If you want to quickly get very far into California by bike from Ashland you either have to be brave (enough to ride on the freeway for a short distance) or be willing to get in touch with your dirty side... why not mix in both? On Nov. 2nd 2002, Wil Thomson, Carol Lee Rogers, Rick Berlet, Bob Korfhage and Cindy Roche challenged the idea that the Siskiyou Velo is just a club for roadies and hit the dirt for a few miles on the Colestine road starting from the Mt. Ashland ski area road not far from Callahan's. From there it was a long descent in the oak groves of the NoCal Siskiyou's to Hilt. To prepare for the 1500 foot climb back to the Siskiyou Summit and beyond they needed nourishment. No better reason have I ever heard than to stop for milk shakes in Hilt. From there, a mile or so of freeway climbing was necessary before rejoining Old Highway 99 for a few miles up to the top.

Depending on your mood, this ride can start in any number of places, ranging from Callahans, the PCT parking lot on Old 99 or as we chose here the beginning of the Colestine Rd. If you're coming from the California side, it may be easiest to start in Hilt, but beware: the climbing starts immediately.

From take I-5 Southbound from the Rogue Valley or Northbound from California to the Callahan's exit and follow Old-Hwy 99 to the Mt. Ashland Ski Area road. Turn Right there and continue for about a mile to the marked left turn onto the Colestine Rd. Get on your bikes and ride.

The Colestine Rd can easily be ridden on Mountain, Cross or Hybrid bikes. Given that this is a long winding descent most riders probably don't want to bring their prized road bike, but there's nothing a rider experienced on dirt roads would have trouble with.

The section of Interstate may sound ambitious to folks who've never ridden with freeway traffic, but the wide shoulders and one-way-traffic likely make this safer than riding on a busy backroad. Even if it is out of your comfort zone, the Old 99 entrance comes just a mile after leaving Hilt.