A special fall colors bike ride and bike shuttle will be offered Saturday, October 22nd, providing a great way to get some exercise and enjoy spectacular fall colors along the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail in northeast California.
The bike ride, mostly level and downhill on a smooth and wide gravel trail, is ideal for families.
For the event, the Lassen Rural Bus weekend service will take bike riders from the historic Susanville Railroad Depot, 601 Richmond Rd., to trail drop off points at Devil’s Corral, Fredonyer Summit and Westwood, where riders can connect to the trail for 7, 18 and 29-mile rides back to Susanville.
The Bureau of Land Management will shuttle bicycles from Susanville to the drop points. Riders should meet at the Depot at 8 a.m. to sign in and load bikes on the shuttle. Participants can register by calling the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office, (530) 257-0456.
“This is a popular event every year, so we encourage early registration,” said Stan Bales of the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office in Susanville.
Mountain bikes, hybrid bikes or wide-tired bikes are recommended. Riders should bring helmets, clothing layers, food and water.
Bus fares are $2 to Devil’s Corral and $3 to Fredonyer Summit or Westwood. There is a requested $3 donation per bike for bicycle transport. Exact change is encouraged.
For those who can’t participate on October 22nd, Bales advises that fall colors should still be good during the weeks preceding and following the special ride. Weekday and Saturday bus service between Susanville and Westwood is available. Information is available from Lassen Rural Bus at lassentransportation.com.
The Bizz Johnson Trail connects Susanville and Westwood along the path of the former Fernley and Lassen railroad. It passes through two tunnels and crosses the Susan River 11 times. It is managed by the BLM and the Lassen National Forest with support from the non-profit Lassen Land and Trails Trust.
