Southeast Connector as Bicycle Infrastructure.

Smooth sailing on the connector path.

I have a love hate relationship with the Southeast Connector.  A little context....if you ride it, you can see my house's back yard across the wetland.  Meaning, I used to have a really silent, remote back yard and now I definitely get some traffic noise during the commute hours.  On the up side, I don't think I've every seen a bicycle facility that gets more daily traffic.  There is literally almost no time when I can't look out my back window and see a cyclist or runner using the path!  And it serves a much needed route from the South Meadows and Double Diamond areas all the way to Sparks, Legends Mall, and beyond.

Last night it proved its worth when I met up with some old friends for dinner.  It sure was nice to ride a 10 mile round trip and not have to mingle with auto traffic!

And it's even lit across some of the bridges!

Wayfinding Signage is Coming to Reno Bike Routes (or at least the Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway)!

Yep.  Another step forward is in the works!  A little birdy at Washoe County told me that there is money in the pot for this and they are moving forward on selecting signage options for the river path.  I'm hoping that the standard can then be applied to our bike routes in town....but that will be a separate project to start pushing.  Anyway...another round of positive news for everyone who likes to get around by means other than cars!

New to me Mountain Bike Trail....Ballardini Ranch Trails!

Trail head Map....The future trail connection to Thomas Creek isn't quite finished
but goes a lot farther than the map shows!

At some point during an early morning hot tub and coffee session, it was decided that mountain biking would be happening to celebrate the newly cooler temperatures!  As my girlfriend is now working for Washoe County as a trail/rec planner, we decided we should definitely ride in an area that is up for some additional project work.  Turns out it was easy to find and really close for us.  Just a quick trip heading south on Lake Side Dr. and then turn West on Lone Tree Lane and you'll run into the nice little trail head.

There's two principle loops that would total out at about 2.2 miles of riding....but the real treat once your legs are warmed up, is to head out on the connector trail.  You'll get about 850 feet of climbing over 6.5 miles (total) with this option.  It's classic Reno high desert single track (aka rocky in places) with great views from the top of the climb and a bomber of a run on the way back down. 

So if you're looking to ride something super local and not Peavine Mountain for the umpteenth time....head over and give the trails at Ballardini Ranch a spin.  It's another resource that gives a quick local ride for the morning and with a little support and love could add some new trail to your standard Dry Pond loop!

RenoCross!

Well...I wasn't sure I'd get motivated to go to RenoCross, but it happened and it was a blast.  The energy at these events and the bikey people just make it fun!  Enjoy my horrible photo skills with a picture montage!

So much Bikey doings!

Hey.  I don't get as much time to do this as I'd like, and there is a ton of Bikey stuff that is happening or has happened.  So....I'm going to shotgun a few things.

Interbike is in Reno this week and will host CrossReno at Rancho San Rafael today .  You missed (or made it to) a great talk by Adventure Cycling director Jim Sayer.  There is a trail building seminar at Patagonia tonight at 7pm! 

So get out and do something bikey!

Reno Cross is at Rancho San Rafael today from noon until 9ish!

Trail Building Talk at Patagonia tonight!

Jim Sayer giving a great talk that made you want to plan your next tour today!

Patagonia was packed for the talk....over 100 people turned out!

Pigeon Head provided some excellent IPL!

Gear Hut (a new second hand gear store off of Wells Ave) was hanging out to encourage us recycle our used gear!

The Push tonight at the Pioneer for the Performing Arts Center!

PUSH: Cinematic Teaser from ThePushIsOn on Vimeo.

Grant Korgen is presenting his movie, "The Push" tonight at 7pm.  I got to know Grant a little bit (years ago) through whitewater kayaking.   He was a genuinely  great all around guy.  Then in 2010 while snowmobiling he literally broke himself in half.   He lives the true outdoor adventure lifestyle like few others.  Definitely worth the 20 bucks to see the show!

Adventure Cycling Talk at Patagonia Outlet!!!

When: Monday, September 17 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Mingling starts at 7:00 PM, and the program starts promptly at 7:30 PM.
Where: Patagonia Outlet Reno at 130 S. Center St., Reno, NV 89501.
Please RSVP at info@adventurecycling.org or 406.532.2751 by September 14.
We look forward to seeing you in Reno, Nevada!
Are you able to lend a hand? We’re looking for a volunteer or two to help with the event. Please contact Adventure Cycling at info@adventurecycling.org or 406.532.2751 if you are interested.

Details

Inspiration. Empowerment. Connection. The power of bicycle travel. Come find all of these at a special regional gathering of people interested in cycling and bicycle travel hosted by Adventure Cycling Association at the Patagonia Outlet Reno on Monday, September 17 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (program from 7:30 to 8:30 PM).

During the next year, Adventure Cycling staff will visit more than 40 cities across the United States. At gatherings in all of these cities, we’ll share three things: (1) news and stories on the joys and benefits of bicycle travel, as well as resources for how to travel by bike; (2) exciting new strategic directions for Adventure Cycling; and (3) an opportunity for you to provide ideas for how we can grow a larger and more connected bicycle travel community.

This gathering is open to Adventure Cycling members and non-members who have an interest in bicycle travel or just want to learn more.

Adventure Cycling’s Executive Director Jim Sayer will be on hand for the gathering, as well as other staff and volunteers. Enjoy refreshments and a chance to socialize with many other folks in your area who are interested in cycling and bike travel. Please join us and bring a friend!

Bike in Movie Night at Patagonia! **CANCELLED**

Reminder!  This Friday, Sept. 7th there will be another Bike in Movie Night at Patagonia on Center St. sponsered by TMBA.  I'm not the official messenger for the event but I do believe the movie will be Premium Rush and it starts at 6:30 pm.  There will be free beer and pizza!  Come on....who can say no to that offer!