I left early AM to a sunny cool ride in conquest of getting a look up Kasiks. The plan was to meet up with SB (Sleepy Bastard) but hadn't heard from him yet to firm up the details, as I was geared and ready for the almost 120 Km roadie portion, I was of the notion that no point in 2 of us wasting a few hours if it didn't pan out as there is little else to ride around that area.
Arrived at the trailhead to find a few trucks and an RV parked there, this seemed a positive note as someone may be hiking or ATV'n the route. However it didn't appear as any form of ATV hauling or carrying was indicated.
Well I was here before and at the time it had been a torrential down pour, the trail was akin to Goose Grease. I had a better feeling this time as it had been dry for an extended period. So I head along the start and hit the first Y, overgrown bush trail or follow some recent ATV tracks. I opted for the latter and found this grassy area. No real trail was clearly evident but ancient tracks seemed to be under the growth. A few times a pre-scout via hiking was required to ascertain if there was a route negotiable. At times there was just mowed down grass and signs that something quite large had been scratching its' back amongst the fields. I wandered around for a while coming to dead ends or lack of a trail. Headed back to take the other option.
The other option was definitely the trail. Somewhat grown in, rutted and Greasy, long wet ruts and marshy swamps. All the kind of terrain the KLR loves with a full tank of juice. Nonetheless, with a few muddy struggles and sweaty fortitude I made it to the first recognizable landmark, the first creek crossing. It was time to remove a layer, the workout was sure to get more extreme. This is the creek crossing and by all appearances it was very shallow and laden with small stones, I should have no problem maintaining momentum to get a run up the greasy bank.
Appearances can be deceiving, made it halfway across the shallow creek only to have the Pig sink in to the frame and barely made it through. Under the stones lay marshy swamp mud. Crested the other side only to find a perfectly placed tree at the correct height to deter any more solo exploration. So I limp back in defeat to have a rest after what seemed like a 10K snot fest but in reality was closer to 2K. Having said that, even without uncrossable deterrents, for a heavy bike that would be an arduous task even after weeks of dry weather, for the lighter single track steeds it would be a fun run perhaps.
After heading back towards Terrace and checking all the roads North of the Skeena, found only the Exstew provided any entertainment and went and checked out the FS Campsite and the Falls. The campsite is quite large along the river, and if fishing is your thing it looks to be a popular spot. The Falls required a hike, so I passed on it for more alternative adventure.
Buzzed up SB for a ride and toured him up Kitsumkalum FSR to the end of the line, Red Sands, Hart Farm, a newly established Heli-Skiing cabin and misc roads that I could somewhat remember.
Kasiks is still on the list to try again, with hopefully more bodies and some artillery.
As for weekend October rides Grumpy, once I finish up the last of the outdoor good weather work I will be more available to head out and can show you around to what you may not have ridden yet. The question still remains if you are plated or not and what kind of rides you are looking for. What about weekday rides? 2T will be in the area this week for a weekday ride if you are interested. PM me when you have an urge to get out and I'll try to entertain you as best I can.
:hb: