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Bizz Johnson Trail
8 reviews
3.75 of 5
This prototype for the national rails to trails program, uses the old roadbed of the Southern Pacific Railroad's Fernley/Lassen line. Today one half of the trail is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Forestry, while the second half is under the control of the Bureau of Land Management. It is named for U.S. Congressman Harold T. 'Bizz' Johnson, who pioneered the Rail/Trail legislation. This trail runs from the town of Susanville, west approximately 25 miles to the town of Westwood. In between is some of the most senic lands in all of northeastern California. The trail itself is a mixture of gravel and dirt, and runs at no more than a 3% grade as it climbs from the high desert terrain of Susanville, up into the Sierras towards Westwood. The route parallels the Susan River for about the first 13 miles to the halfway point at Goumaz. The trail crosses the Susan River in several places and all of the old railroad bridges have been restored and are used as part of the trail. There are also two original railroad tunnels within the first 7 miles. West of Goumaz, the trail passes through the beautiful Lassen National Forest.
From Main street in Susanville, take South Lassen street south towards the courthouse. Turn right after the courthouse and proceed in a westerly direction as you go passed the graveyard on your left. At the very end of the graveyard, make a sharp left onto Miller Road. Follow Miller Road down a short hill. Where the road dead-ends, you will find the trailhead.
Summary: This is a Wonderful Trail. Unlike the rider below from Sacramento, I knew this Trail would have no technical difficulty so I had no expectations of wicked rock drop-offs, switchback descents, etc.. This is a Great Trail for everyone - casual riders, families & even aggresive riders. The trail has essentialy no technical challenge but it passes through somw wonderful areas of forested pines and mountain scenery. Trail signs along the route describe the history of the old railbed you are riding on. Definitely a facinating ride through history. The tunnels near Susanville add a nice touch to the adventure of the ride although on your return you may wish to take the short alternate trails around the tunnels just to do so The ride starting point in Susanville has water and other liquids available as well as snacks and bike rentals. The person I talked to was extremely helpful and was going to lend me a set of tire levers for free until I discovered I did bring mine. If you have a chance, plan on riding this Trail and be sure to thank the Trail people in Susanville. Also remember that this is a Rails-to-Trails project and support this great program.
Recommended Route: For begining novice riders, you may wish to enter the Trail at Goumaz off of Hwy 44 about 12 miles up the trail. you can then ride the Trail downhill back into Susanville. You will need to have someone shuttle your car back to Susanville. Intermediate riders may wish to start at Mason Station on the far end and ride back into Susanville. again a car shuttle will be necessary. Advanced intermediate, expert riders and racers may want to do the entire Trail to Westwood and back. The total distance is 59.7 miles and is a great big ring LSD training ride.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Throughout the Tahoe Sierra region - Tahoe Meadows, Flume, Emmigrant Trail, Peavine Mountain, Pine Nuts, Hunter Lake, Verdi Lookout, Hole in the Ground, etc., etc. Although with the number of Trails i
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Review Date May 5, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5,
1 votes
Reviewed by: steve davis
, from Redding, Ca. ,usa
Summary: Started this ride from the Gomez trailhead. there where numerous rocks on the trail from Gomez to the Devils crossing/hwy 36 trailhead. might be due to winter snows. From there into Susanville a great ride. enjoyed the tunnels
Recommended Route:
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Review Date April 30, 2002
Overall Rating 1 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5,
2 votes
Reviewed by: Jon
, from Sacramento
Summary: Once is all it took to ride this "trail". It may as well be paved with absolutely no difficulty. Riding a sidewalk through a major city is more challenging.
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Review Date February 22, 2002
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Ridden Trail: Every few months
Reviewed by: Dave
, from Westwood, CA
Summary: Easy ride averages a 3% grade. About 1/2 the trail follows the Susan River and is very scenic in the Fall. Fascinating geologic formations. Interpretive signs along the way recount the history along the trail. The trail goes through some old railroad tunnels in the lower reaches. Susanville to Westwood is the uphill direction. From the old railroad depot in Susanville (now an interpretive center) catch a shuttle to the Westwood trailhead and ride back to Susanville. BLM sponsors interpretive guided rides several times per year.
Recommended Route: The trail is about 25 miles long, depending on exactly where you start and stop -- 50 mi. round trip.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Lake Almanor Trail -- Chester, CA Paved. Easy, along the lakeshore. Currently 10 miles with another 2 mile extension planned.
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Review Date February 21, 2002
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1 votes
Reviewed by: Steve
, from Virginia Beach
Summary: Rode this trail with a friend on a Saturday in July 2000. Absolutely a beautiful ride if into scenery. We started from the top and worked our way into Susanville. Each of us had full suspension bikes which made the ride painless although the trail was smooth and the full suspension was not needed. I will echo the sentiments of bringing plenty of water and the proper equipment. You can become alone out there in a hurry and it is a 25 mile trail. I'd do it again if the opportunity presents itself. 5 stars for the sheer beauty, 1 star for the technical aspect averages to 3 stars.
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