Mountain Biking

[tankermedic]

I just got a kick a@@ Gary Fischer X-Cal mountain bike. I have not done any mountain biking before but I am looking for nice beautiful areas that I can bike through, camp and photograph. I would prefer places without tons of other people. Thanks for any suggestions.

[SinisterRob]

I am also riding a 29er these days. I haven't got to ride in the Boise area, so I can't help you with where to ride there. I have ridden in Stanely, Challis and the Salmon area. They all have lots of scenery and it is possible to get out and not run into anyone.

I used to ride in the Portland Oregon area and a friend has a website, http://web.mac.com/kja78/Goride/Mt_Bikers.html , most of the riding is downhill/freeride but some scenic XC stuff too.

[JollyRoger]

Tons of trails to ride in the Boise foothills...but there are a lot of people that use the trails.  There's also some good biking out in the Owyhees between Murphy and Marsing if you're in to the desert.  As for mountains and forest wait for the snow to melt and go up Lick Creek Rd near McCall.  Tons of good stuff up there.

[tankermedic]

Thanks guys. 

[shotokan94]

Depends on your riding style and experience. There are the usual foothill trails that are pretty mild, with the occasional technical stuff. Further up towards Bogus there are tons of trails that can/will test you, and not too many people know of them or use them. My suggestion is to buy a map called "Ridges to Rivers" avaliable at any bike shop for like $10. There are other books that also detail the trails, and what you can expect. They are a little more. A great trail for a fairly new rider starts up at Pilots Peak above Idaho City. The trail drops you down into Idaho City. About 14-17 miles long. We are truly blessed with our trails. The Shimano rep was here a few weeks ago, and he said we have some of the best trails in the west. If you are interested, as things dry out so the trails are rideable, I can shoot you a PM when we are going and you are more than welcome to come along.

[tankermedic]

Yeah, I am just starting out so I need to warm up to it. I just want to go where it is not busy and crowded and where I can stop and enjoy the sights.