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Deb Peter
Realtor 
Premier Foothill Properties
3006 Hwy 49, Suite E
Cool, CA 95614
530-885-8300 bus
530-392-0328 cell
Email Deb
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Category Outdoor Recreation at Deb Peter – Auburn-Cool Real Estate, Page 2
In 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold along the South Fork of the American River. Since then, the Golden Highway – the Highway 49 Corridor has attracted travelers for its historical aspect and as a recreation destination. More recently, nearby communities within the Georgetown Divide have enticed travelers to relocate permanently to these areas where they recreate.
A few days ago, we celebrated the 54th Running of the Tevis Cup 100 Miles in One Day Ride. Before that, it was the Western States 100 Mile Run. During the winter, it’s Way Too Cool, the most popular 50K Trail Run in the U. S. It’s often the lure of competing in these internationally recognized events that motivates someone to relocate. The attraction is understandable, to live among other trail enthusiasts, especially when ranches and trails have been shut down elsewhere.
In 1995, the El Dorado Equestrian Trails Foundation, the Dru Barner Foundation, and the U. S. Forest Service entered into a cost sharing agreement to develop Dru Barner Campground, to accommodate equestrian camping. Located 7 ½ miles east of Georgetown at approximately 3200 elevation, it now offers 47 campsites. EDETF still focuses on developing and maintaining our varied local trail system. Some of these trails extend over private land, or land owned by the Forest Service, Auburn State Recreation Area, and Bureau of Land Management.
Similarly, the Auburn State Recreation Area Canyon Keepers, augment the efforts of professional Park Rangers, by offering educational hikes and other events to preserve our trails, keep them safe, and keep them open.
For 57 years, Jeepers Jamboree has offered 4 wheel drive off road adventures; 17 grueling miles, creeping through the Rubicon, starting roughly 45 miles east of Georgetown, by Loon Lake. Year after year, jeeps caravan to the extra wide Main Street, before the start.
Seventeen miles east of Georgetown, Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, also called Lake Edison, offers camping, swimming and boating – with a 5 mph speed limit. At 4400 elevation, its crisp, clear air offers the perfect respite from the summer heat. For those looking for more action, Folsom Lake boat ramp off Rattlesnake Bar Road in Pilot Hill just might be the ticket.
As if that’s not enough, there’s mountain biking, road cycling, river rafting, kayaking, hunting and fishing, all with a strong following. Several rafting companies host ½ day and full day trips on the American River. River kayaking has also becoming more popular. Mountain biking clubs, like FATRC – Folsom-Auburn Trail Riders Action Coalition, organize trail clearing events and riding events for all riding abilities. The Cool Mountain Bike Race is huge. And avid road cyclists have discovered that the elevation and terrain within the Georgetown Divide benefit their conditioning regimes.
A variety of clubs and commercial services exist to support your passion for the outdoors. So, get off the couch and join us on the Georgetown Divide!
Tags: ASRA Canyon Keepers, Cool Mountain Bike Race, Dru Barner Campground, Jeepers Jamboree, Tevis Cup, Traveling along Hwy 49, Way Too Cool 50K, Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run
Posted August 14th, 2009 in Life on the Divide, Outdoor Recreation, The Divide Outdoors by Deb Peter
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A few notices to keep in mind: all El Dorado National Forest dirt roads and trails will be closed January 1st through at least March 31st. This does not affect our local trails within the Rock Creek area above Georgetown; since 1999, closures in these areas are determined by the amount and duration of rain/snowfall (refer to Georgetown Ranger District). A number of organizations devote time each year to trail development and maintenance. Even though some dirt trails are open to the public during or immediately following stormy weather, think about the resulting affects to trail conditions if you choose to mountain bike or horseback ride at these times. It takes so little to destroy the benefits of others’ labor.
While we are thinking about year-end celebrations, and considering where we will focus our attention next year, I want to thank the many people that contribute to our life within the Georgetown Divide, in diverse ways. Some offer leadership, some provide support, and some quietly tackle tasks on their own without recognition.
The list of benefits is extensive; some of which follow:
- trails are developed and maintained
- trails are marked with directional signs
- funding for programs is acquired
- classes are offered
- programs are created for runners-cyclists-horseback riders to merge efforts and safely recreate together
- horses and other animals are protected and saved
- club members clean up our highways
- rebuilt bikes are provided to those less privelaged
- emergency response programs are coordinated
- trail maps are drawn
- social outdoor activities are organized
- support is offered to our Forestry, Parks, and BLM
- fun days are organized
- nationally recognized races are hosted
- property values increase
Even participants in athletic events contribute, by drawing attention to local events and reminding us why we live here. If no one runs, rides, or cycles the trails, the contributions decline, and the benefits in associated amenities disappear. Fortunately, this won’t happen, thanks to a growing desire to remain active in conjunction with community volunteer efforts. Thank you all! See you on the trail sometime and somewhere!
A 14.2 mile, 6 foot wide multi-use trail between the Foresthill Bridge and the Ponderosa Bridge, following the North Fork of the American River and Lake Clementine, was recently approved by the Placer Counter Board of Supervisors. The American River Conservancy is in the process of purchasing a conservative easement over the Garland Ranch in Pilot Hill further expanding our local trail system. In an ongoing effort to maintain safe trails within our Forest Service, the Mounted Patrol, out of Georgetown, is inviting volunteers to contact Helen @ hsteenman@yahoo.com.
Is your safety helmet protecting you? Recently, while having my bicycle serviced, the technician commented on this very subject. While I rarely ride horses now, I continue to use my horseback riding helmet during bike rides. Having purchased a new helmet not long before I retired from owning horses, I saw little reason to purchase yet another helmet when I pursued mountain bike and road cycling. Needless to say, I make a rather awkward fashion statement, but was this wise?
By all means, do your own homework, but here are a few thoughts on the subject. Safety helmets for horseback riding and cycling range in costs from roughly $40.00 to $200.00. The more expensive choices do not necessarily provide added protection. Most helmets are constructed from expanded polystyrene foam (ESP), which is resistant to both temperature changes and weather conditions. The 2 most common construction types are either single unit or 2-piece units. Single unit construction is more resistant to separation upon impact. 2-piece units “can” separate in a crash. In addition, the adhesive qualities in a 2-piece unit may over a period of time, deteriorate.
Besides construction type, also consider venting, fit, whether or not the helmet meets or exceeds specific safety standards, and whether or not the helmet is sport specific. A certain amount of venting is desirable, to allow airflow and increase comfort, but too much venting can decrease contact surface with your head, reducing protection. Fit is important both to increase comfort, and to ensure that a helmet remains secure upon impact. An equestrian helmet is designed to cover more of your head, thus more evenly distributing protection, while a bicycling helmet is designed to protect the front and back of your head more so.
Look for helmets that meet or exceed these safety standards. Since 1999, helmets must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) federal standards. In addition, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) writes safety standards for a wide variety of products and conditions. Once the standards are in place, the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) ensures that manufactures abide by these standards. The ASTM and CPSC certifications are comparable. Helmets that meet Snell B-95 or N-94 certifications exceed both CPSC and ASTM certifications.
Choose colors that make you more visible. And be sure both the straps and fasteners can withstand the force of an impact. My research indicated that you may want to replace your helmet every 3 to 5 years; additional resources suggested 5 or more years. And lastly, always replace a helmet that has sustained an impact from an accident. It will no longer provide protection.
See you soon outdoors in the Divide!
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