After a 3,000'+ climb from lake side that leaves many mountainbikers trying to find a lower gear the Strong Creek trail turns up yet again in a series of sweet switchbacks that put you deeper into the Cabinet mountain range, the base of the Canadian Rockies. Many travelers who I have sent out on this trail over the years come back with glowing reviews and comparisons to gnarly pass rides in Colorado and such. Well, pinch yourself because it is Idaho and if you can pedal hard enough you will top out on the Strong Creek trail just in time to camp out with a good friend, his dog and a cold beverage on a full moon August night. A light meal and some sleep then its time to repeat the cycle. Coffee, Ride, Beer.
The best light is found at dawn so when you are riding with a friend who happens to be a professional photographer and singletrack fiend the 120 trail to Clark Fork is under tire just as the sun crests the ridgeline. I've got to say that after years of riding this trail at everytime of day possible and weather condition imagineable it is hard to beat a daybreak departure from the 120 junction. The singletrack crosses peak after peak while across the valley Scotchmans Peak looms large in the distance at nearly every turn. There are fields of granite scree to negotiate, technical rock gardens to bob through, boulder-strewn climbs to ascend.
Plan on spending 6-7 hours in the saddle if you are fast and doing the whole thing in a da
y. People have been know to spend 10 - 12 hours completing this whole loop. It all depends on how much time you want to spend enjoying the views. When the ridgeline singletrack lets up it is time to fly down the 50 + singletrack switchbacks to Viggo's house. Enjoy a nice flat, leisurely pedal back to the small town of Clark Fork. CF has great places to park a shuttle rig There are bars, diners, book stor
es and even Jim's Sweet Bike Shop. If you are just getting warmed up at this point ride Hwy 200 back to Hope. Take a detour along the old highway and flow right into Beyond Hope for a refreshment and maybe some pizza. Whether you want to make this ride 20 miles or 70 watch out for bears and make sure your bike and gear are working well before heading out to tackle this one! Stop by the Alpine Designs Bike Shop for suggestions, a map or call for current trail conditions.
