Trail Outlook: Smoked Fall

• The temperatures and wind will be lovely this week. The only question mark will be where the smoke will settle. The Mosquito Fire is situated right between the old American Fire (2013) and King Fire (2014) burn scars which both dumped smoke into the Truckee Meadows for the majority of their respective burns. The outlook on this current fire is that it will burn for a few days before it reaches a region that crews can reasonably build containment lines across the very rugged terrain to the North-East. With this in mind, expect that some events listed below may be canceled at the last minute due to poor air quality. For the most recent air quality readings and forecasts, check out AirNow.gov. You can also surf through all the live fire cameras in the Sierras and surrounding mountain tops to see where the air is clearest using the Alert Wildfire network linked here.

• Trail Damage Warning: Whites Creek had some serious flooding in the early August round of downpours. Major trail damage along much of the lower section of trail as well as some of the upper section. The local trail managers are all aware of the damage and would appreciate users seeking alternate routes until they are able to get repairs done. Due to the extensive nature of the current damage, that may not be this year. If you are planning on doing the Dry Pond loop, be careful or consider an out and back on the Thomas Creek side.

Trail Karma Opportunity:

• Biggest Little Trail Stewards along with American Trails will be providing trail crew training for free September 24 & 25. If you have ever considered volunteering for trail days, this is how you can get skilled up to organize and lead those vital activities. This two-day event will offer free trainings to new and existing trail enthusiasts interested in building the skills needed to maintain trails well. Meet new trails folks or connect with old trail friends while learning the fundamental skills of trail design, planning, construction, and maintenance, as well as crew leadership. Additional information and signups can be had at the link here.

This Week’s Events

• Monday, September 12:

  • 5:30 pm

    • Bike Night Reno in collaboration with Truckee Meadows Bike Alliance, Pineapple Pedicabs, The Dutch Cycling Embassy, and Planet Bike will be rolling out a special group ride from McKinley Arts Center to Patagonia. This is a mostly flat road ride friendly to all wheeled contraptions at an extremely social pace. For more information, follow @bikenightreno on instagram.

• Tuesday, September 13:

• 5:30 pm

  • Tuesday Night Ride Group (TNRG) are riding from the Callahan Ranch Trailhead in Galena. If you are new to TNRG rides, there is no mass start so bring a friend or introduce yourself to who ever is around when you set off. Ride as long as you like. Most TNRG rides will have an after ride social at the start point so if you want to join in, pay attention to the flow of riders heading back. Check their Facebook Group Page for the most current updates.

• 5:45 pm

  • Silver State Striders are not organizing an official Tuesday run but encouraging their members to coordinate between themselves. Check their Facebook Group Page for any unofficial group runs.

• 6:30 pm

  • Radical Adventure Riders of Reno (RAR) are hosting a craft night meet and greet for members and prospective members at Z Bar in midtown. Bring something to work on and pedal on down for a casual get together with a very welcoming group. For more information, follow @rar.reno on Instagram.

• Wednesday, September 14:

  • 5:00 pm

    • (Canceled Due to Smoke) Reno Wheelmen’s weekly Verdi road ride starts and end at the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation building (50 Cowan Drive, 89509) in Idlewild Park between the train ride and the softball fields. Follow their facebook page for the most up to date information. There is a one time waiver to be signed so give yourself enough time before the 5pm roll out to set up and sign in. This is an out and back with social pace on the out and choose your own adventure pace on the way back. Lights, including rear red, and reflective attire suggested as well as be prepared to service your own flats should that happen.

  • 7:45 pm

    • Bike Night Reno will be rolling out a huge group of riders of all kinds from the Space Whale in Downtown. As their name suggests, this is a night ride so lights are required. Whether it’s a simple headlamp and taillight or full on burner bike light-splosion is entirely up to you. This is a mostly flat road ride friendly to all wheeled contraptions at an extremely social pace. For more information, follow @bikenightreno on instagram.

• Thursday, September 15:

  • 6:15 am

    • (New Later Start Time)The IsPeavineDry.com Peavine easy ride will roll out from the Keystone East trailhead. This mountain bike ride goes for between 60 to 90 minutes and is always easy effort stay together ride. If you have never ridden Keystone Canyon before, please let me know when you arrive. See you bright and early!

  • 5:00 pm

    • The Dames of Dirt will be holding a group ride, gear demo, and skills practice event at the Truckee Bike Park. They have give aways, raffles, happy hour, and plenty of fun lined up. For more information follow @damesofdirt on Instagram.

  • 5:45 pm

    • Silver State Striders are not organizing an official Thursday run but encouraging their members to coordinate between themselves. Check their Facebook Group Page for any unofficial group runs.

• Saturday, September 17:

  • 8:00 am

    • Silver State Striders are not organizing an official long run but encouraging their members to coordinate between themselves. Check their Facebook Group Page for any unofficial group runs.

  • 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    • (Rescheduled from Last Weekend) Northern Nevada Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is holding their second race weekend for all the middle and high school mountain bike riders at the Walker River State Recreation Area in Yerington, Nevada. The event booklet with schedule, volunteer, and registration links can be found here. Saturdays are for course setup and pre-ride events through 4pm. Volunteers are always very appreciated and you get all the training you need on site.

  • 10:00 am

    • (Canceled Due to Smoke)Reno Wheelmen present the Sagebrush Cyclocross series race #1 at Silver Knolls Park in Red Rock. Cyclocross is kinda like tough mudder on bikes. It’s a wheel to wheel circuit race of 30-60 minutes (depending on category) where the course winds around the park over different surfaces and includes obstacles including low barriers, steep run ups, and sometimes deep sand or gravel. It’s always a hard effort but everyone suffers together and the spectators are super supportive. The novice (Category C) race rolls at 10am. Come on out to cheer, heckle, or race. Additional information and registration can be found at their event registration listing linked here.

• Sunday, September 18:

  • 6:45 am - 4:00 pm

    • (Rescheduled from Last Weekend) Northern Nevada Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is holding their second race weekend for all the middle and high school mountain bike riders at the Walker River State Recreation Area in Yerington, Nevada. The event booklet with schedule, volunteer, and registration links can be found here. Sunday is race day, awards, and course tear down. Volunteers are always very appreciated and you get all the training you need on site.

  • 8:00 am

    • Radical Adventure Riders (RAR) Reno and Northern Nevada Bikepacking are teaming up to bring you Coffee Outside. This week’s morning cup of micro-adventure on bikes will meet at Wingfield park at First and Arlington. More information about joining can be found by following @coffeeoutsidereno on Instagram.

That’s what’s on my radar at the moment. If you know of something I missed or is coming soon, send me an email  and it might get listed. See you outside!