Paul's Day One Summary

Apparently cycling clothes accentuate my large stomach- nice photos Gene.
Didn't sleep much last night- nerves.
We got a later start than hoped- had the jitters until we crossed the bridge on the West Side of Lake Oroville. Finally felt like it was really happening- took awhile to get my legs- then the real hills started.
The city of Oroville is at approximately 200 ft above sea level. Lake Oroville is around 1000 feet. It was almost all uphill from there- finally peaking just before Bucks Lake at 5900-6000 feet. Every time I thought I was going to get a break- another hill hit. At one point there was a 9 degree climb followed immediately by a 13 degree climb.
Great downhill once a little past Buck's Lake- drops approximately 1500 feet in a few miles. Loose gravel made it a bit challenging. Gene couldn't keep up on most of the downhills. But of course- on the uphills the car was superior- so much so he spent time driving ahead and relaxing.
I couldn't believe it when we arrived in Quincy very close to 12:00- glad Ken Capistrand was there- he is a strong advocate for CTAP in Plumas County. He thought we were pulling his leg about riding up from Oroville- that was until we explained what resources Plumas County/Unified would be receiving as a result of the CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources.
Departed Quincy after lunch and quick trip to the bike shop. I think it was around 1:15-30.
I refer to the next part of the ride as the "Death Challenge". I quickly discovered that loaded logging trucks, bicycles and shoulder-less roadways don't mix.
A few miles out of Quincy there was some road work requiring traffic to be held for approximately five minute intervals in each direction. I was able to go through ahead of traffic which allowed me to have somewhat of an open road- except for the heavy equipment, loose dirt, and on coming traffic being routed between lanes. Zigging and zagging I was able to work my way down Highway 70/89- then the traffic came from behind and everything changed. Forced to the side by trucks and cars trying to make up time. Bunny-hopping over roadside cracks and ruts with large moving vehicles and "irate" drivers only a few inches away quickly lost its appeal.
The train trestles that criss-cross the Feather River Canyon in Plumas County are amazing- but there was no way I was going to stop for photos.
It didn't get any better after the turn to Lake Almanor. Now I was climbing again- not moving very fast with no shoulder- or eroded shoulder in most parts and at times a fairly serious drop off the side. At one point there were remnants of a gasoline spill and a destroyed guardrail that went over a drop. A logging truck had lost it's load earlier that morning and that was what was left. Temperatures were also getting quite warm. This was the least pleasant part of the day. Sensing my stress, Gene intervened at this point and did his job as a support person. He forced me to ride with him for a five mile section where there was only the white line for a shoulder. Thank you, Gene.
The ride did get better again once we arrived at Lake Almanor. There was less traffic, a wider road and more spectacular scenery. My nerves restored after a break, I made good time and was confident we would make Susanville.
Turning east on Highway 36 we were just 24 miles form the goal.
Only two "climbs" remained. One over the pass between Westwood and Susanville and the last just before the downhill to Susanville.
Once again my reward for the climb were the steep downhills. Traffic was fast but so was I. We were going to reach our goal. 151 riding miles- two county offices (Butte, Plumas), three counties (Butte, Plumas, Lassen). We depart from Lassen COE tomorrow morning after they open and head for Alturas. Afer a day in the mountains we will be riding in the high desert.
All in all it was great day for the CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources.