38l ADV Saddlebags – Obrianmcc Adventures

Clockwise Idaho, as seen from an adventure motorcycle, part 3 Custer Motorway

Our night 2 camp was along Yankee Fork Creek smack in between the Yankee Fork Dredge and the Custer Ghost Town. Part of what had caught my eye as we were riding by this spot was the possible fishing water behind camp. This ended up being a great little spot as Jeremy was the first to land a nice Idaho Trout.

Thunderstorms had rolled through earlier in the day leaving a damp layer over the camp. This provided a safe setting to get a campfire going. Nothing much better than preparing dinner at the end of the day next to a warm campfire! Chit chat and banter proceeded for the next few hours until the pull of the sleeping bag was simply too strong.

My shelter of choice on this trip is a 2 person REI Quarter Dome. The Quarter Dome is a lightweight Sil-Nylon tent and fly designed specifically for the backpacking space. After all that is basically what we do … backpack from adventure motorcycles. Our performance needs are similar in that we need lightweight and compactable gear that will still perform in adverse conditions. As a changing and entry mat I use my OBR Flat Mat. While the Flat Mat is intended for making a trail side repair workspace, I find it also doubles nicely for a changing pad or entry mat for your tent.

Made in the USA

The humidity was a bit higher the second night due to the previous day’s intermittent rain showers. This made for a slightly cooler night’s sleep with all of us waking up to dew-soaked tents and gear. Luckily, we awoke to clear skies and a rising sun. We all promptly started to layout our damp gear for the sun to start the drying process.

With coffee again consumed, our gear finally dry and bikes packed we all started to individually depart camp minutes apart of one another with the plan to meet at the Custer Ghost Town. However, when I went to start my bike to warm up, I was greeted with that familiar click-click sound. Our modern motorcycles are sensitive to voltage, and my battery has just given me a sign of weakness. My level of concern is at a zero other than I’m annoyed that I need to now remove my dry duffel to access my battery with a starter pack I always carry. Connecting my starter pack I again press the start button…click-click … After inspecting I soon realize that the starter pack is inconveniently malfunctioning … concern meter is now slightly elevated. Maybe to a 3.

Luckily Brent was still in camp and shortly thereafter Toby rolls back in with his starter pack. A quick swap of the starter pack and my bike started right up. Crisis adverted and we all re-group down the road in Custer.

Custer

Bike warmed up

Sean, Jeremy and Brent … at the Empire Saloon. Toby and Todd were taking the tour.

I’ve been through Custer a few times already, so we allow time for those in the group who want to mill around. 30-40 minutes later we have the bikes fired and we are now heading down the Custer Motorway towards Challis.

The Custer Motorway is a fun single lane track that stretches about 35 miles between Custer and Challis. The road runs through meadows, along creeks, past old stage stops and over a summit.

The Old Mill and Cemetary

The Motorway

Intermittently along the Motorway there are marked locations of old stage stops. The stage stops would have allow stop over points for distant past travelers. Ironic that what now takes us only a few hours, was previously travelled in a couple of days. The Motorway was also one of the early toll roads exacting their fee for the passage of labor and supplies.

Eleven Mile Barn

Keeping it tight

Once reaching the eastern terminus we cross Corkscrew Grade … then make a decent into Challis where we will fuel the bikes, grab some lunch and buy some refreshments for when we find camp.

During lunch I suggest an alternate to our original plan. Originally, we were going to head north into Montana and take the Magruder across to Elk City. Review of the weather radar is showing the possibility of moderate to heavy thunderstorms … not to mention there is little opportunity for fishing.

So, we head south … along Hwy 93 skirting the Lost River Range. We’ll connect with the Burma Road and ride that up over into Copper Basin where it is typically dryer and has a couple of creek options to wet a line.

Burma Road, climbing out of the valley

Viewpoint, North from where we came and then South

I believe this decision to be a good one … we were able to stay just to the south of the pending thunderstorms and Copper Basin did prove to be a few degrees warmer and much dryer.

OBR ADV Gear Explorer System holding tight

My OBR ADV Gear Explorer Saddlebag System so far has performed flawlessly. The Holster keeps the systems 30l Dry Bags pulled in and tight. I’m currently running pannier racks from Tusk and using the Tusk Mounting Brackets. The Dry Bags have kept ALL dust and water at bay and so far, have proven to be very quick and easy to unpack and repack. The Explorer Dry Bags are designed to simply pull away from the Holster. This is a very convenient feature should you want to toss one of your dry bags into your tent or vestibule without detaching the entire system from the bike… I however chose to leave the Dry Bag on the bike and just tucked down the top lip before turning in to protect from any nighttime rain.

With the overlook being at the summit we push on over the other side and into the basin.

Clockwise Idaho, as seen from an adventure motorcycle, part 2 – Yankee Fork

After a good night’s rest, we awoke to the crisp morning air that signifies the start of a fresh new day. With coffee on the mind, we all started to emerge from our tents and hammocks.

The previous days route up over James Creek was a bit dusty and busier than expected with the weekend traffic rolling in, and at the end of the day it just wasn’t that enjoyable. With coffee in hand, we discussed options for day 2. Originally, we were routed to stick to the IDBDR and run up over Clear Creek Summit out of Lowman, but I offered an alternate to run out Edna Creek to Hwy 21 and ride some fun twists and curves to Lowman, possibly bypassing Clear Creek all together and head straight for Stanley. This would put us closer to the Custer Motorway, which was our planned overnight for our second nights camp.

Coffee readily consumed and the bikes packed we headed down the Middle Fork Road. This section actually was quite enjoyable. The air was crisp and renewed, the bikes were running well and the excitement of what lay ahead was setting in. First objective is a gravel run out to Edna Crk/Hwy 21 where we will regroup.

28 miles

The group spaces out in order to let the dust clear which is a reality of most backroads mid-summer. We utilize a process where the first rider at an intersection stops and waits for the next. This process proceeds through the group until the final sweep rider. This process also enables everyone to confirm the rider behind them and to ride at their own pace so to also enjoy clean air.

Edna Creek/Hwy 21

As we all re-group the day temps are starting increase. We finalize our plan at this point to go ahead and take Hwy 21 into Stanley. Stanley is a “boujee” little mountain town nestled along the base of the Sawtooth Mountain’s. Fire has drastically impacted the valley the last couple of years, but its beauty is relatively untarnished as confirmed by the busy summer crowds. Stanley will be our next fuel and lunch stop.

Before we head out I jump down to the creek in order to get my jersey wetted down. Right about that time I hear Jeremy say “Crap, my bike just fell over” … well, it wasn’t just his bike. As the story goes our sweep rider and buddy Toby moved his 950 over into the shade. As he walked away his 950 decided to play bike domino’s by falling into mine, which then mine took out Jeremy’s.

Bike domino’s

Toby was banned from parking anywhere near the group for the remainder of the trip! … J/K. However, this did seem to start a chain of events where Brents helmet decided to roll from his bike, down the embankment and into the creek before starting to float away. Brent quick on his feet retrieved his fully soaked helmet. We decided to promptly hit the road before any more calamities could occur.

We made good time up Hwy 21 … the section from Edna Creek to Lowman is about as much fun that you can have on pavement and in my opinion, everyone riding the IDBDR should hit this section. From Lowman we hit cruise control riding up the South Fork of the Payette, over Banner Summit and into Stanley.

Burgers fuel us for the final days stretch into the Custer Motorway. We jump on Hwy 75 connecting Stanley to Sunbeam, another great twisty section. From there we peel off, find ourselves back on dirt and head up the Yankee Fork.

Notice Toby parking away from the pack … yep, banned!

Yankee Fork Dredge

Dredges, while leaving a large impact on the landscape were engineering marvels of their day. How something so large could be constructed in place and to move so much material is amazing. The fact that this one has been preserved for those to tour is a testament to the dedicated volunteers who keep it intact and from mother nature (and/or vandals) from dissembling it. It also leaves as a reminder that it was in fact these operations and the miners from back in history that again created the routes that we are able to ride and explorer today.

After spending about an hour at the dredge we jump back on the road with the intent to hit the Custer ghost town, but no less than a half mile down the road a great camp spot pops into view … and vacant. We consider this a lucky omen for a Saturday and grab the spot.

The evening winds down with friendly neighbors, fishing and a spot of Whiskey!

Cinnabar – Part 7 (Cinnabar down Johnson Creek)

Johnson Creek Rd (413) runs north/south connecting Yellow Pine and Landmark while also following the scenic Johnson Creek.

Landmark 25 miles ….

The scenic Johnson Creek …

The road parts impressive ridgelines from either side …. where’s my fly rod?

The road continues past the Johnson Creek Airstrip, a popular fly in destination amongst pilots … the Johnson Creek Guard Station … and a few summer cabins. There was not much in terms of traffic, but I did pass a car or two … this effects how often I can stop to take pics as the dust is a deterrent to me in regards to letting those cars back by.

U turn …

Looking back north through the burn …

Pushing on …

Arrival – Landmark Ranger Station …

From here I reconnect with the pavement for a quick 10ish miles back into Warm Lake. Some don’t like hardtop … I on the other hand actually enjoy a few miles of smooth running to conclude a ride.

Hmmm … which way shall I go. This point is actually a junction that will take you to the Landmark/Stanley Rd, Deadwood Reservoir, Scott Mtn, Cascade, or back up to Yellow Pine …. all part of the current IBDR.

All and all a good day …. 130ish miles … the bike and the OBR ADV Gear luggage performed flawlessly …. and reason to return with some still unexplored country!

Stibnite – Part 6 (Road to Johnson Creek)

The run back along the ridge was quick …. you know how the exit of an area always seems to take less time than the run in… this was the case today.

I reconnected to road 375 right below Monumental Summit. from there I started my way west, dropping in elevation towards the Stibnite drainage. RD 375 from this point is in really good shape… an easy ride.

As I enter the Stibnite Mine area I notice a few sign boards along the road side. The boards tell the story of the Stibnite Mine from it’s early days and through the proceeding decades.

Stibnite

There are a few remnants within the trees, but nothing of any significance. I continue on ….

Modern day activity is present at the mine … I can hear the faint sound of running equipment and the company operating the current exploratory and reclamation project has areas of concern gated off. The main road through the site however is open for public travel.

I continue about a 1/4 mile down the road and on my right a large pit opens up into view. There is an observation platform built along with additional information on the pit. Evidently this is the pit from the old Stibnite Mine along with some of the old remaining buildings.

With the pit in my rear view … .I continue my backtrack towards Yellow Pine.

… then connecting with Rd 413, Johnson Creek Rd

Luggage by OBR ADV Gear

Cinnabar – Part 5 (Meadow Creek Lookout)

On my way up to Monumental Summit, I passed a small primitive two track cutting off to the west. Given the opportunity to visit decommissioned lookout towers, Meadow Creek Lookout has been on my radar for awhile. Meadow Creek sits along the upper reaches of Antimony Ridge, and this two track is the route in.

Quick shot off the road towards the SW

A quick reference to my full sized USFS map in the map pocket of the High Basin Tank Bag showed the run in towards the lookout is approx. 10 miles. The road being in fairly good condition allowed for a pretty decent pace.

Arrival at the lookout was welcomed … the road in seemed to have the character of “it must be over the next rise” …. “and the next rise” …. it seemed to go on and on …. a long 10 miles.

This lookout tower like the many decommissioned sites is starting to show it’s wear and tear from the elements.

Meadow Creek Lookout is an old L4 Cabin, built in 1933… old images here.

Riordan USGS Marker

A walk around the observation deck is required …

North/Northwest

West

South

East

As usual, the typical views are amazing. However, the remoteness of this site has been on my mind since Monumental Summit … I’m not concerned so much of mishap, but a break down up here could pose a challenge for recovery, and being a Sunday, I would not expect much traffic past today. I do carry a SPOT to maintain a positive link with civilization, which does offer some peace of mind, but I decide it’s time to backtrack to more traveled roads. I do carry a full cache of tools in my OBR ADV Gear Tool Roll and Tool Pouch.

A single track trail diverts off the road about a mile back from the lookout. This trail I believe passes Riordan Lake and reconnects with Johnson Creek Road. This will be a nice route to take on a future visit, with a partner.

Cinnabar – Part 4 (Monumental Summit)

After exploring the extensive site of Cinnabar, my next objective is the proceeding ridge above and behind the old ghost town. An ATV track exits the site to the rear and continues the climb to the top via a number of switchbacks.

The switchbacks are not overly difficult or the track all that steep, but loose rock is a factor in some sections. This is again where I appreciate the design considerations of my OBR ADV Gear 38l Saddlebags. The bags follow the transition of the side panels in such an angle that it aids in centralizing weight, but at the same time does not interfere with me … the rider. I don’t even know they are there.

Overlooking the Cinnabar Drainage

Reaching the top

Looking back down on Cinnabar

The final stretch

The track crests the top of the ridge before dropping down the backside then reconnecting with Rd 375. Rd 375 is the main road through Stibnite … this offers two options for one visiting Cinnabar who wants to venture further… ride the switchbacks up, or backtrack to the main road through Stibnite … they do reconnect.

Monumental Summit is a short run once back on Rd 375 …. Rd 375 continues past the summit into an easement of the Frank Church. A few more sites of interest exist past the summit… Thunder Mountain, as the once was site of Roosevelt Lake.

A bit of history here …

Evidently the thriving boom town was the victim of a substantial mud slide that in effect dammed up nearby Monumental Creek … the town slowly disappeared to the depths of the newly formed lake with building remnants still visible today below the lakes surface.

I intend to make a return soon find the end of this road, but today I’m more focused on Meadow Creek Lookout.

Next stop … Meadow Creek Lookout

Cinnabar Proper – Part 3 (Ghost Towns)

Upon reaching the entrance to Stibnite …. I note a primitive two track turning to the left up Sugar Creek. I make my turn off and proceed. This scenic two track is a pleasant relief from the wider forest service roads I’ve been on thus far.

The track runs for maybe a mile or so before crossing the creek and starting the climb up towards Cinnabar Peak.

This crossing could have some splash to it on a normal run off year. This years light snow pack keeps the creek to an easy level.

The road continues it’s climb with the surface becoming busy in spots with loose rock, but plenty manageable.

I continue my climb up until the first buildings come into view ….

Cinnabar has been classified by the Forest Service as a contaminated site …. largely due to the fact that they actually mined mercury here from the local minerals. It’s been proving difficult to find information regarding the activity of this mine, but I believe that it was active into the 1960’s.

Just past the first set of buildings I find my parking spot at city center.

The many buildings indicate a thriving past operation with a numerous work force …. and my guess being construction as the second largest contributor to this once was economy.

I leave the bike parked … City Center …. and hike up an access road towards the mill.

Looking down from the access road

View back down the access road …. my bike is parked on the mound just left of the aligned buildings.

I hike past the old mill reconnecting to the main road. I head back down with the road passing some even larger buildings.

If these buildings could talk I’m sure there would be some stories to tell!

Back on the lower landing I decide it’s time to move forward … nails are my primary concern given the amount of wood/building debris scattered around the area.

The view from top is equally as spectacular …

My next objective is to make the climb up towards the ridge above and the 8500′ Monumental Summit.

Extra gear I have stored in my OBR ADV Gear Extras Pouch. This pouch can either be thrown into a saddlebag or attached externally to my kit.

Cinnabar – Part 2 (Yellow Pine)

The intersection of 674 and 412 was a welcome arrival…. trajectory will point east now towards the city center of Yellow Pine. Combat fisherman now in my mirror … the pace picks up as I travel the 15 miles along the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon …. how many forks was that?

Rd 412

East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon

Yellow Pine

Yellow Pine was established as a trading and supply point for the many area mines …. today, it acts more as a stopping point for recreationists and adventure travelers with an open restaurant, bar, lodging, etc.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Pine,_Idaho

One claim to fame each August for Yellow Pine is their annual Harmonica Festival that has gain national recognition.

Moving through the rush hour masses …. I continue North/Northeast along 412 to the Big Creek/Stibnite intersection.

This part of the route is currently part of the IDBDR. Turning north on 340 through Big Creek then will connect you over Elk Summit, Warren, Burgdorf then either into McCall of down French Creek into Riggins.

Today I continue East on 412 …

412 from this point is a surprisingly narrow two track given the mine traffic of the past ….

Fast with flow ….

9 miles pass and I arrive at the entrance of Stibnite. Cinnabar being my destination … I will make a left onto an ATV/Jeep track.

Stibnite Mine is not currently being worked other than reclamation and continued exploration. I’ve been told that they have been drilling old tailing piles from the past finding decent amounts of gold …. I carry my spare tube in an OBR ADV Gear Fender Bag. With this bags optional secondary snap system … I have never had it come loose.

Next up Cinnabar ….

Cinnabar or Bust – Part 1 (South Fork of the Salmon)

Part of my ride objectives for this season is to make it to destinations not yet visited … the old mining ghost town of Cinnabar meets that criteria.

Located approx. 20 miles east of Yellow Pine Idaho, Cinnabar sits within the shadow of the 8600′ Cinnabar Peak. Rustic buildings of a mining past that have withstood many harsh winters, still stand with authority within the local landscape.

My ride today will actually start about 2 hrs from home …. trailering my bike to a location just north of Warm Lake along the South Fork of the Salmon. The days essentials stowed away in my OBR ADV Gear 38l Saddlebags and my OBR ADV Gear High Basin Tank Bag.

Rd 674 winds north as a single lane paved road … such a road would be great fun other than the hoards of combat fisherman essentially squatting along the entire 30 mile section of road. Evidently the intoxicating lure of Salmon will cloud ones mind enough to believe that setting your tent in the road way is a good idea?

Squatting fisherman aside …. the view along this stretch, even though burned, has a perplexing and rugged beauty.

Idaho Wilderness

The road winds continuously along the river sometimes drifting away, but always making it’s way back alongside.

…. next stop, if I survive the blind corners, the intersection of 674 and 412

Vanity Summit – Seafoam Lakes Part 6

-Josephus Lake-

Josephus Lake is a small lake that sits at the end of Rd 010, two lakes actually that reside right next to each other… I have seen pictures and read other reports of these lakes, but never seen them in person, so I proceed to the roads end to check them out.

The lakes were just barely touched by fire, but still left with an abundance of green trees. They also appear to be somewhat shallow with reports of good fishing ….

Log footbridge spanning between the lakes …

My visit to Josephus Lake is quick … I snap a few pics and load back up to backtrack a few miles to check out Seafoam Mine. Seafoam Mine is still supposed to have an old ghost town of the past. I find my road connection, cross the creek, and head up the hill only to encounter a locked gate halting my progress? … No ghost town today!

My next option is to head up towards the Greyhound Mine … I have no expectations of what might or what might not be there, so we’ll see.

A few miles up the road I find a rather larger tree fallen across the road. I do pack a capable hand saw in my OBR ADV Gear Tool Pouch, but not significant enough to tackle a project of this magnitude and I’m in no mood to drag the bike underneath.

I once again reverse my track … back a ways there was a road that ran along the rapid river. Worth checking out anyway since it is along the way …. I make it about a 100 yds down the rapid river road only to find more trees fallen across it’s path.

I at this point conclude this to be my days end … I’ve seen some new country and are back in here a ways … and alone. Probably best to head back over Vanity.

Looking back up Rapid River towards Vanity Summit

Stopping right before Seafoam Guard Station

South over Vanity

I’ve logged under 100 miles on todays ride, which to some might seem unusual, but with the varied terrain and primary objective of Seafoam Lakes achieved I’m ready to wrap up the day.

…..Until the next adventure!

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes Part 5

After soaking in the splendor of what still is and of what once was … I continue forward to explore still a couple of tracks extending past the lake. The first left stops approx. 100 yds in to an old landing…. evidence of a mine or activity of is present above. Curiosity dictates further investigation!

Just above the landing I do find a couple of excavated areas that were once covered. I’m not sure if these areas were actual mines or maybe exploratory holes as they do not extend in very far?

Relics of mining past ….

View down to Seafoam Lake …

After concluding my investigation of this spot I continue up the road which climbs and winds a short distance concluding at a once was trailhead…

The views of the surrounding ridgelines are clearly visible through the burned trees …. although dense forest would still be my preference.

Idaho wilderness ….

I hike around a bit and then start my retreat back down the mountain ….

Seafoam Creek (I think)

Once back down in the valley I continue back up Rd 008 …. the reported washout had been repaired, but without a drain culvert, so the next storm of significance will probably wash out the road once again ….

Junction to Josephus Lake (my next stop) and Grayhound Mine …..

Why run soft luggage vs a hard box… one reason is safety when running remote roads such as these. Should you go down and extend your leg backwards … hard boxes have been reported to cause knee injury or even worse broken lower legs. Soft luggage systems will provide give and even a level of padding. The OBR ADV Gear Saddlebag system also utilizes Acetal Ladderlock Buckles that break at approx 100-125 lbs. It’s better to have a strap that will release allowing the bag to swing backwards and hopefully preventing any injury. Other products from OBR ADV Gear such as the Sherpa Tail bag will also provide another option to secure gear out of the way.

To be continued ….

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes Part 4

After touring around the Seafoam Guard Station, I direct my attention to the road ahead. The road splits into three options at this point… East, to Sheep Mountain, North towards Josephus Lake, and Up to Seafoam Lakes. There also happens to be a sign posted with a notification that the road has been washed out a few miles ahead. Since Seafoam Lakes is one of my intended destinations the choice will be up … then maybe North depending on actual road conditions ….

Pic repost out of the guard station …

Road 010 to Seafoam Lakes starts off gradual following a beautiful valley that has impressive steep slopes on either side. The lower road is in great shape with lots of flow lending to a fast pace.

Mid point meadow

After the mid point meadow the effects of past fire become evident and the road begins to increase its accent towards the rocky ridges ahead.

As I ascend the road starts to narrow and road bed slowly becomes a bit rockier and loose … still not a challenge for the capable DRZ!

I continue to climb reaching the edge of the once was tree line …

Seafoam Lakes sit on a bench at approx. 7800ft. A pretty good climb up from the 6200 ft Seafoam Guard Station and a bit below the ominous 9400ft Langer Peak.

As I near the top the effects of the past Halstead Fire become very evident … the fire ran through this basin fast and hot leaving not much more than charred tree trunks in it’s wake ….. a sad reality that we’ll never see this basin back to its previous splendor within our lifetime.

A tree across the road is a sign that I’m the first to ride past this point this season. Quick work is made of the single tree with my saw conveniently packed in my OBR ADV Gear Tool Pouch.

I finally arrive at Seafoam Lake ….

A few green trees still stand on the opposing lake edge …

Along the accessible side, a single stand of trees survived, before the fire this was probably a prime camp spot right along the waters edge, but the danger of falling snags eliminates any reasonable potential to ever future camp IMO.

On the plus side the water appears clear and the fish were rising …. maybe next time a fishing pole will need to occupy my kit!

to be continued …..

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes Part 3

Once finished exploring around Vanity Summit it is time to continue north into the immediate valley and areas to me currently unknown …

Rd 008

Rd 008 continues approx. another 4-5 miles past the summit before arriving at the Seafoam Guard Station.

Entrance sign

Main buildings

Corral and flag pole

While the buildings here at the guard station appear to be some what kept, the grounds are pretty over grown. It’s evident that this station has not been occupied for some time. It seems as if these remote outposts are not so much utilized for personnel anymore, but for possible equipment storage. I hope they will continue to maintain these structures at least for no other reason to preserve the stories that they all can tell.

Immediately past the guard station the road forks … East to Sheep Mountain (012), North to Rapid River and Josephus Lake (008), and West/Up to Seafoam Lakes (010). My intended route for today is to make the climb up to Seafoam Lakes and then possibly Josephus Lake… Sheep Mountain will need to wait until another ride. My OBR ADV Gear designed soft luggage rides making little to no interference with me … the rider. This allows me to tackle more sections of trail while keeping my focus where it needs to be … on the trail.

Challenge accepted…

To be continued ….

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes part 2

After making my stop at the Wagon Town historical marker …. the road begins to climb in elevation towards the 7700′ Vanity Summit …. as I climb up this section of road it is hard to not imagine the fully loaded wagons crossing this pass in support of the mines …

Vanity Summit does not disappoint as it presents breathtaking ridgeline views all around … what is amazing is the evidence of how hot the previous fire was by the presence of the black stumps, but then to have a totally healthy tree right next to it.

South

North

East

West

I notice a two track running off the west side of the summit …. I know that the wilderness boundary exists some distance from the main road, but this track has recent ATV tracks and is not signed to be closed. I check my map and it does exist as a dotted line …. the map indicates that this track runs up towards Langer Peak passing some small lakes. The decision is made to explore!

First lake about a 1/4 mile from the summit ….

The track starts off smooth and easy, then starts to get a bit rockier ….

The track continues for what seems like 3-4 miles and concludes at an old mine… the mine has obviously been blasted closed, but the tailing pile is still evident.

View off the tailing pile …. maybe Ruffneck Peak?

Passing by a higher lake on my way back down ….

I descend back down towards Vanity Summit … I stop at a view point just above the summit that provides a nice perspective up the valley I’m going to travel next …

Time to get going …. lots more country to still see ……

(Luggage by OBR ADV Gear)

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes part 1

For years I have driven past Seafoam Rd as I made my way around Cape Horn to Stanley….every time making a mental note that I needed to put this road on my “to ride” list. I have made my way up and around Beaver Creek/Pinyon Peak, which offers nothing short of amazing views as you ride along 8000ft ridge roads… I expect the country over Vanity Summit to offer much of the same!

(Note – somewhere along my ride I inadvertently switched the setting dial on my camera so that most of my days pics seem slightly over exposed …. so being that these are my only pics of the ride they will have to do)

This being one of those day rides a few hrs from home … I’ve chosen to trailer the bike to the Bear Valley Rd cutoff as my staging point. Arriving at approx. 10:00 am, the air is still crisp and refreshing, but starting to warm, so the bike is unloaded and gear adorned for the days adventure! All required items to survive the day are tucked away nicely in my OBR ADV Gear luggage.

As I’m prepping for my ride … a USFS truck pulls up with an older gentleman and his dog stepping out. We chatted for a bit and regrettably I do not recall his name, but this guy and his dog were outstanding representatives for the USFS, Challis RD. He drives shuttle for the River Rangers who patrol the many tributaries of the Salmon.

After saying a goodbye … the first few miles will be on hardtop.

Hwy 21

Within minutes I arrive at Seafoam Rd, turning north …. I’ve noticed over the years that the USFS needs to spend a few $$ on sign replacement. Most are weathered and peeling … some even falling over.

Lower Seafoam Rd runs fast through open meadows …. most of the area is heavily scarred from the Halstead Burn a few years back.

The uniqueness of the area I’m riding today is that it is surrounded by the Frank Church Wilderness via an easement for the many historical mines in the area, some with still open claims, although probably not much actual activity.

I pass the Beaver Creek cutoff that will take you up and over Pinyon Peak and head north towards Vanity Summit. Along the way I notice a board sign along the road explaining the area as a stop over point for supply wagons carrying supplies up to the mines.

Same sign pre-burn … evidently there was still some structure left, which is now all but burned leaving only a charred spot to reference it’s once existence!

Pre-burn photo from www.usdirtbiker.com

To be continued …..