The Thrills and Challenges of Downieville's Divides: An Epic MTB Experience

Overview

Downieville, California, hosts an enthralling trail network that's widely acclaimed among mountain biking enthusiasts. Featuring incredible diversity—think steep drops, flowy sections, and even a bit of technicality—the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Divides offer a once-in-a-lifetime riding experience.

Essential Details

• Distance: 17 miles
• Level: Difficult
• Route Type: Out & Back

What's On Offer?

• Flow and Tech Mix: The trails beautifully blend flowy segments with intermittent technical challenges.
• Rolling Climbs: Ascend and descend repetitively, making for an engaging ride.
• Epic Views: Panoramic vistas of the river, especially engaging at high speeds.
• High-speed Descents: Some of the fastest downhill you'll ever experience.
• Unique Features: Boulders and other elements become much easier to navigate at speed.

Getting There and Preparations

Reach Downieville via HWY 49 and make your way to Yuba Expeditions to grab a map. It's highly recommended to do so, especially for first-timers. If ascending isn't your forte or you want to conserve energy for the thrilling descents, avail of the shuttle service from Downieville.

The Ride Experience

The ride begins with an easy climb leading to a right turn onto the 1st Divide trail, followed by another climb to access the 2nd Divide. These sections roll quite a bit, oscillating between gain and loss in elevation. The final climb to the 3rd Divide is something of a legend, yet to be fully "cleaned" by any rider. From the 3rd Divide, a fast, adrenaline-pumping descent leads to a fire road, guiding riders back to the starting point.The Divides trail system proves ideal for a day-long biking adventure, rewarding cyclists with a mixture of fast, smooth, and slightly technical sections. A couple of spots may require walking, but these are sparse and don't deter from the overall experience. The ride is best suited for experienced riders, considering the 8,000+ feet of cumulative climbing.

Pro Tips and Recommendations

• A long-travel bike is useful but may not be the best tool for the strenuous climbs.
• Always keep eyes on the trail, especially during high-speed sections near the river.
• For optimal experience, get a map and take the shuttle service.

Final Words

For anyone seeking a blend of technicality, speed, and natural beauty, Downieville's Divides should top the list of trails to conquer. With the adrenaline of descents and the technical challenges, it's a trail system that defines what mountain biking should be.