redwoods
Well-Known Member
Trabuco-Bell Ridge on 12/22/13
mike001 from STR got this one going, and I'm glad I was part of it.
These 20 miles were tough, but it was good riding all the way. Except when we were hiking-but it was good then too. In a weird "it sucks but it's still fun" sort of way.
The climb up Trabuco was tough, but it's a good workout and definitely one of the most scenic routes the Santa Anas have. After grinding up for about 10 miles (form the bottom of the wash), we rested and refueled. I didn't really know what I was getting into, but I trusted that those who had done it before had faith enough in me or they wouldn't have included me.
I gotta say that it was cool seeing so many people (we had a group of 13 riders) able to ride this challenging trail. There were some skilled and strong riders out there! Definitely inspiring to see people ride down Can't See Bottom, and to watch as others would hammer up the climbs I was walking. :shock:
The hike-a-bikes weren't as bad as I thought they would be, but they took their toll nonetheless...I was beginning to hurt and cramp somewhere about half-way down Bell. I often think of myself as a fit rider, but this was a humbling experience and reminded me that I'm just a fella who likes to ride a bike.
Despite this, when I was able to get back on the bike in between hiking up or sliding down, it was a ton of fun.
Here are the pics I got. Hopefully others will add theirs.
This ride was an adventure to be sure - the right mindset and attitude seem to me to be just as important as skill, but I would not try this without full knowledge of how physically demanding it is. I'm glad I went, and I think I learned a few things about riding and about myself while out there. Thanks for including me on this outing Mike!
mike001 from STR got this one going, and I'm glad I was part of it.
These 20 miles were tough, but it was good riding all the way. Except when we were hiking-but it was good then too. In a weird "it sucks but it's still fun" sort of way.
The climb up Trabuco was tough, but it's a good workout and definitely one of the most scenic routes the Santa Anas have. After grinding up for about 10 miles (form the bottom of the wash), we rested and refueled. I didn't really know what I was getting into, but I trusted that those who had done it before had faith enough in me or they wouldn't have included me.
I gotta say that it was cool seeing so many people (we had a group of 13 riders) able to ride this challenging trail. There were some skilled and strong riders out there! Definitely inspiring to see people ride down Can't See Bottom, and to watch as others would hammer up the climbs I was walking. :shock:
The hike-a-bikes weren't as bad as I thought they would be, but they took their toll nonetheless...I was beginning to hurt and cramp somewhere about half-way down Bell. I often think of myself as a fit rider, but this was a humbling experience and reminded me that I'm just a fella who likes to ride a bike.
Despite this, when I was able to get back on the bike in between hiking up or sliding down, it was a ton of fun.
Here are the pics I got. Hopefully others will add theirs.
This ride was an adventure to be sure - the right mindset and attitude seem to me to be just as important as skill, but I would not try this without full knowledge of how physically demanding it is. I'm glad I went, and I think I learned a few things about riding and about myself while out there. Thanks for including me on this outing Mike!
