Olmstead Loop

The Olmstead Loop is located in Cool California and is often called simply the Cool Loop. Why it's called Cool when it is actually fairly hot and dry is subject to debate. To get there take Hiway 49 either North from 50 or South from 80 in Auburn to Cool. Once in Cool, look for the Fire Station on the West side of the road. Take the road on the North side of the firestation to the trailhead.

I suggest you cross the road to the trailhead to ride the trail in a counter clockwise fashion. There is a trail map posted near the trailhead. There is non-drinkable water at the trailhead and a mini-mart nearby where you can buy bottled water if you didn't come prepared.

Ok, perhaps not a screaming downhill but it gets pretty wild when you are flying over loose rocks and gravel at 25 MPH. This section of trail is towards the top of the first good downhill. As you can see the grade isn't very steep, however it's easy to get up to high speeds quickly and when you hit a patch of loose stuff like I am about to in the photo you can lose control in a hurry. One thing not to do in the sections of loose rock is panic brake.

Losing traction isn't the only danger though. The second time I rode here a rock flew off of my front tire and smashed my toe bloody through my tough leather MTB shoes. It didn't break anything, but I lost the toenail and it hurt like hell for the rest of the trip. To think, I just read about clip on sandles. What a mess that would have been.

Towards the bottom of the first downhill is this fun dropoff. As a beginner this scared the hell out of me when I came around the corner. This time through I rolled right over it. Almost every time I go back to the trails I haven't been to in a while I am amazed at the difference 6 months of riding can make.

This photo also shows an ample reminder that this is a multi use trail. While out here we encountered several people on horseback. All of them were friendly and didn't seem to mind us at all. We tried to return the favor. Now if only they would teach their overgrown lawnmowers to SH*T in the bushes.

When I took this photo Kevin accused me of over glorifying the trail. "People will think the entire trail is like this". So here is my disclaimer: Read the trail description on the thumbnail page for a general idea of what the trail is like. Check the photos for highlights. I refuse to post 20 boring shots for every fun shot like this one to more accurately depict the ride.

That said, nice air !

Decent air, blurry picture.

I just want to know why I have a goofy expression on every action photo taken of me.