Planning to go ride the Cherohala while we've got some decent weather. Got a couple newbies wanting to go. Just wondering if there's any ice or snow right now that we need to worry about?

Yes. I went through a few weeks ago and higher eleveations already had snow trucks clearing the way. I wouldn't risk it on a bike. but that's just me.

I live in the area and would not go up anytime until around early april. There is salt all over the place starting late october and then the ice will stay around sometimes into the early summer months.

I rode Chereola in early April '05 during a trip to Deals Gap. There was still snow on parts of the mountains, and in more than a few places there were little streams across the road from melting snow. Some of the turn-offs where you can park to take picture or whatever still had snow on them. We road a few miles up and then turned around and came back. There's nothing like getting your tires warm and picking up the pace only to come across a mid-corner stream to compromise tire temps and traction.

So, yeah, you ought to wait until at least April for optimal road conditions.

Posted on Killboy

picture was taken Nov20

We recommmend that riders stay off of the Cherohala until spring. We rode it Saturday and it was wet in spots with some snow still on the edge of the roadway. It had been salted and sanded. Not exactly encouraging to take the twisties with any speed. It will likely have wet spots until the spring.