

*Contact: Mark at (916) 212-2232

*Questions email: markg@SierraNevadaAdventures.com

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Sierra Nevada Adventures – It’s all about Adventure

What is Sierra Nevada Adventures?

Sierra Nevada Adventures website has been create for all who seek adventure!!!

Motorcycle Adventures:

·         Dirt Bike, Street Bike, Dual Sport Adventures

Wilderness Adventures:

·         Hiking, Fishing, Mountain Climbing, Horseback Adventures

Motor Sport Adventures:

·         Motorcycle Racing, Enduro – Harescramble – Motocross

Sierra Nevada Adventures offers “free” membership:

·         SNA members have the privilege to attend single-day “special events” for free.

·         SNA members have the privilege to attend ”overnight” outdoor adventures which require a fee.

·         SNA members have access when logged-in to the “resource” (members only) category which provides detailed information on the Sierra Nevada & Beyond.

Sierra Nevada Adventures Mission:

      Protect, Explore & Maintain our public lands for all who seek adventure.

Thanks: Mark – It’s all about Adventure

 Questions: markg@SierraNevadaAdventures.com

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This dual sport adventure ride begins in El Dorado Hills and travels south on Scott Road which is a fun curvy county road with gentle rolling hills. After your ride down Scott Road the pavement ends and the off-road adventure begins through a grove of valley oak and gentle rolling hills to the historic gold mining town of Michigan Bar. Now days it’s hard to imagine but when gold was discovered in this area  back in 1849 this region became a thriving mining community with nearly two thousand people searching for gold in the ancient river beds. Today this region is a quiet out of the way area with open farmland and mine tailing’s across the hillsides as far as the eye can see. After your visit at te historic town site of Michigan Bar this adventure continues on rolling country roads and fun dirt roads to some of the riches hard-rock mines in the California Gold Country. 

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After the placer gold rush between 1848 & 1850, the miners began to dig deep into the earth in search of the rich gold veins locked into the quartz rock. The largest vein within the Sierra Nevada is the Mother Lode vein located between Oakhurst near Yosemite and Georgetown in El Dorado County.

The 20-mile stretch from the Mokelumne River and the Consumnes River was the riches, producing over $160 million in gold between 1851 and 1942. (Current value over $3.5 billion). The first hard-rock mines were found in Amador City in 1851, the original Minister’s Claim and Spring Hill mine were the first few mines founded and soon after many other mines followed. By the 1870′s & 1880′s, Amador County had over 300 hard-rock mines in operation with some mine shafts over a mile deep into the earth. The Amador Gold Country dual sport adventure ride explores the ruins of many of these hard-rock mines such as the Bunker Hill Mine, Fremont Mine and the Treasure Mine. The historic dirt mining roads within the dual sport adventure ride will also take you through Michigan Bar, Amador City, Sutter Creek, and Drytown which is the oldest town in Amador County. Mining for gold began in Drytown in the spring of 1848 when miners discovered gold in the rich gravels along Dry Creek. Although the creek may have run dry during the summer months, legend has it the town never did, as an old story claims some twenty-six saloons wet the miners thirst during the 1850′s and today the only wet spot in Drytown is the road-side Drytown Club.   

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Amador Gold Country Adventure Ride

*This dual sport adventure ride is perfect for medium to large dual sport bikes.

*Off-road terrain is rated “moderate” with lots of gold rush history & adventure.

*Ride distance: 175 miles round trip (30% Dirt – 70% Back-Roads)

*One gas stop (additional gas stop available if required)

*Lunch at halfway point (Note: Lunch not included)

*Rain or Shine – unpredictable weather is part of the adventure!!!

Date: Saturday April 3, 2010

Meeting Time: 8:45 a.m.

Meeting Location: Chevron in El Dorado Hills Ca

4316 Town Center Boulevard El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7101

Fee: $75 per rider

$25 off if you pre-register by: March 27, 2010

Pre-Register now!

*Contact: Mark at (916) 212-2232

*Questions email: markg@SierraNevadaAdventures.com

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AMA District 36 - 2010 Race Schedule

Sunday January 17^th 2010.  Prairie City Grand Prix

Prairie City Grand Prix Motorcycle Race will kick-off round 1 of the 2010 AMA District 36 Hare scramble series and the SNA Motorcycle Race Team will be ready to race.

The Classic PCGP event will be hosted by the “Polka Dot’s Motorcycle Club” at the Prairie City OHV Park in Northern California. Prairie City is located just east of Sacramento in the low Sierra Nevada foothills and if you’ve never been there this time of year… be prepared for incredible racing and cold muddy conditions.

Details here:  http://www.ama-d36.org/Raceinfo/3064_OasisHS_RaceFlyer_Feb_(2).pdf

PCGP Race Results: http://www.ama-d36.org

The Prairie City Grand Prix was an excellent kick-off to the 2010 AMA district 36 cross country racing season; as well as an awesome start for the SNA Motorcycle Race Team.  Our team members tested their metal in some sloppy, rainy, conditions and still came away smiling ear to ear.  Now that we’ve got that first race out of the way, there’s not time to get comfortable sitting on the couch watching football because round #2 will be here before you know it.  Here’s what’s coming up:

Sunday February 14th, 2010.  Picacho Creek National HS, Clear Creek, CA

Come out and show your love for your motorcycle at one of the greatest places to ride in the states.  Another great opportunity to ride the best of an area that is unfortunately no longer open to the public any other day.  Team SNA will be there, how about you? 

Details here: http://www.ama-d36.org/Raceinfo/3066_2010_Flyer.pdf

Sunday February 21st, 2010.  E Street Euro Scrambles, Marysville, CA

This will be the second sponsored Sierra Nevada Adventures d36 event of the season.  The short, sandy track is technical, moto-oriented, and spectator friendly.  Come out even if you’re not racing and watch what promises to be an awesome day of racing.  The SNA Race Team will be racing, BBQing, and giving stuff away to our dedicated members who come out and support us.  Stay tuned for more details to come!

Sunday March 7th, 2010.  OASIS HS, Clear Lake Oaks, CA

The very first d36 Xcountry race ever on these grounds.  The weather looks to be holding off for the next week, so the conditions should be primo.  SNA will have a racers competing.  Sam Bird from Oahu Hawaii will be coming over to make his 2010 Northern California debut.  (This race has been rescheduled to March 7th, 2010)

Details here: http://www.ama-d36.org/Raceinfo/3064_OasisHS_RaceFlyer_Feb_(2).pdf

SNA is dedicated to bring you the latest news and happenings in the AMA D36 racing. 

Contact: info@SierraNevadaAdventure.com for any questions and request an application form to find out if you qualify for the SNA Motorcycle Race Team; get any questions answered, or simply come on out to the races, introduce yourself to our friendly SNA racers / members and enjoy a fun-filled weekend of AMA D36 motorcycle racing. 

See You at the Races!!!

SNA Motorcycle Race Team – it’s all about racing!!!

Ø  Sam Bird – A Senior class.

Ø  John Fiori – A Senior class.

Ø  Louis Fisher – B Vet class.

Ø  Nick Rasmussen – B Open class.

SNA is proud to welcome our 2010 sponsors:

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