The Big Boulder Trail

Downieville, California

In an area blessed with an array of great trails, it's sometimes tough to pinpoint a favorite. However, in the fat-tire mecca of Downieville, California, there may be consensus: the Big Boulder Trail is "the one." This trail features sustained climbing, outstanding mountain scenery, varied technical challenges, and singletrack descending that almost lives up to that impossible descriptor: endless. The Big Boulder is a historic 130-year-old mining trail, which has recently been revived as one of mountain biking's finest singletracks. Not only is there fabulous riding as you descend along the Yuba River, but near the end dozens of swimming holes provide an excellent opportunity to cool down and relax your brake-weary fingers.

In recent years, Downieville has become a premiere West Coast riding destination. Proof of its popularity is the fact that a number of mountain biking's pioneers have purchased second homes in the area. One trip down the Big Boulder Trail's descent will tell you why. After the first half-hour of super-fun singletrack descending, you'll be smiling ear-to-ear. Sixty minutes in, you'll probably be hooting. Somewhere along the way, you'll experience pure mountain bike ecstasy, and if you can think beyond the next turn you'll be delighted that you put Downieville on your must-ride list.

Location: The Big Boulder Ride is located near Downieville, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The closest major cities are Reno and Sacramento, both two hours away.

Length: 35 miles

Elevation: 2,900 to 7,300 ft

Climbing: 5,000 ft

Terrain: Twisty, technical singletrack, 17-mile fireroad climb

Season: Spring through Fall

Highlight: Numerous swimming holes along the Yuba River

Details: Yuba Expeditions, 530-265-8779, http://www.yubaexpeditions.com

Club: Bicyclists of Nevada County, 530-274-DIRT

Shop: Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop, 530-265-2187

Lodging: Sierra County Chamber, 800-200-4949, http://www.sierracounty.org

Brew: Sierra Nevada

Coffee: Downieville Bakery

Eateries: Downieville Diner, Riverview Pizzeria

Event: Downieville Classic, always the second weekend of August

Must do: Dive in the Yuba River.

Event Coverage

Third And Fourth IMBA Epics Are Long, Memorable Days In The Saddle

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	The Big Boulder Trail Downieville, California In an area blessed with an array of great trails, it's sometimes tough to pinpoint a favorite. However, in the fat-tire mecca of Downieville, California, there may be consensus: the Big Boulder Trail is "the one." This trail features sustained climbing, outstanding mountain scenery, varied technical challenges, and singletrack descending that almost lives up to that impossible descriptor: endless. The Big Boulder is a historic 130-year-old mining trail, which has recently been revived as one of mountain biking's finest singletracks. Not only is there fabulous riding as you descend along the Yuba River, but near the end dozens of swimming holes provide an excellent opportunity to cool down and relax your brake-weary fingers. In recent years, Downieville has become a premiere West Coast riding destination. Proof of its popularity is the fact that a number of mountain biking's pioneers have purchased second homes in the area. One trip down the Big Boulder Trail's descent will tell you why. After the first half-hour of super-fun singletrack descending, you'll be smiling ear-to-ear. Sixty minutes in, you'll probably be hooting. Somewhere along the way, you'll experience pure mountain bike ecstasy, and if you can think beyond the next turn you'll be delighted that you put Downieville on your must-ride list. Location: The Big Boulder Ride is located near Downieville, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The closest major cities are Reno and Sacramento, both two hours away. Length: 35 miles Elevation: 2,900 to 7,300 ft Climbing: 5,000 ft Terrain: Twisty, technical singletrack, 17-mile fireroad climb Season: Spring through Fall Highlight: Numerous swimming holes along the Yuba River Details: Yuba Expeditions, 530-265-8779, http://www.yubaexpeditions.com Club: Bicyclists of Nevada County, 530-274-DIRT Shop: Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop, 530-265-2187 Lodging: Sierra County Chamber, 800-200-4949, http://www.sierracounty.org Brew: Sierra Nevada Coffee: Downieville Bakery Eateries: Downieville Diner, Riverview Pizzeria Event: Downieville Classic, always the second weekend of August Must do: Dive in the Yuba River. Event Coverage Third And Fourth IMBA Epics Are Long, Memorable Days In The Saddle


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