I ride my dirtbike to Virginia City via Old Geiger Grade often. I'm quite fond of the route. Didn't know it used to be closed, hope it stays open. Glad to learn more about it's history. Thank you!
In the early 90s, my bros and I rode our dual sports to the "no trespassing" sign, thought decorum would be the better part of valor, and took the modern NV-431 instead. I've always wanted to take the Old Grade. A good host lets the guest talk, you did an excellent job in letting Steve share his knowledge. As always... Edit: 10/10 on History Hunters, I've been a sub there for year or three. Jeff and Sarah are excellent hosts.
Hey there…..way back in 1985, I ventured up this in my 1980 Volvo station wagon. Quite the ride, the kids loved this. Then in 2023, I took my 2019 Audi up but not thru. Always a fun road!
Steve, thank you for producing these videos. I have learned so much about the Reno area from your videos. I'm trying to spread the word about your channel to my Reno friends. Wishing you great success with your channel.
I can't say its been 25 years, but maybe 10 years of wanting to road-geek this road, great video! Time for a History Hunters colab. Oh, just bought some merch!
I live on Black Bart Ave here in S Tahoe, a neighbor said he robbed very near our house on Pioneer. Not sure if this is true, but I love the history of him.
@@DGill48 neighbor said it the bridge that crosses cold creek where he held up a coach. His families a 3-4 generations old up here, but I agree it’s probably more of a local myth
Good video! I've gone up and down the old Grade a few of times - in a Nissan pickup, a Wrangler and a Cherokee. It's a fun road to drive but really fun in the spring when the snow hasn't quite melted... make sure to bring friends and some rope, you might need it!
I enjoyed your video Steve. I've been to Virginia City several times. I always have a brewski at the Bucket Of Blood Saloon and enjoy the view of 6 mile canyon out the back window. My brother and I plan on coming to Virginia City next April. I have been following History Hunters for awhile. My father was born in Fallon, Nv in 1921 and he graduated from Churchill County High School. So I've always considered Nevada to be my second home. I've been to every corner of it. I will be looking forward to your next video.
Just FYI: There is a massive amateur radio station just on the south side of the modern Geiger Grade road, W7RN. And the station owner will be happy to show you around and let you operate a radio or two. KB7QOD, Kirk, Reno, Nevada.
Well, that answered a question of mine. I always wondered about the origin of the scenic overlook on the way up the current road. With the road being built during the New Deal, it was most likely built by the CCC or WPA. Looking around the overlook, it does appear to me that it was probably built as a campground for the early RVers of the time. You can see vestiges of multiple flattened out places that would accommodate the tiny trailers that were used back then although maybe those were added slightly later in the post war tin can tourist time.
Yes that road is a blast!! Believe it or not when I was in elementary school we took a tour of VC and the way we came back was in the big yellow bus down that road. That was a very bumpy and extremely tippy. But we made it. Crazy days in Nevada. 🎉
To Minden.. So there is an old rail bed. So therefore the trail is still there. But can it be user accessible by foot, bike and horse. This would complete the Carson Trail as I've traveled from..let's just say, From Prison Hill to Clear creek. But this section describe is that middle link.. Let me know..💪
Another great show Steve! I lived in Willits Ca. as a lad, and at the top of Ridgewood grade on the road from Ukiah (now US Hwy 101) is a huge rock, about 50 feet high and a couple of hundred feet around at the base. (It's now been greatly reduced in size to make room for the highway) When I was a kid, before the rock was blasted smaller, the road jogged around the rock. My folks and all the old timers in the area told us every time we went around the big rock the story of Black Bart leaping out from behind the rock to rob the stage coach. I've done extensive research, but I've never been able to verify if the tale is true. But what is verified is the fact that he always walked, and covered many more miles in a day than seem plausible. But due to verified robberies he carried out, and the distances between them, it was amazing that he was able to traverse rough terrain, stay out of sight, and do what he did. Thanks for showing us the Old Geiger Toll Road! Did Dr. Geiger or descendants invent the Geiger counter?
Thanks Steve, another great video! I also drive a Jeep, and have always wanted to drive the old grade. It’s nice to know it’s now possible. Also, I’ve been following History Hunters for at least the last 2 years. Definitely another great channel.
Great history and story delivery along with excellent video. thank you. I lead a Jeep club run down this old toll road and told the story about Black Bart and the freight history to the group a few years ago.
You should join OCTA and Trails West if you already haven’t. Great organizations. Thanks for the video. I will have to go drive that road. Where does it start?
The ads in the beginning might preempt a little bit at the beginning - its all there - I find myself rewinding some videos I watch for that reason.. Thanx!
![Teenagers from Outer Space (1959) [Science Fiction] [Horror]](/img/n.gif)
I ride my dirtbike to Virginia City via Old Geiger Grade often. I'm quite fond of the route. Didn't know it used to be closed, hope it stays open. Glad to learn more about it's history. Thank you!
What a great ride - what a great state! I'm reminded of it again with all the wild horses we saw. Even a couple munching on shrubs in Virginia City!
You are making a positive difference in this world. Thank you for your fun and informative videos on a truly great American city. Keep on rockin
Thanx for the feedback - rock on and cheers!
Live near copperopolis and found this very interesting as Bart seemed to have disappeared or faded away with unknown fate.
In the early 90s, my bros and I rode our dual sports to the "no trespassing" sign, thought decorum would be the better part of valor, and took the modern NV-431 instead.
I've always wanted to take the Old Grade.
A good host lets the guest talk, you did an excellent job in letting Steve share his knowledge.
As always...
Edit: 10/10 on History Hunters, I've been a sub there for year or three. Jeff and Sarah are excellent hosts.
Thanks - I love your verbage and may borrow that - "decorum would be the better part of valor"! Cheers!!
Hey there…..way back in 1985, I ventured up this in my 1980 Volvo station wagon. Quite the ride, the kids loved this. Then in 2023, I took my 2019 Audi up but not thru. Always a fun road!
You are an adventurer!
Steve, thank you for producing these videos. I have learned so much about the Reno area from your videos. I'm trying to spread the word about your channel to my Reno friends. Wishing you great success with your channel.
I certainly appreciate that! Cheers!
I can't say its been 25 years, but maybe 10 years of wanting to road-geek this road, great video! Time for a History Hunters colab. Oh, just bought some merch!
Thanks for your patronage and viewership!
I live on Black Bart Ave here in S Tahoe, a neighbor said he robbed very near our house on Pioneer. Not sure if this is true, but I love the history of him.
Unless I missed it I don't see a record of him in Tahoe - but who knows?! Cheers!
I live just around the corner, on Fairmeadow ! There is an acccount of his life (short book) , but it has no account of him ever being near Tahoe.
@@DGill48 neighbor said it the bridge that crosses cold creek where he held up a coach. His families a 3-4 generations old up here, but I agree it’s probably more of a local myth
Good video! I've gone up and down the old Grade a few of times - in a Nissan pickup, a Wrangler and a Cherokee. It's a fun road to drive but really fun in the spring when the snow hasn't quite melted... make sure to bring friends and some rope, you might need it!
I liked this trip mid summer - no wetness!!! Thanks!
I enjoyed your video Steve. I've been to Virginia City several times. I always have a brewski at the Bucket Of Blood Saloon and enjoy the view of 6 mile canyon out the back window. My brother and I plan on coming to Virginia City next April. I have been following History Hunters for awhile. My father was born in Fallon, Nv in 1921 and he graduated from Churchill County High School. So I've always considered Nevada to be my second home. I've been to every corner of it. I will be looking forward to your next video.
I thank you for your time! I dub thee an honorary Nevadan!
Just FYI: There is a massive amateur radio station just on the south side of the modern Geiger Grade road, W7RN. And the station owner will be happy to show you around and let you operate a radio or two. KB7QOD, Kirk, Reno, Nevada.
Thanks - my guest Steve pointed out those four tall towers - he has seen the workings - I'd like to one day - thanks and cheers!
Great video! Great merch too! Got three items ordered and on the way. Can’t wait!
Thanks for supporting the channel! Cheers!
Well, that answered a question of mine. I always wondered about the origin of the scenic overlook on the way up the current road. With the road being built during the New Deal, it was most likely built by the CCC or WPA. Looking around the overlook, it does appear to me that it was probably built as a campground for the early RVers of the time. You can see vestiges of multiple flattened out places that would accommodate the tiny trailers that were used back then although maybe those were added slightly later in the post war tin can tourist time.
That turnout was a CCC project - I might address it on a future installment - cheers!
GOOD SHOW!!!!
Thanks and cheers!
Fascinating episode, Steve! Thanks
Thanks bro!
Excellent Thanks much
Yes that road is a blast!! Believe it or not when I was in elementary school we took a tour of VC and the way we came back was in the big yellow bus down that road. That was a very bumpy and extremely tippy. But we made it. Crazy days in Nevada. 🎉
No way - a school bus down that grade?! Pictures or you're making it up! :-) Thanks!
@@SteveTRYK not making it up to old to have pictures of it 😂
Thank you for these videos! You’ve reignited my interest in our local history, and I love the fact that we never know what’s coming next!
Glad you like them!
Love your videos thank you
Thanks for watching!
Love your videos, always very interesting. I've been subscribed to History Hunters for a long time. I'm sure they really appreciate it.❤ Thanks again.
Thanks for being a viewer of our channels!
Thank you!
Another great episode Steve!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for this interesting history.
A map would have been useful.
(BTW, my Mom is from Scottsbluff, Nebraska)
I included one for Black Bart's holdups, but you probably mean one of the the wagon road. Appreciate the feedback!
To Minden..
So there is an old rail bed. So therefore the trail is still there. But can it be user accessible by foot, bike and horse. This would complete the Carson Trail as I've traveled from..let's just say, From Prison Hill to Clear creek. But this section describe is that middle link..
Let me know..💪
Is that road actually the current Toll Road?
It is named Toll Rd. in honor of it's previous incarnation - tolls thankfully have not been collected there for many moons...
Gray Bart is buried there!
Or if you're an old school photographer like me... 18% gray Bart!
A friend from cofax calif. Name her son bart, want a girl
Such propaganda about Black Bart none even close to being true in Nevada
Another great show Steve! I lived in Willits Ca. as a lad, and at the top of Ridgewood grade on the road from Ukiah (now US Hwy 101) is a huge rock, about 50 feet high and a couple of hundred feet around at the base. (It's now been greatly reduced in size to make room for the highway) When I was a kid, before the rock was blasted smaller, the road jogged around the rock. My folks and all the old timers in the area told us every time we went around the big rock the story of Black Bart leaping out from behind the rock to rob the stage coach. I've done extensive research, but I've never been able to verify if the tale is true. But what is verified is the fact that he always walked, and covered many more miles in a day than seem plausible. But due to verified robberies he carried out, and the distances between them, it was amazing that he was able to traverse rough terrain, stay out of sight, and do what he did. Thanks for showing us the Old Geiger Toll Road! Did Dr. Geiger or descendants invent the Geiger counter?
Thanks! I wondered if there was a Geiger connection to the counter. I don't know - readers?
Love your history stories!
Glad you like them!
Hi Steve ; a suggestion for research would be to be Owl Drugs. May not rise to full episode level, but it was an interesting operation.
Thanks Steve, another great video! I also drive a Jeep, and have always wanted to drive the old grade. It’s nice to know it’s now possible. Also, I’ve been following History Hunters for at least the last 2 years. Definitely another great channel.
You don't need 4 low - just 4 high is fine. Thanks!!!
@@SteveTRYK
I was wondering if my wife would drive it with me, or get out and walk parts of it. Good to know, thank you. 😂
Great history and story delivery along with excellent video. thank you. I lead a Jeep club run down this old toll road and told the story about Black Bart and the freight history to the group a few years ago.
Cool - thanks!
You should join OCTA and Trails West if you already haven’t. Great organizations. Thanks for the video. I will have to go drive that road. Where does it start?
Just get onto Toll Road and keep going straight!
Love your videos sadly we miss the beginning of you talking because it starts recording a few seconds later. Keep up the interesting videos!
The ads in the beginning might preempt a little bit at the beginning - its all there - I find myself rewinding some videos I watch for that reason.. Thanx!
So interesting Steve. Many thanks for producing this piece of history. Well Done!
Thanks for your viewership - glad you enjoyed!!
Nice vid man, think you can do a video on any nevada folktales and legends?
We shall see! Thanks!
Thanks Steve
Cheers!