Molina
Ghost Run, Clear Creek, CA
At
the bottom, we decided to pull off to the side and watch a few
others make the trek downward. What you don't see in these pictures,
but was awesome to view, was that as each vehicle crested over
the top ledge all you saw was the under belly until the front
tires flopped over.
From
the bottom was a short distance to a gully that started our
climb back upward. This actually did not look all that challenging.
It was a little steep, but straddling the ditch looked as if
it would be a cakewalk upward. Well, it wasn't exactly a cakewalk,
as a rear wheel slipped and in the process of attempting to
climb out, the front end got a little airborn. In fact, it was
so high and tilted to the gas intake side, that gasoline started
to leak out.
Slowly,
we backed out to take another line. After my front wheel stand,
Jim decided to take a different line that worked much better.
The remainder of the hill climb was indeed challenging and the
trail was becoming increasingly difficulty as we proceeded along.
We
arrived back at the mud hole where we stopped for lunch and
watched others attempt the "hole." After a fairly quiet
lunch we started our trek back down off of the hill and back
to base camp. One last obstacle remained. Not long after the
mud hole we arrived at the most challenging rock loop that Molina
has to offer.
Most
of this trail loop looked to be a dry creek bed that rambled
among the thick brush. Here, much larger boulders were present,
requiring that you chose the proper path and approach.
Jim
had no problems all the way through this challenge. Unfortunately,
it was not my day for picking correct lines, as several times
I had the same problem of lifting my front higher than desired.
At times, our front lockers provided that little extra pull
for what did, indeed, turn out to be the most difficult section
of Molina.
As
we completed the last hardcore loop for the day, we still had
a long drive of switch-backs back to camp. All in all, a good
work-out and test of our winter-time improvements. What more
could you want? A great day of wheeling, good friends, warm
weather and no broken parts ...
For
more information regarding the Clear Creek area contract :
BAKERSFIELD
DISTRICT OFFICE
District Manager
3801 Pegasus Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93308-6837
(805) 391-6000
Clear Creek Management Area is 30 mi. northwest of Coalinga,
CA.
CAUTION:
soils, dust, and water in this area contain asbestos which can
be hazardous to your health.
