Damn, missed you on this one but glad you came out to check it out again. There's almost as many "non-official" trails now in some other areas I think you'd enjoy if you make it back up here.
Thanks for making a great Bidwell park video. Good job cleaning so many technical sections blind. Most people walk a lot of it the first time. I read a funny review the other day by a guy who said the whole place was terrifying.
Well done, son! Respect! The trails here in Chico are real and you cleaned so much of the sketchy stuff. Interesting route choice. Up Live Oak, down Live Oak, up Live Oak!?!?
Oh cool! I'm really new to mtb-ing (less than a year now) and ride in Bidwell Park. I am finding it challenging to say the least (tons of rocks, lava cap, loose gravel and 100+ in the summer (summer of 2021 we had 63 days of 99 or higher). I wondered if it was just me. Glad to find out from a pro mtb-er like you that you also find it tough at times and do some hike-n-bike. Gives me hope that I'll somehow figure this sport out...well, at least a little :)
Welcome! It's quite an awesome sport! If I HAD to choose just ONE cycling discipline, it would be mountain biking. Love road riding and unicycling, and have considered devoting some time on the velodrome, but if it had to be one and I were banished just to one bicycle (oh the humanity!), it would be the trail mountain bike. Climbs & descends, takes you everywhere, does everything! Now it would be easy to assume you're completely new to this, but I realize you could be new to mountain biking, but have BMX and/or motocross experience. If so, then you know what you're up against. If you have zero off road two-wheel experience, then that's a whole different kettle of fish! 20 years ago, I'd point you toward William Nealy's "Mountain Bike" illustrated how-to masterpiece. But since we have RUclips, there's no need (although the book is still a masterpiece); you can find everything you need - and stuff you don't - to learn this new sport. Enjoy! PS You picked a pretty challenging place to learn. Good on ya!
I've ridden Bidwell once. On the '85 24/26" Crack-N-Fail rigid! Good times! (Hate to admit it, but that was when riding was fire road for me and hadn't really discovered single track yet. So I was happy, but my eyes hadn't yet been opened to the true goodness of off road riding! Now I say, "Friends don't let friends ride fire road!" [or drink Starbucks!]) Thinking back, if someone had said to me then, "Hey Dude, can you imagine if someone built basically a BMX course down this entire mountain?" I'd think he were dreaming of an impossible nirvana future that could never ever come to fruition. No way, you're dreamin'! But now behold the flow trail!!! Who knew? (I obviously didn't.) Rode Soquel Demo flow two weeks ago and hit two flow trails above Nevada City this week. Oh how good life is!!! Even on a cold day, Brian is sans gloves, a la Mo & Hannah. I just don't get it, especially while riding through very technical, rocky terrain, replete with very coarse lava rock! You're a glutton for punishment! But wait... ha, common sense wins the day!!!
Looks as though you (or anyone else for that matter) had a hard time getting your momentum going on these trails. Sure keeps you on your toes though!. Definitely worth the trip there.
As a local to these trails, I can say you are spot on! If you're riding the tough trails, momentum and flow is key. One thing you learn how to do here is to keep your speed up, otherwise you're just fighting the trail. Similar to the rough sections of Butcher Ranch in Downieville.
That looked like a trail I did today. I'm very new to mountain biking (less than a week lol). Looks gravel and rocks everywhere. I spent a lot of time walking the bike. :(
Hi Brian I love watching your videos in RUclips and this next month I go buy mountain bike I never try ride on trails Do u have any tips for beginner ride on trails
I can't recall ever watching a video I simultaneously hated, and loved. That first part...I would have thrown a fit like a 3-year-old on those loose rock straight-down crap trails. But that last part....looked like something I would drive a long way to ride. Probably not clear from Arkansas, but it did look fun!!
Great video as always. What wireless set up are you running with the shifter, derailer, and dropper. Thanks and maybe I’ll see you on the trail one day.
Sounds like your new bike has developed a new rattle noise.....maybe it's from all the rocks! I don't mind a few rock gardens but a whole trail of them....I dunno....
Two thoughts: One, recently created a checklist for mtb rides in order to hopefully prevent forgetting anything, as one does. Checklists: they work. Two, you can have more fun in an xc race if you finish last or near to it, like I have; no crowding at all! 🤣
At the beginning you said that Central Park is the largest municipal park in the country… South Mountain in PHX holds the claim on that fame, it’s also badass for mountain biking but that goes without saying
What gear bag are you using in your van? You posted about it changing your life a while ago but I cant remember the name or the video you mentioned it in.
If you want to know the elevation along a route (like Chico->Everstoke) just ask Google Maps to direct you there using a bike rather than a car. It will show the exact elevation changes along the way. Thanks for the video.
It's funny how the microphone tends to make the bike sound like it's bouncing & careening off of everything. I've observed this on so many videos of riding dry, rocky conditions. Gives the impression that tire pressures are WAY too high, as are shock settings. It really makes it sound like riding rigid. That the rider's brains are being scrambled. But the reality is plush goodness getting through that gnar! (But having a big beer belly does increase suspended mass, allowing the wheels & shocks to do better work. You should work on that aspect of your riding, Brian! 😁.)
@bkxc how is your Lyrik Ultimate so quiet? I just installed a new one (2021 model) and it is constantly chirping on big hits. I read that it's normal but then I watch your video and I am like what gives? Yours is so quiet!
Back in the 90s, my brother-in-law ran over a rattlesnake coming down B line . It got caught up in his front wheel. Being from Chico its so close and nice to be able to park and do a ride after work. We are lucky enough to have such a great place to ride. Its a workout for sure. Watch out for the lava rocks.
This is true of most mountain biking; if it's less technical, you often just up the speed, resulting in similar risk. Probably not the best activity to do alone. Yet I find myself riding alone 99% of the time. Did it before cell phones, so today at least you have that bail-out option if there's coverage. Better than nothing though!
A tip I use when I know there is a longish creek crossing is to clip a pair of crocs to the outside of my pack. They weigh nothing.
That’s it I am getting back in shape man I miss riding, your videos bring me back so much fun memories
When I went to school there (a million years ago) we rode upper Bidwell on rigid MTBs. So fun! The dip in Bear Hole after was a must!
Damn, missed you on this one but glad you came out to check it out again. There's almost as many "non-official" trails now in some other areas I think you'd enjoy if you make it back up here.
I went to Chico State also rode the park about every day, BS in business in 76 been riding 🚴 all my life.☮️
Welcome back to Chico! Bummed I missed you. Hope you had a good time.
I grew up riding these trails, have ridden all sorts of places since then, Bidwell Park is still the nastiest!
Thanks for making a great Bidwell park video. Good job cleaning so many technical sections blind. Most people walk a lot of it the first time. I read a funny review the other day by a guy who said the whole place was terrifying.
Well done, son! Respect! The trails here in Chico are real and you cleaned so much of the sketchy stuff. Interesting route choice. Up Live Oak, down Live Oak, up Live Oak!?!?
It would be really cool to have something like an inclinometer gauge on the screen to really grasp the steepness of the trail..
Oh cool! I'm really new to mtb-ing (less than a year now) and ride in Bidwell Park. I am finding it challenging to say the least (tons of rocks, lava cap, loose gravel and 100+ in the summer (summer of 2021 we had 63 days of 99 or higher). I wondered if it was just me. Glad to find out from a pro mtb-er like you that you also find it tough at times and do some hike-n-bike. Gives me hope that I'll somehow figure this sport out...well, at least a little :)
Welcome! It's quite an awesome sport! If I HAD to choose just ONE cycling discipline, it would be mountain biking. Love road riding and unicycling, and have considered devoting some time on the velodrome, but if it had to be one and I were banished just to one bicycle (oh the humanity!), it would be the trail mountain bike. Climbs & descends, takes you everywhere, does everything!
Now it would be easy to assume you're completely new to this, but I realize you could be new to mountain biking, but have BMX and/or motocross experience. If so, then you know what you're up against. If you have zero off road two-wheel experience, then that's a whole different kettle of fish!
20 years ago, I'd point you toward William Nealy's "Mountain Bike" illustrated how-to masterpiece. But since we have RUclips, there's no need (although the book is still a masterpiece); you can find everything you need - and stuff you don't - to learn this new sport.
Enjoy!
PS You picked a pretty challenging place to learn. Good on ya!
This is so cool, very similiar to the rocky ridge trail in the Bay Area, but on a whole other level. I call it flowy rock gardens 🙃
When those California hills green up in March it is so beautiful.
Must’ve just missed you! Just graduated from Chico State and I ride Upper Bidwell almost every day! Great video
I've ridden Bidwell once. On the '85 24/26" Crack-N-Fail rigid! Good times! (Hate to admit it, but that was when riding was fire road for me and hadn't really discovered single track yet. So I was happy, but my eyes hadn't yet been opened to the true goodness of off road riding! Now I say, "Friends don't let friends ride fire road!" [or drink Starbucks!]) Thinking back, if someone had said to me then, "Hey Dude, can you imagine if someone built basically a BMX course down this entire mountain?" I'd think he were dreaming of an impossible nirvana future that could never ever come to fruition. No way, you're dreamin'! But now behold the flow trail!!! Who knew? (I obviously didn't.) Rode Soquel Demo flow two weeks ago and hit two flow trails above Nevada City this week. Oh how good life is!!!
Even on a cold day, Brian is sans gloves, a la Mo & Hannah. I just don't get it, especially while riding through very technical, rocky terrain, replete with very coarse lava rock! You're a glutton for punishment! But wait... ha, common sense wins the day!!!
Looks as though you (or anyone else for that matter) had a hard time getting your momentum going on these trails. Sure keeps you on your toes though!. Definitely worth the trip there.
As a local to these trails, I can say you are spot on! If you're riding the tough trails, momentum and flow is key. One thing you learn how to do here is to keep your speed up, otherwise you're just fighting the trail. Similar to the rough sections of Butcher Ranch in Downieville.
Yoow! Nice upload before i ride, video just come out! Cant wait to watch later😍
First half of video was Brian providing a valuable service. Riding random rain ruts so we don't have to.
respect Brian. Since 2016!
So cool! Nice bike dude.
These trails are so much fun on my hard tail. Give it a whirl!
Looks like the goat and cow pastures out my way. Hard to tell exactly where the trails were on a few of those.
Yassssssss BK-type XC! 🤙🤙🤙
I had a water crossing once in a 100 mile gravel race. While it was refreshing, it sure did break my stride.
Oh my god!! I was just at Bidwell Park last week. Bidwell was BRUTAL!!
The South Rim DH shuttle track was amazing.
Brian, I didn't think there was a trail that was too brutal and rough for you. The rain ruts are too brutal and rough for me.
Great ride....trail has everything.
That looked like a trail I did today. I'm very new to mountain biking (less than a week lol). Looks gravel and rocks everywhere. I spent a lot of time walking the bike. :(
Hi Brian I love watching your videos in RUclips and this next month I go buy mountain bike I never try ride on trails
Do u have any tips for beginner ride on trails
I can't recall ever watching a video I simultaneously hated, and loved. That first part...I would have thrown a fit like a 3-year-old on those loose rock straight-down crap trails. But that last part....looked like something I would drive a long way to ride. Probably not clear from Arkansas, but it did look fun!!
@BKXC would you do that same XC race on the ripmo if you had the desire to do that race? As opposed to some more XCish bike like an exie or something.
Great video as always. What wireless set up are you running with the shifter, derailer, and dropper. Thanks and maybe I’ll see you on the trail one day.
Foot cramp in ski boots is the worst
Nice bike trails 🔥🔥
Awesome video, man!
Seems like the stuff across the river is definitely more enjoyable lol
Sounds like your new bike has developed a new rattle noise.....maybe it's from all the rocks! I don't mind a few rock gardens but a whole trail of them....I dunno....
Epic riding man! If you ever head towards virginia id love to show you some trails!!!!
Two thoughts: One, recently created a checklist for mtb rides in order to hopefully prevent forgetting anything, as one does. Checklists: they work.
Two, you can have more fun in an xc race if you finish last or near to it, like I have; no crowding at all! 🤣
I never expected to see a BKXC Bidwell Park episode
At the beginning you said that Central Park is the largest municipal park in the country… South Mountain in PHX holds the claim on that fame, it’s also badass for mountain biking but that goes without saying
Next time you ride chico you should ride with the chico state cycling team! It would be a blast and we could show you around the park.
What gear bag are you using in your van? You posted about it changing your life a while ago but I cant remember the name or the video you mentioned it in.
Come for the sheer nastiness, stay for the poison oak and rattlesnakes.
If you want to know the elevation along a route (like Chico->Everstoke) just ask Google Maps to direct you there using a bike rather than a car. It will show the exact elevation changes along the way. Thanks for the video.
Damn you were'nt lying. That looked serious lol.
I’ll admit. I was nervous watching. One wrong rock could ruin your day. Great riding!
That last ride was pretty nice though!!
My butt was hurting watching you. What chamois shorts are you wearing, if any at all?
Oh my god! It is so steep, rocky and loose. The trio I hate to ride on. 😍
The terrain also looks like the one that we have here. So identical.
Love the video you should go ride up at whiskeytown by Redding!
Definitely some chunk there B
Sick ride
Looks fun but confusing 😅
Side note: Griffith Park in Los Angeles is 4210 acres - larger than Bidwell and Central Park combined.
Beautiful view,,
Come ride with me in Sedona this week brother!!
It's funny how the microphone tends to make the bike sound like it's bouncing & careening off of everything. I've observed this on so many videos of riding dry, rocky conditions. Gives the impression that tire pressures are WAY too high, as are shock settings. It really makes it sound like riding rigid. That the rider's brains are being scrambled. But the reality is plush goodness getting through that gnar! (But having a big beer belly does increase suspended mass, allowing the wheels & shocks to do better work. You should work on that aspect of your riding, Brian! 😁.)
That trail looks rough! lol!
@bkxc how is your Lyrik Ultimate so quiet? I just installed a new one (2021 model) and it is constantly chirping on big hits. I read that it's normal but then I watch your video and I am like what gives? Yours is so quiet!
Nice bike
dude cool adventure
Back in the 90s, my brother-in-law ran over a rattlesnake coming down B line . It got caught up in his front wheel. Being from Chico its so close and nice to be able to park and do a ride after work. We are lucky enough to have such a great place to ride. Its a workout for sure. Watch out for the lava rocks.
You’re “up and at them” this morning...
Yeah! 🤘🔥
I carry a pair of water shoes in my pack for river crossings. I hate foot injuries.
awesome ride and video, but the trail is way too difficult for my skill level.
Chico State=party school lol
Sweet 👍
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Janky, Rocky, Nasty!
Serious question, and I mean no offense, but how do you stand all that RATTLING??!! You're running AXS stuff, what is even rattling like that?
Those dark rocks in the trail look like metal teeth sticking out of the ground ready to tear you up if you don't take care.
Next time you are in town and need a guide hit me up. If you want to ride solo I can give some trail recommendations.
Would have liked to seen you and grabbed a sticker.
Wow..those trails are tire-eaters. Holy smokes.
Was it Worth it???
19:28 Any Steve Wallis fans here? 😂
That looked teeth chattering!
so glad that was you and not me. ugh
Super Jank
from India - tamilnadu
Australia mountain bike trails be like:
some of the ugliest trails and beautiful scenery mixed. Nasty terrain, kudos to you for being able to ride it.
I would never get an Ibis if they all sound like this.....sounds like gravel in the frame.
Coca-Cola should sponsor you.
Comment so you get paid.
Should you be doing stuff like that alone? We know you're good but what if heaven forbid an accident happens? You could be stuck out there.
This is true of most mountain biking; if it's less technical, you often just up the speed, resulting in similar risk. Probably not the best activity to do alone. Yet I find myself riding alone 99% of the time. Did it before cell phones, so today at least you have that bail-out option if there's coverage. Better than nothing though!
Poor bike
First
gj bruh
I can tell why you've never rode here before. Awful looking trails
kind of pointless .... poor bike was brutalized for not much fun in return...
trail asmr is just so good
lol, I worked at the Orion designing ads. Tehama Hall Communication Gra[hic design FTW!
That's too cool!