Cannell Plunge Update

Mountain & River Adventures' (MRA) staffers rode the Cannell Plunge this past Monday for an inaugural 2005 outing and found the trail in stimulating condition.

John Stallone, President of MRA commented that within five miles of the trailhead “we encountered one to eight foot snowdrifts like I have never seen before on the Cannell Plunge; and I’ve been riding this trail for twenty-two years”.

Also, at the Summit (four miles out on the trail from Sherman Pass) “the backside was rutted out pretty good, and there were a couple of felled trees across the trail”.  The riders further indicated that the trail here is wet and sandy.  No surprise, with the huge snow pack the Kern River Valley has seen this past winter.

Pete Kraska, Commerical Recreation & Tourism major, from Appalachian State, and MRA intern this season, enthusiastically described Cannell Plunge as “definitely the best trail I’ve ever ridden, in my fifteens years of riding”.  Pete admonishes first timers to “be prepared for sandy, fast, rocky, technical sections, plus steep switchbacks and lots of exposure!”  “Oh yeah”, says Pete, “and watch out for the bear prints”.

From Big Meadow on, the trail is in its normal (great!) shape.  However, overall the trail is messy, so watch those derailers!  Ride safe, courteously, and with a buddy.  Always remember to take plenty of food, water and first aid supplies along. 

If you are interested in one of MRAs fabulous, two-day, guided trail rides on the Cannell Plunge, or a shuttle, call us for reservations at (800) 861-6553.  Learn more about biking with MRA on our web site under our Bike It category.

Trail guide books available for purchase in the MRA retail store, located at 11113 Kernville Road.  We also have a full-service bike shop for your convenience.  See you on the trail!