For the first time in this trip the drive was actually far simpler and shorter than expected. Within about 25 minutes we were at the parking lot unloading all the required equipment. Had been a while since the full face helmets and shin guards had been worn but I was hopeful that sense of invincibility they provided would be felt once they were one as they had many times before. Andooke walked up to start the rental process and we began to notice many of the riders around us rolling by with number plates strapped to their handlebars. This only meant one thing, race day. Which only meant a few other things... long lines and closed trails.
We had never ridden in Northstar but seeing that this was going to be Brooke's first experience with chairs and almost Andy's as well we were hoping for the best. Of course, the race event wasn't going to help matters and we could tell by their faces on return from the rental counter that other possible issues may have already occurred. Turns out the costs involved were much higher than expected for both bike rental and lift tickets. We bit the bullet as well and were only spared the full tab by paying up front long ago for our downhill steeds. This didn't soften the blow to Andooke but they were determined to stay positive. Bike pick-up was at mid-mountain, so we all stepped into the first gondola and headed up.
Micki and I waited at the next set of chairs while Andooke went to pick up their bikes. We watched as armored riders all gather around the lift like dark black shiny beetles. Plastic protection of all shapes and sizes glistened in the hot sun as massive hulks of cycling technology was lugged to the next available set of chairs. It was taking Andooke forever to return so we decided to track them down. They were located under a large tent converted from snowboard use after most of the snow had melted. Inside were a bunch of radsters whose job was to make sure would be participants could get what they needed to have a fun day on the mountain. Evidently there is not a strong drug screening program in place at Northstar which was made evident by the lackadaisical effort put forth by these young hipsters.
Brooke was struggling with her gloves and helmet when her favorite pair of sunglasses failed. A attempt to repair was limited due to the available supplies and her face showed signs of great disappointment when they fell from her helmet into two useless pieces on the floor. No glasses for the first run. Outside the tent now it was pretty obvious that actual bike setup was neither taught or given out to anyone who just paid a considerable sum to ride one of these DH superbikes. I rolled Brooke's bike back into the tent for some fine tuning only to see my two helpers struggling with a simple derailleur adjustment on a bike that was in the stand. It was pointless to ask for any assistance and we let as much air as possible out of the front fork and reduced the rear spring tension until it was clattering on the shaft. All that could be done was done and we decided to make the first run a bit shorter to head back to the car for an extra set of sunglasses.
First Run....
Finding an open trail was a bit of a challenge. The start wasn't very inspiring, crossing a chopped up bit of filed and then entering some winding singletrack. This part was fun with a series of berms and the occasional whoop. A huge wooden feature allowed some nervous air to be caught and then we took a left into the "skills center". Basically a bunch of jumps mostly forgotten with sticks and such in the lines. Out of the woods and fire road back to the parking lot. Not super inspiring so far. Andooke got some food, dropped off and picked up gear and then we all headed back up the mountain.
At the mid-way point we decided to wait in the racer line for the next chair that lead all the way to the top in hopes of finding some better terrain. Brooke had forgotten her gloves this time, but at least she had some new sunglasses. It was a bit chilly but the sky was mostly sunny. We scoured the map and came up with a strategy as to what runs to try first. The only problem was that we soon learned the main route down was closed from snow, and the secondary route was closed for the race. All that was left was some junk off to the side. We all tried to make the best of it, but so far Northstar was far from living up to expectation.
Micki and I looking the part:
The entry should have given us a clue as we all evaluated the large stack of jumbled boulders trying to figure out a strategy. They were awkward and didn't seem to warrant an aerial attack nor sticking to the granite faces and worming one's way down. After some time, I lined up and took a shot. With a pause and then failure, I backed up for one more attempt. This time I was able to commit and rolled through as best as possible. It felt ugly and any type of flow was not to be found. One more time for a photo shoot and then we entered the rest of the trail together.
Intimidating entry point:
With Micki on my six, we dropped in. The trail turned to upturned tombstones of GNAR. It was steep, unpredictable and flat out viscous. Rocky steps led into each other with little or no rest in between. I was hopeful that the lines I chose would be working for the both of us but seeing that each twist and dark turn just had me making my best guess I assumed Micki would have to set out on her own course sooner than later. I could hear her behind me as rocks dislodges and slid down the mountain of were ejected from the soil and tinged off her frame tubes. It was fierce and just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, the route arched to the left and got even worse. At the bottom, I was able to relax my focus. Looking back up the mountain, I didn't see anyone in my party... including Micki.
Turns out my super tech capable rockstar of a girlfriend had almost been swallowed hole by one of the voids far above. This caused a slow speed stall resulting in a OTB ejection. With pads and helmet in place the only evidence of the wreck was some dust and a smile. Andooke arrived next and the judgement was made to be skipping this monstrosity of a trail for the following runs. We rolled down to mid-way and it was time to eat.
Burrito, here I come.
Standing in line, I started to search the menu board mounted on the ground. I skimmed through it quickly at first, but then didn't catch burrito anywhere. I was sure I had just missed it. I mean, it says "burritos" in massive letters just above my head. I read through much slower this time but to my dismay, there was nothing that even resembled the flour wrapped culinary goodness I had been craving. Just a bunch of selections from the F'n BBQ!!! Doesn't anyone in California eat Mexican food? How can anyone even ride a bike here with no burritos to chow on? Ridiculous!! False advertising fiends!!! I settled on a chicken sandwich and sulked as I ate it. At least I had a Rockstar Recovery courtesy of Andy to wash it all down with. Maybe I'd be back in business after all.
After the meal, we realized the race was over so we were able to hit the course. Was definitely grooved in with a few good jumps, but nothing to really write home about. Overall the mountain was a dusty, crusty disappointment. Each run made things click a little better, but there was way to much fire road to get anywhere truly fun. The mountain itself really seemed to cater more to the big lofting air crowd than the carving flow junkies we were. This was a shame seeing that Northstar was going to set the example for Andooke. I wondered if they perhaps thought we were crazy for ever getting into this whole DH thing.
The day was getting close to an end now. The rental bikes would soon be due back and with tired muscles starting to effect us all, Brook sat out the next run. Then Andy decided to split and Micki and I hit the hill just one more last time. There was an obstacle she needed to claim, so we took the best route to get there. The option was a left line off a bridge to about a 4' foot drop. The trick was you had to hold some speed through a nasty awkward rock garden just before it and then turn in the air to match the bermed landing at the bottom. A bit tricky and intimidating for sure, but Micki lined up and cleaned it as smooth as silk.
Ka-ching:
I contemplated squeezing in one last trip up, but decided I'd had enough so we cruised back down to the car to meet up with Andooke. They had been searching for showers around the resort but with no luck. We headed back to Tahoe to find some facilities and figure out what was for dinner. The first parking lot was a bust, but Micki and I did get to walk down to the lake and feel the cold waters of Tahoe first hand. In the meantime, Brooke attempted to return a pair of stray dogs to whomever would take them without any luck. The search for cleanliness continued as we drove back towards camp.
Depth model:
The lake itself:
Locating some paid showers, I also happened to see a Mexican joint. It was decided that I'd go and grab my burrito while the others cleaned up. I'd rather be dirty than suffer another day without salsa, chips, rice and beans anyway. We then all regrouped and headed back to the trailer to a very eagerly awaiting Mousse. After the others eat, Micki and I take the dog up on another hike behind camp. I knew we had ridden for most of the day, but at the same time really wasn't feeling that tired. Realizing this was our last night, and probably last time ever in Tahoe... thoughts of a night ride began to play in my imagination. By the time we were bank at camp, I had decided to go hit the Flume Trail in the reverse direction. I think Andy thought I was kidding at first, and then just plain crazy. It didn't matter though, because I was excited to give the route a shot.
I'll speak about this second ride in another blog post soon to follow.
The Stats:
Riders: Micki, Brooke, Andy and Elvota
Distance: 15 miles (30 miles total with chairs)
Elevation: almost all downhill
Number of runs: eight
Ride time: maybe 4 hours
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