Here is ride video taken along the South Fork Salmon trail. It would be best not to get too focused or worried about the rocks in the trail could cause one's front wheel bounce off trail if one were to imagine it happened, it just might. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynGHl3CVsyI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I think this is the approximate the location... http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=south+fork+salmon+river+trail&sll=45.091479,-115.62308&sspn=0.043325,0.111494&ie=UTF8&ll=45.071524,-115.64398&spn=0.010835,0.027874&t=f&z=16&ecpose=45.07327662,-115.64343488,2918.7,-167.621,6.038,0
Looks fun, I'd hit that. BTW you can see and follow it all the way up the canyon in google earth from your link.
The guy that did that video is a local D36'er here in NorCal. He's an old enduro champ that's been riding forever WoodsChick
Needs some log crossings though......and maybe an occassional trip down to the right and back up on some of the parts that are not that steep......maybe even go all the way down and do a stream crossing.
I haven't made it to that area for riding yet, but it's on my list of areas to ride. It's neat that someone finally has a video of the trail, I have seen still photos, but the video make you feel like your there. It would be quite a challenge to not get too distracted by the incredible view of the river canyon while riding, knowing that your bike tends to follow where you look. It's not that technical of a trail, but the severe consequences of a mishap just makes me pucker. I would also hate to meet horse's or other pack animals on the narrow cliff sections. I have had that happen before and it makes for some very tense moments even when everything goes well.
my girlfriend and I are going there this weekend. There are plenty of log crossings and rock maneuvers and redonkulous switchbacks on other trails in the area. that one actually looks pretty reasonable. However, I reserve the right to change my mind.
Exactly what I was thinking. If you had 6' between you and the downhill side of the cliff it would be a great dual sport ride but with that edge being so close I would likely get so nervous that I would cause myself to fall over.
having ridden similar trails the key is to look forward and pretend that trail is not on a cliff. Slowing down to much can be bad. You get used to it.
Incredible video. Wow! I think I'd ride that. Of course, everything looks easier on film so I'd save final judgment for when I got there, but it's totally doable (obviously, as people are doing it). It boils down to bike control and confidence. I wouldn't want to tackle those exposed sections from the get-go, but after some seat time on the edge I'd give it a try. You'll do some amazing things when out in the wilderness and your trail guide is leaving you behind. Trust me! Worst case.... get off and walk it. With your body on the unexposed side, of course!
I've ridden a trail very similar to that, on a MX bike with the throttle pinned wide open (it was stuck in that position and the kill switch didn't work). No I did not get used to it, don't want to get used to it and if I never do it again it will be 3 days to soon.
