Trail Mix for June 11: Climb to Kaiser approaching
One of the most grueling bike rides in the nation returns to Clovis later this month with the annual Climb to Kaiser set for Saturday, June 25.
The 155-mile ride to Kaiser Pass above Huntington Lake and back to Clovis features 13,500 feet of elevation gain.
If you’re not up for the ultimate challenge, there are shorter options: the Millerton Metric (71 miles, 3,500 feet in elevation gain) and the Tollhouse Century (95 miles, 7,500 feet).
All rides start at Sierra Intermediate School in Clovis.
Registration is $45 per person for the Millerton Metric, $65 for the Tollhouse Century and $100 for the full Climb to Kaiser. The full ride increases to $125 starting Sunday.
Last year, Exeter’s Joey Galloway was the men’s top finisher for the second year in a row, crossing in 8 hours, 55 minutes. Former Fresnan Amy Cameron, who now lives in Oakland, was the fastest woman in 9:38.
Details: www.climbtokaiser.com
Garage sale – REI’s members-only garage sale is Saturday, June 11, for adventurers seeking cheap and discounted gear. The store will hand out numbered wristbands at 4 p.m., with the lottery draw entry starting at 5 p.m. Memberships can be purchased on site for $20. All sales are final.
At 2 p.m. Sunday, the REI Outdoor School is hosting a free, 90-minute workshop on the basics of hiking: trip planning, essential items, equipment, safety precautions, resources and places to go. Space is limited. Reserve one at www.rei.com/fresno.
Huntington Lake cleanup – Helping hands are needed to pick up litter and lots more for the annual Huntington Lake cleanup day on Saturday, June 25. Volunteers will gather at 9 a.m. at the boat ramp (follow the signs) before being given an assignment. Free lunch will be provided by Sierra Recreation. For more information, call 559-893-2111.
Yosemite pilot program – Yosemite National Park announced a pilot program where visitors can reserve a guaranteed parking space for two upcoming weekends, June 25-26 and July 2-4. The reserved parking spots will be in Yosemite Valley and ensure visitors a space before 11 a.m.
The program will reserve 150 parking spaces each day in the parking area located next to the in-park shuttle bus stop. Reservations can be made as soon as Saturday, June 11, at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. There is no charge for the day-use parking, but a reservation fee of $1.50 is required.
Based on the results, the park may continue the program for the rest of the summer season to include Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday weekends.
This story was originally published June 10, 2016 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Trail Mix for June 11: Climb to Kaiser approaching."