Geiger Grade To Virginia City to Dayton to Six Mile Canyon to Virginia City
Geiger Grade is a challenge. However it is only a 7 plus mile climb and frankly not one of the more difficult rides in the area. To add some spice to the ride take one of the following routes. After a 3 mile descent from the Geiger summit cruise into Virginia City. Stop by the store at the north end of town to get drinks and food if needed. From here proceed to the south end of town the road Nevada 341 splits into two routes. Straight ahead is US 342 that takes you down thru Silver City and the heart of the canyon. I do not recommend this route. The road is narrow and needs repair. There are some very sharp turns and some traffic. A much better solution is to turn left in Virginia City and take 341 the truck route down through the canyon. This road is newer, well constructed and maintained in excellent condition and a joy to ride. Take the five mile descent to the base of the canyon where you again join with route 342 and they again become one route. Bare left at the juncture and follow 341 about 3 miles till you get to US 50. At this point you have a choice to make.
Choice 2
If you decide to turn left a US 50 (be cautious of the traffic) a descent and a fast flat area await you as you cruise into downtown Dayton, NV. There is one traffic light. Continue on US 50 for another 9 miles until you see the Riverboat Road sign at Mark Twain. Turn left here and follow this road for a couple of miles there will be a fork here. Follow the left road and proceed into Six Mile Canyon. This climb to Virginia City is easy at first but will get much tougher as you go. It will be very steep as you approach Virginia City (about 24% at the end) so be prepared for a challenge. It can also be very hot on the climb so make sure that you have some liquid in reserve. After you reach Virginia City take a brake and refill your bottles and get something to eat. When you are ready to head home you have two choices. You can go back and follow the route to Carson City (which will make the ride almost 100 miles). Or, you can climb 3 miles back to the summit of Geiger Grade and down to south Reno. If you go this way you can also vary your ride by taking Louse town Road through the canyon to Cartwright turning left and back to the flat area on highway 341. In any case you will certainly get a days climbing work with any option of this ride you choose.
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