The Noonday Trail, one of the first roads into the Bohemia mining area, was built in 1896 with great effort. A historical account of the area relates:
. . . the entire road was strictly hand-built; logs being moved simply by 40 or 5O men taking hold and rolling them off the right of way. The road was steep, the switchbacks sharp. Teamsters handling the 10 horse teams later had trouble pulling the Noonday machinery around the turns . . . One would suppose that the builders followed some huge serpent's tail.
Today the long abandoned Noonday Trail is a very narrow, very rocky roadbed that stands out as one of the most thrilling mountain bike descents in Lane County. Don¨t forget your helmet or checking your brake cables on this ride! The width and straightness of the old road and the unobstructed views ahead make a surprise encounter with other users unlikely. The loose rocks and low hanging branches add technical flavor. You can really get some momentum up on this trail. The climb is a workout; the descent is exhilarating.
The starting point for the Noonday ride is the same as Fairview Peak. Either park at the bridge or a short way up Champion Road at the Noonday trailhead. For a longer route, park at the Brice Creek trailhead. After descending the Noonday Trail, cross the road and hop on Brice Creek Trail back to the car.
Ride four miles up Brice Creek Road 22, which is a pleasant single-lane paved road that parallels the creek. (The pavement ends at the junction with Road 2213 0.75 mile east of 2212 junction.) Take a right and begin the climb up Road 2212. The road is mostly gradual, but has some spots of heavy gravel. Just under four miles, after a sharp hairpin turn, you¨ll come to spur Road 438 on the right. A short way down, Road 438 forks and the left fork becomes the Noonday Trail. The trailhead sign is a very short way down the road. At one time this was the site of the Ridge Hotel which served miners in the early part of the century.
Strap on your helmet, check your brakes, lower your seat, and let it roll!
Dan Geiger
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