Riding in from Reno on a bike.

CapSmashy · Post by **CapSmashy** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 12:29 pm

What are the roads like between Reno and BRC?

Would it be feasible to ride from Reno to BRC on a bike? Are there shoulders, etc.

I am not asking for myself, I'm sane and utilizing a truck, but on behalf of slightly off kilter brother that thought up flying into Reno, picking up his bike that I drop at a pre arranged location and biking in on Thursday.

He has done a lot of distance riding in the past and I imaging that since he thought up this plan, he is out training right now.

FabFascist · Post by **FabFascist** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:27 pm

I am not sure about I-80, but I know that Pyramid Way is a second route to BM. It goes out to Pyramid Lake, then you can take 446 to 447 and head to wards Gerlach.

I have never driven it, so someone who has could give a better idea of its "bike-ability". I know that 447 would be dangreous as hell just on its own do to the hills and high speeds many people choose to drive on it. I would also put forth that if any of this might run into evening hours that he stop at Pyramid Lake, sleep there, and then continue. To ride 447 in the dark is bad enough in a car/truck, on a bike it would be suicide.

pbmaniac2000 · Post by **pbmaniac2000** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 9:47 pm

I would tell your friend it would be best to just find a ride from the airport.

The road is pretty windy, and there is not much of a shoulder. Then cars are always going way to fast on the road. Does he realize how far it is up to BRC? Its about 120 miles. I would not "waste" my time riding a bike to burning man. I would just rather get there already, will be plenty of bike riding once you get there.

pyke · Post by **pyke** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 6:47 am

I-80 is open to bicycyle traffic between Sparks and Wadsworth. The interstate follows the Truckee River the whole way and is essentially flat. Wind could be a problem since you're stuck in a valley, though. Taking that route ensures a shoulder for the first half of the trip and a good potential place to have a break prior to turning north.

The trip north on 447 is also pretty flat based on the Topo maps that I've seen. The scenery, especially along Pyramid Lake, could be quite inspiring. The lack of shoulder is troubling, but anyone who cycles/tours much should be used to that as most of the country backroads used for that are similarly narrow and "dangerous".

Just as a reference, there's a link from the Nevada DOT site with Nevada cycling info. Included in that is a "tour" list that describes the Pyramid Lake Tour. This recognized bike route runs from Sparks to Wadsworth (along I-80), up 447 to Nixon, across to Pyramid Lake, and back down to Sparks. about 100 miles and noted as moderate to difficult. That describes about 70 miles of the trip - the rest is more of 447.

An experienced rider, taking proper precautions with regard to visibility (reflectors, lights, flashing LED strobes, etc.), hydration (70 oz camleback with a refill at Wadsworth), and training (duh) can probably hack it. However, someone who's never ridden a few centuries, can't change a flat tire, and gets nervous around cars should definitely seek alternate means of conveyance.

CapSmashy · Post by **CapSmashy** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 6:53 am

I present my slightly off kilter brother.

FabFascist · Post by **FabFascist** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 7:44 am

I don't know... unless you could be mistaken for a landing UFO, I'd still say riding 447 at night would be suicide... it is fairly flat, but the blindspots caused by the "humps" in the road could be lethal.

Do it in the day time is all I am saying... I know I'd feel better.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 8:45 am

San Francisco is dangerous enough. No bike lanes out there buddy.

Chai Guy · Post by **Chai Guy** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 2:38 pm

Here's a little info about 447 to keep in mind.

It's 2 Lanes total. 2 very narrow lanes.

No shoulder. None. At some points it's a culvert, other times it's soft sand, soft enough to sink a car up to it's axel (I know I've done it).

It's not flat, there are several "blind rises" which make it impossible to see what's on the other side.

There are 40,000 people of who have been driving hours and hours (and sometimes days and days) to get there. Many are driving vehicles they are unfamilar with or they're pulling overloaded trailers or driving "art cars" which have no real business being on the road in the first place.

this is a classic scene from 447, Manson Family school bus being passed in the oncoming lane of traffic by hippies hopped up on energy drinks and going out of their minds because they're finally going to the playa.

Where does your bike fit into the scene above exactly?

FabFascist · Post by **FabFascist** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 3:56 pm

Damn I love that stretch of road... Looks like they are about 20-30 minutes from Gerlach there... sigh...

Lassen Forge · Post by **Lassen Forge** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 1:05 am

Lessee... looks like a bit before 40 mile rock. Yeah. Favorite time to be there, too. Should hit the playa and see the man lit up in the distance!

Where does the bike fit? Hmmm... on top of the bus? On the front of the bus? Maybe on phone pole ridge.

I would say the bike belongs about 5 days before that scenario, with a few overnight stays at Bruno's Country Club before opening!

bb

CapSmashy · Post by **CapSmashy** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 2:16 pm

Since he hasn't made it back to reply, his plan is to head out of Reno early Thursday AM for what should be about a 6 hour ride.

Now, he may be nuts, but he is an experienced road rider/racer with probably several thousand miles under his wheels.

Archantael · Post by **Archantael** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 2:29 pm

That level of experience coupled with the right gear? I'd say go for it. But 447 is NOT flat...there's all sorts of little dips and rises. It was built back in a different era of road design and it sure shows. Anyway if he does it hopefully someone can post some feedback on here to let others know how to do it safely or if they would not recommend it again. Good luck!

pyke · Post by **pyke** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 2:18 pm

one man's flat is another man's nightmare. Flat, by my standards, means that there aren't a series of 6% grade climbs that go on for 5 miles at a stretch. but a few hundred feet of total elevation change along the course of a 50 mile stretch of road is flat. not Playa flat, mind you, but flat from a roadie perspective.

all in all, it's just an attempt to enjoy the Terminal City experience long (well, not too long) before I actually get to the Playa. and as a camper at Terminal City, it seems only appropriate that I seek all possible ways to achieve my own DOOM at every opportunity....

Perhaps, if I make it, I'll "buy" everyone a special round at the Booby Bar. It'll be a commemorative elixir known as: the "road rash", the "saddle sore", or maybe the "street pizza". Bloody mary mix, red gatorade, copious amounts of salt, gravel, and a power bar swizzle stick.