The CityBike crew headed up into the Sierra Nevada in early August for Bungee Brent’s Backroad Bash. Billed as a scenic dual-sport ride that is suitable for any skill level from beginner to expert, the weekend promised to be full of bitchin’ dirt and beautiful views. The event was based out of Long Barn, and featured great riding—both asphalt and dirt—in pretty much every direction. We did two days of mashing around the Sierra, and managed to not really break anything, although one eBay fuel pump replacement gave out, and the shift lever on someone’s brand new CRF250L project bike did get bent as a result of a get-off on a rocky downhill.
Bungee Brent wants you to know that the event benefits the UC Davis Cancer Center and A Song For Wellness. We here at CityBike want you to know that if you didn’t go, you missed out and you suck. Just kidding, but we hope to see on the BBBB next year!
Frank, Bungee Brent and Kiran (a madman on his WR450!) mug it up in front of Donelle Lake Dam. They look happy because they have yet to walk to the bottom of the dam—in riding boots.
Mysterious rock star rider shows how to get it done on an ancient XL350.
Gus and Patty lead the way to Eagle Meadows. Wheelies and water crossings are a good way to start the day!
Saturday night partying meant that early Sunday breakfast was a lonesome affair. If you’re looking for some sugar up on highway 108, Alicia’s Sugar Shack is the place to be.
Art Director Al is surprisingly relaxed, given that the new fuel pump in his KTM just gave out after less than 1,000 miles. Fortunately, friendly locals happened by in a 4-wheel drive and hauled the disabled 690 nearly thirty miles back to Long Barn. Thanks for the lift, Ted, the Chiropractor from Modesto!
Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers sporting some cheap sunglasses at the Saturday night party. They were later joined onstage by Jim Martin, formerly of Faith No More. Yeah, we partied—and rode—with rockstars.
The Bennett Juniper was a popular lunch spot. The tree lives at 8,400 feet, is over eighty feet tall and is estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old. At least that’s what the caretaker told us. Epic tree.
Bungee consults a map after getting us lost following his own roll chart. No worries, it was a fun trail and we needed a break!
This story originally appeared in our September 2014 issue.
