Our ride in Bass Lake was mostly dirt “roads”, though we rode mountain bikes because everything is rutted, extremely steep, and rocky. Overall this was 19 miles with 2200′ of climbing.
Parking just of the main highway, we started up Cheppo Saddle Road. It’s closed to cars still but opens April 15 so we had it to ourselves. The climb is very steep in spots and washed out from winter and rain. It’s kind of relentless at the start and then calms down. The gnats!!!!!! If I had a net for my head I probably would have worn it because they are aggressive! They would buzz in my ears, into my eyes and nose, and try to choke me. Ok, so I’m riding uphill one handed while the other hand makes constant sweeps of the air around my head to try to ward them off. Very pleasant.
You get into pretty deep forest after not very far. Massive amounts of cedar, pine, fir, and oak. We hit once section that had probably 20 trees down; we are able to skirt all but one on our bikes. I don’t know how they’re going to get this thing open in a few days. It sure smelled good out there though!
We hung a left on Sivels Ranch Road and continued around for a much deserved downhill. We did come across a truck on this section, and it is open so be aware of oncoming “traffic”. Once down at Sky Ranch Road we turned right and began another long climb on pavement. Our goal was a Bass Lake Overlook and it took some work. After another turn and more gravel and dirt, we made it.
After the overlook we had a smoking hot decent all the way back to the start. We were mindful of bears and rattlesnakes but saw neither this day.
That dogwood is amazing!