Downieville field trip, in two parts.

Part one:

A while back we got an email from Andy, the straw boss over at Yuba Expeditions in Downieville, California.  He said they had some parts they’d like to donate, but wasn’t planning on heading our way anytime soon.  “If you are able to come and pick it up,” he told us, “I assure you it will be worth your while to drive out here…bring your mountain bikes.”  Well, we didn’t argue with the man.  So we planned a field trip, threw our rigs in the truck, and headed up to Gold Country.

When we got to the shop, Andy greeted us and gave us a quick tour of the shop.  He explained that the shop was part of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, a non-profit organization that develops and maintains a huge network of trails in and around Sierra and Pumas counties.  A bike shop that helps fund a non-profit that helps people ride bikes…right up our alley!  It was clear we had just been introduced to our off-road counterpart.  Cool.  “You can check out the donation stuff later,” he said, ” why don’t you grab your bikes and hop on the next shuttle.”  The man has his priorities straight, and again, we didn’t argue.  So off we went up the hill, and who should be waiting for us at the top?  The official Reno bike Project medical team, hydration specialist Jesse Reeves and anesthesiologist Brian Mandio.  Taking a day away from the clinic to make sure team RBP makes it down the trail safely.

After a brief exchange of hellos and high fives, we saddled up and commenced to shredding down 5,000 vertical feet of top-notch single-track, which delivered us right back to the shop, and Andy, who gave us beer.  I was really staring to like this place.  After another beer and a burrito, we were recharged and ready to get to work.  We were here to work, after all.  Andy helped us load up the loot.  Tires, tubes and wheels.  Bars, saddles, and boxes of old derailleurs.  Even an old mountain bike!  Need less to say, we were pretty excited.  And tired.  So with a truck full of parts, we said goodbye to Andy and our new homies at Yuba Expeditions, and headed home.  With every intention of coming back……