Air Reconnaissance Leads Us Astray on Willow Creek

Willow Creek Trail 4.4 Miles Riding Time 2:11

Pilots LT Klein and Chief Winn have been flying over the motorcycle trails 15 to 20 miles east of Boise for years and wanting to ride them. The LT was supposed to invite the Chief, but he was off having a wreck elsewhere. So, on Sunday 26 Jun, the LT and I set off for Willow Creek- in the LT's pickup.

Two views of the trail that captured the Pilots' interest





The LT's plan had been to ride the Willow Creek Trail in a counter clockwise direction, but we missed the trail that left immediately up the hill from the parking lot. This had us riding up the creek, what the LT thought would be the easy section. The trail crossed the creek every 100 yards or so, and the crossings were typically 18" deep or so- too deep to ride. There were also deep holes that might be good for swimming once the snow melt is gone and creek warms up.


Steve puts his shoes back on after one of the many crossings of Willow Creek

Progress up the steam was slow, the tail was often in the creek's flood bed with large round rocks surrounded by sand which made a terrible road bed. The LT suggested we hike to the top of the canyon. The streambed being what it was, I was glad to leave it. The canyon walls were too steep to get the bikes up, but the view from the top was good. Unfortunately, we found another canyon between us and our desired location on the trail on top of the ridge, so we returned to our bikes and continued riding and pushing up the stream bed. Finally, the trail forked, and we headed to the ridge. The uphill has too steep to ride. It was generally decomposed granite- tightly compressed but with a small amount of loose decomposed granite that made it difficult to walk up without sliding down on the loose stuff.

Eventually we reached the canyon's top and then started down into another draw. The motorcycles had dug a deep rut into the hillside, that I decided I must escape. I got the front wheel out of the rut, the rear wheel didn't follow, and I did an endo. The LT said from behind it looked like I did a perfect tuck and roll. However, my right hand just barely left the handlebars, and I punched the earth breaking my 4th metatarsal before that otherwise good tuck and roll.


The LT with the best riding in the background


Will carried a good first aid kit, so Steve's broken hand was wrapped


Will enjoys the descent, but Steve is awkwardly pushing after breaking his hand


The LT always has time to climb, and Steve didn't mind this break


Nearing the bottom where Steve eagerly anticipates returning to the Pickup

So, that's how we took 2:11 to do a 4.4 mile ride! The doctor says I'll be back on the bike by the end of July!

Happy Cycling for Fun, Fitness, and Transportation

Steve