Bones to Blue 2023: Unfinished Singletrack Adventures in Tahoe

Effectively, it lastly occurred: I DNF’ed a bikepacking race. After eight profitable finishes on numerous routes, it was solely a matter of time. My slow-and-steady type has all the time carried me via, however this time Bones to Blue bought the very best of me. I’ll be again! Within the meantime, I nonetheless discovered a ton and had a really rewarding second go at this unbelievable route.

Bones to Blue is a singletrack-heavy 250 mile route in Tahoe with an annual grand depart. Organizer Forest has created a really satisfying, difficult, and enjoyable route consisting of two loops: the “Bones” loop to the north and west of Truckee, and the “Blue” loop round Lake Tahoe. The occasion began out small and has been impacted by wildfire smoke previously, however the final couple years have seen higher situations and a rising variety of riders.

Again in 2022, fueled by a lapse in logic want to dabble in a brand new using type, I entered Bones to Blue feeling greater than just a little intimidated. I rode extra miles of technical singletrack in these 4 days than I had in my total life beforehand, excusing myself with “I’m probably not a mountain biker” your complete manner. I completed, and it was messy, however the trails had been beautiful and the group was welcoming as all the time. I’m a hiker and path runner at coronary heart, and rugged singletrack – although my greatest weak point on a motorcycle – is the place I really feel most at residence.

There’s no place extra intriguing to me than the steep a part of a studying curve, and Bones to Blue provided ample room for enchancment. This yr I discovered myself drawn to enter once more with a barely higher setup and just a little extra singletrack follow. My most important objective, apart from having a rewarding expertise and never getting harm (spoiler alert: a lot for that!) was to shave just a few hours off my 2022 time.

I used to be on monitor to fulfill that objective for the primary two days, till a crash and ensuing sprained ankle took me out. However these two days had been sufficient to study the place I stand with my health, expertise, and setup. Maybe most significantly, I someway managed to expertise a full measure of camaraderie and heat fuzzies from my fellow bikepackers in half the time, and went residence feeling very glad. If I’d identified I might have such an excellent expertise from solely using half the route, perhaps I wouldn’t have waited so lengthy to scratch from a race! (Simply kidding. Type of.)

In case you’re searching for detailed details about your complete route, maybe since you’re considering of using it (DO IT!), see my extra thorough Bones to Blue writeup from my profitable end in 2022. Roland Sturm additionally has a terrific detailed writeup on his weblog from 2022, and naturally the Bones to Blue web site has all of the GPX tracks and different particulars.

Trip Journal

Day 1: Truckee to OTB Path (73 miles)

We began simply after dawn and had been on singletrack inside a mile. I let myself fall to the again, pleased to experience my very own tempo with none strain. It all the time takes me awhile to heat up at these occasions, and particularly at this elevation (fully 6k+ toes) I needed to maintain my heartrate from spiking too excessive too quickly.

Because the climb wore on I felt actually low on energy. Perhaps I wasn’t totally acclimated to the elevation, or the hungry hike out from Desolation Wilderness had depleted my legs. Or perhaps I simply hadn’t educated sufficient. Months had slipped by since my final really difficult lengthy days in Morocco, and maybe my shorter rides close to residence hadn’t maintained as a lot as I’d hoped.

I took it sluggish, strolling when wanted to maintain my effort degree in management. All through this complete part I loved leapfrogging with Shelly, Tanya, and Jim, grateful for the power and good vibes they shared with me. I limped alongside and tried to remain fueled till lastly, regularly, a little bit of power returned.

For the remainder of the morning I loved revisiting locations I solely dimly remembered from the yr earlier than: Summit Lake, the rocky fiddle Fort Valley (a lot strolling occurred there), Gap within the Floor (far much less snow and downed timber than anticipated). I might inform my singletrack expertise had been just a little higher than final yr and I used to be extra comfy shifting my weight round on the bike. I rode numerous locations I had definitely walked the yr earlier than, however I nonetheless walked a lot.

After a fast resupply in Soda Springs I headed off to climb Rowton Peak, leapfrogging with Jordan who was using impressively effectively on his inflexible drop bar bike. Then got here the creepy tunnels part — I used to be prepared with my lights this time — adopted by some sooner gravel highway and enjoyable flowy path dropping into Truckee. The Beacon gasoline station on the nook, although small, offered the whole lot I wanted. I spent 45 minutes there resupplying, consuming, and charging my telephone.

I left Truckee an hour forward of final yr, pleased to be beginning the subsequent part with a little bit of daylight left. Sawtooth Path was simpler than I remembered, even at nighttime. I powered up the gravel highway climb, previous the place I’d slept final yr, nonetheless feeling good. My objective was to begin the subsequent part of singletrack earlier than tenting, and midway up OTB path I discovered a stunning spot. My stretch objective of Watson Lake was technically in attain however I used to be transferring much less effectively, so I made a decision to name it an evening.

The sky was darkish and clear, the air comparatively heat, and capturing stars plentiful. Sleep took awhile to return, however I loved the prospect to be nonetheless and take in the attractive setting.

Day 2: OTB Path to three Miles Earlier than Kingsbury Grade (59 miles)

By first mild I used to be on the path once more after not fairly sufficient sleep. I had tried for 4.5 hours however solely bought about three. Nonetheless, it felt good to be forward of my tempo from final yr, and although I needed to stroll a number of the massive rocky obstacles on the way in which to Watson Lake I felt a bit higher than the day earlier than.

The morning handed with a sequence of shorter climbs and descents alongside the Tahoe Tim Path. On one of many climbs I crossed paths with Liam, who was powering up the hill and appeared to have a ton of power. He slowed briefly to hike with me and share some stoke earlier than zipping off forward to an impressively environment friendly end. I used to be feeling sluggish on the climbs however clean on the descents, and reached Incline Village a full two hours forward of final yr.

In 2022 I made the error of ordering a burger at a busy restaurant in Incline, which took perpetually and careworn me out. Once I’m out bikepacking I really feel like a creature of the mountains, simply overwhelmed by and uncomfortable with the bustling power of weekend vacationers. This time I went straight to the Chevron and bought the whole lot I wanted there, together with a full 24 hours of meals since I deliberate to cross Tramway Market earlier than they opened.

I felt respectable on the recent highway climb out of Incline, stopping periodically to douse myself with cool water from the streams beside the highway. Up on the high an extended part of nice, flat, and principally nontechnical using awaited on the Flume Path. It was enjoyable to zip alongside on simple terrain, and to leapfrog with Zach and Dave who had been transferring effectively. Once I handed them for the final time they had been coping with a busted pedal and planning to descend to a motorcycle store for an emergency alternative.

Erica caught me on the steep climb as much as the second stretch of Flume Path, which appeared to offer us each a lift of power. We leapfrogged a bit, took some photos, and loved the gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe on this scenic part. I took a break to eat “first dinner” and refill water at Marlette Lake, then cruised right down to Spooner Lake and began the climb on the TRT.

Final yr I’d began the climb from Spooner at nightfall, however this yr I had daylight till virtually the very high. And but, regardless of being forward of schedule, I used to be actually out of gasoline! I walked and ate and waited patiently for the night second wind to kick in, nevertheless it barely did. Whether or not lack of coaching or depletion from my hungry hike, I’m unsure, however I wanted for extra power your complete approach to the Bench. Nonetheless, sundown over Lake Tahoe from the highest was a worthwhile reward for all the trouble.

On the high I turned on my lights and was pleased to begin the descent earlier than full darkness fell. I used to be dreading this lengthy ten miles to Kingsbury Grade, remembering them as exhaustingly technical and sluggish, however the first few miles had been principally simple and flowy. Once I did finally attain the extra technical half, I nonetheless had power to navigate it. Positive, I walked quite a bit, however I additionally rode locations I by no means would have dared to final yr (thanks dropper seat publish!). I felt renewed confidence as I navigated rocks at nighttime on my loaded bike.

I handed the place I had bivvied final yr after an excessive amount of exhausted stumbling at nighttime, fearful I might harm myself if I continued. This time I nonetheless had power and fortunately saved going. Proper round right here I additionally handed Erica at her bivy. She was doing nice and assembly all her targets, and her enthusiasm gave me a lift of power. Zach and Dave additionally got here flying by, hellbent on reaching Stateline in time for burgers, having managed to interchange Zach’s pedal in Incline and STILL catch again as much as me! Severely spectacular. This part had been lonely and anxiety-provoking for me final yr, however this yr it felt like a celebration.

I considered pushing via Stateline, however knew my power would fade as quickly as I hit the subsequent climb. I selected to sleep at a pleasant flat website about 3 miles from the Kingsbury trailhead earlier than dropping nearer to civilization. After crawling into my bivy I shortly realized my new ultralight sleeping pad was badly punctured. After a pair hours of tossing and turning, making an attempt to pad my pelvis with my bike chamois and my shoulders with my jacket, I finally bought drained sufficient to go to sleep on the onerous floor. Fortuitously it was a ridiculously heat evening — a change within the climate was clearly coming.

Day 3: To Heavenly and Again

Because of my flat sleeping pad it was simple to rise up and transferring earlier than dawn – I used to be awake anyway. Quickly I used to be swooping down a reasonably simple three miles to Kingsbury Grade. This yr I stuffed up on water on the stream I’d foolishly skipped final yr, and rolled by the closed Tramway Market and Heavenly condos within the stillness of early morning.

I used to be each dreading and searching ahead to this subsequent part, an extended rugged climb as much as Star Lake and Freel Go. It feels very very similar to a climbing path and includes a number of strolling, at the very least for me. There are huge rocky steps to navigate; it’s a bodily full-body effort. However the views are gorgeous and the vibe is distinctly alpine.

Whereas pedaling up a gradual hill I hit a comparatively small rock. Nothing loopy, particularly in comparison with the stuff I’d ridden at nighttime the evening earlier than. However for some purpose – I’m nonetheless not fairly positive what occurred – I discovered myself and my bike knocked to the left.

The path contoured throughout a hillside with a steep downhill on the left, so I fell farther than anticipated earlier than hitting the bottom. My outstretched foot hit first, and even earlier than the remainder of my physique landed I knew that was going to be an issue. Then my physique hit and slid downhill a bit, whereas my bike did a somersault and almost fell on high of me.

After we all got here to a cease, I took inventory. My ankle harm fairly a bit, however I might transfer it usually – nothing appeared damaged. Most significantly, Stella (my bike) was okay. After a minute or so I spotted my arm was scraped up, however the greatest concern was my ankle.

The choice to scratch got here in phases. At first it appeared apparent. To push via miles of hike-a-bike on this painful ankle was absolutely a horrible thought! However as I sat there making an attempt to return to phrases with the choice, the ache eased. After about 20 minutes I virtually couldn’t really feel it. “Guess I’ll preserve going!” I believed, and dusted myself off. Perhaps it wasn’t a giant deal in any case.

However after a bit extra hike-a-bike the adrenaline wore off and I began feeling my ankle once more. Forward was an extended stretch, a number of hours at my tempo, of rugged hike-a-bike as much as Freel Go. I discovered myself babying the ankle, which appeared weak and unstable — I had already virtually rolled it once more. It wasn’t dangerous sufficient to stop me from transferring ahead, however at what value? I had different plans and adventures arising. If I compelled myself to maintain going and end this experience, what would I’ve to surrender later whereas coping with an extended restoration?

I sat down, took off each sneakers, and noticed the beginnings of swelling. A few backpackers got here by and checked out me quizzically, however didn’t say something. I spotted that if I saved going and it bought worse I’d be caught in a hard-to-reach place with no highway entry and no alternative however to push via. I had already completed the route as soon as earlier than, had already discovered quite a bit this yr, and wasn’t vying for any significantly important place within the pack. The urge to take excellent care of my physique gained out.

In all of the races I’ve entered and completed, I’ve by no means had a plan for transportation in case of a scratch. Hitchhiking and public transit are all the time choices, as they’re when touring, and something is feasible with a little bit of money and time. However this time I bought extremely fortunate: my dad occurred to be within the space. Inside an hour I had labored my manner again right down to the closest trailhead, the place he picked me up. By afternoon he had dropped me again at my automobile in Truckee. Thanks Dad!!

Publish-Scratch

By the point I bought again to my automobile, my ankle was swollen and stiff. I used to be really glad, because it reassured me that quitting was the appropriate determination. I used to be relieved to not be climbing over Freel Go on this situation, and likewise relieved to not be up there within the thunderstorm that was rolling via. I used to be bummed to have dropped out, particularly whereas assembly my targets, however I felt surprisingly at peace with the choice.

In a bizarre manner I’m virtually proud! In mountain biking, as in snowboarding, I’ve been advised “In case you’re not falling, you’re not making an attempt onerous sufficient.” I’m a type of individuals who doesn’t fall fairly often, however I definitely pushed my consolation zone on this experience. Now I simply have to discover ways to fall higher…

That night in Truckee I had a beautiful time hanging out with Forest and Spencer, whose rides additionally didn’t go as deliberate regardless of strong efforts, and Forest’s spouse Annie who performs an enormous position in each the logistics and coronary heart of the occasion. There’s nothing like sharing tales and speaking bikes, adventures, and life with others who perceive the enchantment of this loopy exercise. Regardless of not ending I left Tahoe with the identical sense of group and connection I all the time take pleasure in at bikepacking occasions and races.

Gear and Bike

I rode Bones to Blue on Stella in hardtail mode, identical as final yr. Yow will discover extra element about my unique setup in my 2022 experience report, if that’s of curiosity. This yr I made just a few adjustments in an effort to lighten my load and experience higher on singletrack. Two days was loads of time to check out these adjustments and I’m pleased to say they had been all enhancements.

Dropper seat publish: BIG IMPROVEMENT! Final yr’s Bones to Blue impressed me to lastly spring for a dropper publish from OneUp Elements. This was my first time bikepacking with a dropper and it made a BIG distinction in what I used to be capable of experience versus having to get off and stroll. Surprisingly (I’m 5’5″ and experience a small 29er) there’s nonetheless sufficient room for my little Revelate Vole seat bag once I place the Wolf Tooth Valais in the appropriate place.

Wider tires: This yr I ran 29×2.4″ Maxxis Rekon tires, a noticeable enchancment over final yr’s 29×2.25″ Vittoria Mezcals.

Greater backpack: I upgraded from an previous working vest to an Osprey Salida 12 backpack to carry my water, some meals, and a part of my sleep package. This allowed me to maintain the bike lighter for hike-a-bike and technical dealing with, which was noticeably useful. I believed the backpack may be uncomfortable on lengthy days however I really didn’t thoughts it.

Smaller handlebar bag: Final yr I had issues with my handlebar bag rubbing my entrance tire when the suspension fork was totally compressed. I lately seen that ultralight backpacking gear maker Mountain Laurel Designs has entered the bikepacking house, and I sprung for his or her very good little Extremely X dry bag in dimension small. To this point I prefer it quite a bit.

Stiffer flat sneakers: I run flat pedals for technical rides like this, and final yr I wore an previous pair of very flexy X-Alp Launch sneakers that had been cozy however didn’t really feel very highly effective. This yr I attempted placing the rubber inserts again right into a pair of clipless-compatible Pearl Izumi X-Alp Canyon sneakers (evaluation right here), reworking them into flats. It was the right compromise: cozy sufficient for climbing and stiff sufficient for pedaling.

Ultralight sleeping pad: I lately snagged a torso-length Therm-a-Relaxation UberLite pad at a terrific value, evenly used. The idea labored out nice — very light-weight and packable — however the pad sprung a leak after evening 1, leaving me sleeping on the bottom for evening 2. I’ve patched it and can give it one other likelihood, however I fear it will not be sturdy sufficient for the lengthy haul.

Coaching and Health

Although I solely completed half the route, that’s all it took to really feel very clear about the place I stand relative to final yr: I’m much less well-trained, however my bike dealing with expertise are higher.

Final yr I had already completed two races within the months earlier than Bones to Blue, so my endurance coaching was on level. This yr my final lengthy difficult days had been in Morocco again in April, and since then extra time had slipped by than I spotted. I believed I’d been making up for it with extra frequent brief rides within the steep hills round my new residence, however apparently there’s no substitute for lengthy days on a loaded bike. I felt this as an absence of energy on the climbs and fewer resilience in my legs, a lacking second wind regardless of good fueling and conservative pacing.

Coming from close to sea degree, altitude is all the time an element for me, and I actually felt it this time. Above about 7000 toes I simply couldn’t preserve my effort degree sustainable and infrequently needed to stroll the climbs. Extra health would have helped, nevertheless it’s additionally a standard sample for me on day one in every of onerous rides at elevation and I normally simply have to work via it.

There’s additionally the unknown issue of my hungry hike out of Desolation Wilderness two days earlier than the beginning, once I couldn’t get my bear canister open. I’ll by no means know the way a lot that depleted my reserves, however I wouldn’t be stunned if my physique was nonetheless recovering from that once I began Bones to Blue.

One actually encouraging enchancment from final yr: my bike dealing with expertise! Final yr’s Bones to Blue was one in every of my first rides ever on a motorcycle with any suspension; I barely knew what to do with it. I haven’t improved as a lot as I’d hoped — many native trails had been closed all winter attributable to storm harm — however I’ve been using trails extra usually and it’s positively helped. I nonetheless walked quite a bit in Bones to Blue, however I rode many obstacles I had walked final yr and felt sooner and extra flowy on the simple sections. Consequently, I had much more enjoyable! My new dropper seat publish undoubtedly helped, however I wish to suppose my follow did too.

In Conclusion

As I write this just a few days after returning residence, my ankle is making good progress. There’s nonetheless some swelling and bruising, nevertheless it solely hurts on the finish ranges of movement. My arm remains to be fairly uncooked however getting higher. I’ve been sleeping and consuming heaps, stunned to seek out that restoration from half the occasion feels virtually the identical as if I’d ridden the entire thing.

If I had been to do this route once more – and I hope I’ll – I might use the very same bike and kit setup. I might attempt to do extra lengthy loaded rides nearer to the occasion date, and experience extra singletrack all year long (ought to be simpler now that I reside nearer to some good trails). I’d cease my custom of backpacking in Desolation Wilderness beforehand, because it took an excessive amount of out of me this yr. And, in fact, I might attempt to not crash and get injured!

Huge because of Forest for such a thoughtfully designed route and well-organized occasion, to Forest and Annie for making Truckee really feel like residence, and to everybody I crossed paths with for sharing your power and enthusiasm on the market. Some superb stuff occurred on the entrance of the pack that I can barely wrap my head round, together with Jeff Kerkove and Corrie Smith each setting new course information and numerous different spectacular finishes. Congratulations to all who completed or tried this beast of a experience! It’s a particular occasion for positive, and I’ve a sense this gained’t be my final encounter with Bones to Blue…

Extra Bikepacking Sources

Concerning the Writer

Hello there, I’m Alissa, founding father of Exploring Wild. I’ve traveled over 20,000 miles by bike and nonetheless can’t cease planning my subsequent experience (and serving to you propose yours). Pavement and panniers or singletrack and seat bag, I like it all. On my bike I be happy. Study extra about me right here.

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