We will be vacationing in McCall, Idaho for two weeks next month, and I was contemplating bringing the tri bike to keep up with training for an upcoming race (in addition to renting a MTB). I’ve been unable to find any info on how safe road riding is in the area.
Any experience appreciated.
McCall proper gets pretty busy. I have not ridden on the road there, but know people who do. There are many rolling back roads leading out of McCall toward Donnely and then Cascade. I think you can definitely put together some solid training rides. I’ll track down some formal recommendations.
Mountain biking in Bear Basin and then Jug Mountain Ranch are outstanding.
Hi,
Not a lot of road options there.
Out past the lake on Warren Wagon road towards Burgdorf hot springs is good, road surface conditions will need to be checked out, I have not ridden it for years. Great ride, early AM would be best and watch for wildlife! The main highway may be ok during the week early, some shoulder towards Donnelly/Cascade. Another option is from Cascade out Warm Lake road is a great ride, out and back great climb past Warm Lake. You would need to ride from McCall or drive to Cascade to start.
Weekdays better, avoid Friday and Sunday for the weekend traffic congestion.
MTB has great options, around the lake near town, trail riding at Bear Basin or Brundage mountain, Jug mountain, Tamarack resort.
Disclaimer is nothing is safe, These are the rides I would do. Avoid the weekend days or travel.
Rob
I asked around, had similar thoughts as you.
Warren Wagon along the west side of Payette Lake riding North is pretty beautiful. About 20 miles out with a nice summit climb.
I would not ride Highway 55 at any time of day. But, Farm to Market Road on east side of the valley is what I had in mind. It runs parallel to the Highway, and is pretty decent road that is lightly traveled. It will go from McCall right past Jug Mountain, and prettty much goest 25-30 miles down toward Cascade, and then return. Very pretty.
Also, West Mountain Road is similar, on the west side of the valley paralelling the Highway. A little shorter as it turns to dirt after about 15-20 miles.
So, if you want a couple of options to take the Tri bike on 30-50 mile rides, these are pretty much your best bets.
I asked around, had similar thoughts as you.
Warren Wagon along the west side of Payette Lake riding North is pretty beautiful. About 20 miles out with a nice summit climb.
I would not ride Highway 55 at any time of day. But, Farm to Market Road on east side of the valley is what I had in mind. It runs parallel to the Highway, and is pretty decent road that is lightly traveled. It will go from McCall right past Jug Mountain, and prettty much goest 25-30 miles down toward Cascade, and then return. Very pretty.
Also, West Mountain Road is similar, on the west side of the valley paralelling the Highway. A little shorter as it turns to dirt after about 15-20 miles.
So, if you want a couple of options to take the Tri bike on 30-50 mile rides, these are pretty much your best bets.
Thanks to you and all who replied.
Very helpful!!
I’ve been visiting the in-laws (Boise) for July the past few years. The roads around here are rough chip-seal (some counties are better than others). Each year people seem to be more accepting of cyclists, but it is still rural and trucks will buzz you. If you have a road bike it will probably be safer and more enjoyable.