Annual fall colors ride set for Oct. 21 on Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
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SUSANVILLE, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management will offer a special fall colors bike ride and bike shuttle Saturday, Oct. 21, on the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail near Susanville, as a great way to get some exercise and enjoy spectacular fall colors in the forest and the Susan River Canyon.
The bike ride will be on a smooth and wide gravel trail on mostly level and downhill terrain.
“This is a great way for parents to share with their children a connection to public lands and our nation’s natural and cultural heritage,” said Stan Bales, an outdoor recreation planner for the BLM in Susanville.
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 30-mile rides back to Susanville. The BLM will shuttle bicycles from Susanville to the drop points.
“This is a popular event every year, so we encourage early registration,” Bales said, adding participants can register by calling the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office, 530-257-0456.
Riders should meet at the Depot at 8 a.m. to sign in and load bikes on the shuttle. The BLM recommends mountain bikes, hybrid bikes or wide-tired bikes. The BLM encourages riders to bring helmets, clothing layers, food and water. There is no bus fare, but a $3 donation is requested for bike transport. Exact change is encouraged.
For those who cannot participate on Oct. 21, 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 online from Lassen Rural Bus at www.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. The BLM and Lassen National Forest manage the trail with support from the non-profit Lassen Land and Trails Trust.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.