5 minute read
Big Chief Trail
THE SOUL OF MOUNTAIN BIKING ON The view south along the Pacific Crest from Andesite Peak. BIG CHIEF TRAIL
STORY & PHOTOS BY SEAN M cALINDIN
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What is the essence of mountain biking?
Is it a silky, flowy trail with breathtaking views or a technical challenge that pushes riders to the extreme? Whatever your style of back-country pedaling, you can find it on Big Chief Trail.
As nonprofit Truckee Trail Foundation’s newest project completed in 2018, this sensational ride showcases something for everyone. But be warned, it is nothing if not rocky. On my first outing, I traversed it on an oldschool steed and was quivering like Jell-O by trail’s end.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Matt Pederson flies down a massive granite boulder deep along Lower Big Chief; Matt Pederson weaves his way through the Keyhole on Upper Big Chief; Truckee Trails Foundation crew leaders Filip Grgic and Matt Pederson ride through the sculpted rock work of Lower Big Chief.
This time around I know I need the right tool for the job, so I stop by Bike Truckee on Palisades Drive. Owner Dennis Elste recommends a Specialized Stumpjumper demo. It’s 2020 version of the first mass-produced mountain bike originally created in 1981.
With state-of-the-art suspension and components, it’s definitely an upgrade from the rigid, heavy frames of the olden days. Yet, it’s lineage makes it the perfect bike for a one-of-a-kind ride to capture the soul of mountain biking.
Amidst the endlessly superb mountain biking of the Tahoe Sierra, Big Chief stands out.
Just up the road from Elste’s shop, Big Chief ends on Forest Service Road 06 at the southern tip of Sawtooth Trail. The top of the ride can be reached by climbing the fire road to Watson Lake, but today we opt for a shuttle up Highway 267 to Brockway Sum- mit. From here, the upper trailhead enters the forest 6 miles down the paved Fiberboard Freeway.
THE TRAIL
8.1-mile downhill single track (one way) Moderate-advanced
I’m riding with Filip Grgic and Matt Pederson, crew leaders at Truckee Trails Foundation, who spent months building Big Chief as part of a joint venture with the U.S. Forest Service and Northstar Califor- nia. The $160,000 in grant funding for the project included generous contributions from REI and Vail Resort’s EpicPromise program.
“I like being out in the woods every day running machines and chainsaws,” says Pederson of his work. “You come up with a plan in your head, create it yourself and see it come to life. Most trails have their own feel and this one is a mesh of everything.”
After completing the legal scoping process, which includes a survey of archeological, biological and endangered species habitats, John Groom of Tahoe National Forest’s Truckee Ranger District spent “[Big Chief] is super technical and, even for the best riders, it’s very challenging. With killer views, miles of gnarly single track and variety around every corner, it feels like you’re on a real adventure.” –Dennis Elste
countless hours walking back and forth through the woods identifying key aspects and flagging out the general route of the trail.
“There are 10 steps that happen before the first shovelful,” says Grgic. “You’ve got to find a way to connect the dots while keeping the grade sustainable.”
Once the course was set, the crew logged out a path before clearing away the top layer of duff with an ex- cavator. Down to the mineral soil, the rest of the work is finished by hand. Builders spend hours, if not days, perfecting one specific feature at a time. The remark- able result is a labor of love that features all of the best parts of Tahoe Sierra mountain biking in one place.
A GEM OF A TRAIL
Our journey begins with a gently sloping descent through alpine trees reminiscent of the Alps. Before I can enjoy the breathtaking view too much, a slew of rocks and roots beckons my undivided focus. I clear the first big air and drift down the mountainside with easy speed. The riding is technical, yet flowy — a wonderful combination.
Soon we reach our first major obstacle, the Keyhole. There are three options, all of which require steadfast commitment. The left side weaves its way through a bottleneck tunnel of volcanic rock while the right leads straight over an uncompromising 4-foot drop. Grgic and I walk our bikes through the maze, while Pederson blazes the center line atop the boulders with graceful confidence.
After crossing the 06, the trail emerges from the forest to a spectacular view of Olympic Valley and the Sierra Crest. Beyond the spectacular rock work of Na- thaniel’s Bench where one crew member spent months moving giant slabs with a grip hoist, the rousing trail winds its way through ancient granite boulders, down radical rock rolls, over poppy gap jumps and along an amusing log ride. The energy never lets up as each bend in the road brings a new technical trial or mo- ment of eye-watering beauty.
Along the way, the trail crew stops to inspect prob- lem areas and make note of future repairs.
“It’s starting to break in,” say Pederson. “You never know exactly how it’s going to look until people ride it.”
Big Chief is just one piece of an ever-growing net- work Truckee Trails Foundation is working to connect throughout the region. Current projects include the systemization of the popular, but formerly unsanc- tioned Jackass Trail, scoping for a single-track loop on Hole in the Ground Trail and the completion of Carpenter Valley Trail.
“This is all part of our effort to bring greater con- nectivity and enhanced trail sustainability in this area,” says Executive Director Allison Pedley. “It’s a great time to be involved in trails projects. The enthusiasm is tremendous.”
Riding the last mile through exquisitely sculpted berms I enter the flow state. Somewhere in the dis- tance a raven caws. The wind blows through the trees and the sun peeks out in long beams. I’m alone with my bike in the woods.
As the dirt swiftly passes beneath my tread, I remember why I love to do this. It’s not about the smoothest ride or the sickest air, but an unchecked in- timacy with nature, a few moments of connection with something outside of yourself. That’s the gift of the trail: a reminder that no matter how effortless or rocky the path, we’re only passing through. So we ought to be grateful for the ride.
Learn more about Truckee Trails Foundation, how to donate and/or volunteer online. While designed for mountain biking, the trail is open to hikers and equestrians. | truckeetrails.org. n
