Newsletter, September 1998
by Lisa Luzzi
Back in February of this year, a posting came across the BTCM list serve announcing an interesting opportunity. The majority of an historic, somewhat forgotten, gold mining town, located on Forest Service land, was being sold through a probate auction. Investors were being sought, and a ‘vision’ was being sold. A vision to revitalize this town, called Forest City, and introduce it as the next mountain biking destination in Northern California.
Forest City is located 5 miles south of Downieville, just over the ridge top of the North Yuba River Canyon, at the fork of the Oregon Creek. It is in the middle of the Tahoe National Forest, and the 1000 square miles of surrounding land is saturated with old miner’s trails, abandoned water ditches and forest service roads. It wasn’t hard to sell me on the ‘possibilities’ of this place.
We gathered a group of like minded, somewhat crazy, individuals together, to make a bid for the 10 homesites which comprised roughly half the town. We were investing in a vision of what this town could become. The majority of the homes, built in the late 1800’s, were in a major state of disrepair. The group that came together as a result of this shared vision, is a wonderful community of insane outdoor enthusiasts, that all possess that risk taking craziness, that makes living life so much fun. We won the bid, and Forest City has already begun its transformation.
We purchased the town in the heart of winter; when Forest was covered in a blanket of snow. It was absolutely magical to drop into this quiet winter wonderland and hear the rush of the Oregon Creek as it meanders through the center of town. As winter turned to spring, the daffodils and apple trees blossomed, and the trash and abandoned vehicles scattered throughout town were unburied. (I am the proud new owner of 8 abandoned vehicles, one dilapidated house, and 3 outbuildings — or shacks, if you will). The town is already making an incredibly transformation, as our group, lovingly known as the FCC (Forest City Community) is working to clean-up the town, improve our houses and create a ‘business plan’ for our vision.
The first plan of action is to improve the miles and miles of old historic trails that surround the area. The Forest Service is very open to all uses of their land, and they consider mountain biking to be a low impact activity (what a concept). This is a great opportunity for a cooperative effort between the cyclists and the Forest Service. The cyclists have already established a good relationship in the Downieville district.
Our vision also includes a Hut to Hut system, for both cross-country skiing and mountain biking/hiking. It would be the first of its kind in California. We already have in mind a couple of killer sites for the huts, and the Forest Service, too, likes this idea. The town will have some hostels/B&Bs, a conference center/community art studio/professional kitchen, cafe/brew pub/food, and an event staging area. The visions just keep on happening…the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Forest City is still in its infancy. Our dream can only become a reality with the help of other fellow visionaries. Volunteers are desperately needed to help in any of the efforts mentioned above, or any one not yet imagined. We could use a college intern who might want to develop a ‘business plan’ for Forest City. We need someone to spearhead the Hut to Hut idea, we need to organize some trail days (the IMBA trail crew is already looking forward to coming to Forest City), the work is abundant, but the opportunity exciting.
If you are interested in helping out with our vision, contact me at the BTC. Come on up and check out Forest City, but beware, I might put you to work. There is still one house in town for sale - ‘The Haven of Rest’ - formerly the town’s Brothel. If interested, contact Zach Anderson (530) 274-2290, zachi@netshel.net
The raffle bike that has appeared at various places throughout the county this summer, will be awarded at the BTC Picnic, on Sunday, October 11th. If you purchased a ticket at any of the following venues, your name is in the bin: Marin Mountain Bike Festival, Trips for Kids Swap Meet, Fairfax Festival, or the San Rafael Criterium. You need not be present to win. Last chance to purchase tickets will be at the picnic.
Our Picnic was so much fun last year, we thought we’d do it again. We will lead three rides, Beginner, Intermediate and strong intermediate starting at 10:00 a.m. from Miwok meadows in China Camp, and will end with a potluck BBQ. Please bring a side dish to share, the BTC will provide meat, veggie burgers and Sonoma Mountain Brewery beer. Also, please, please RSVP!! It is very hard to estimate head count, and we wouldn’t want to run out of food.
RSVP to (415) 456-7512. Bring your friends, new memberships will include a chance to win the WTB Phoenix Bike.
©1997 Bicycle Trails Council of Marin
Old Spokes
I‘m looking for either a replacement for myself, editor of this rag, or at the very least, a ‘reporter’ to help me gather articles. I’ve been doing the newsletter now, for two years. It has been a fun, rewarding and sometimes frustrating job. The most difficult aspect being, ‘finding’ news.
Also, we are looking for an individual who lives in West Marin, who would be interested in leading a trail advocacy effort in the Point Reyes National Seashore/and Tomales Bay State Park areas. If you are interested in either position, please contact the BTC at (415) 456-7512. Trails will never be opened without the effort of our volunteers!
