I Rode My Bike Today...

It looked like a break in the weather for a couple hours this morning, so I threw the single speed on the tailgate and headed to JPL. I was lazy and didn't feel like doing the hamster spin on the flat pavement. :oops: The dirt was damp all the way up and down, but never so wet that anything stuck to the tires. The moisture in the air and on the brush was a welcome change. All of the colors were popping, and the air smelled different... :inlove:

Mellow 6.5 mile spin to the top, passing a few groups here and there. There were also quite a few trail runners coming down... I took a few minutes at the Ken Burton saddle, and debated which way to go... The traffic didn't seem heavy, so I opted for a return down Brown and El Prieto. I didn't even slow down at the bench, and rolled right into Fern. There were a few guys on big bikes who looked ready to go, but I know how that goes on the weekends.

Hikers, runners, and a couple groups of riders here and there all the way to the bottom of EL Prieto... Still fun as always. :thumbsup:

13.6/2100

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Aliso & Wood Canyons this morning. It was overcast when I parked, but the sun came out as soon as I hit Cheater Cholla, of course. :Roflmao
Lynx, up Cholla, RockIt, over to and up Mathis to Top of the World and then over to Meadows. That was enough for me today.

The humidity was brutal, I wrung my gloves and shirt out at TOW. There were a grip of eBikes at the picnic tables who let out a collective "oh Sh!t" when a sheriff search and rescue rolled up and parked.... but the sheriff did not say anything to them and even had his Explorer pass out water. o_O All told, I probably saw 30 eBikes today ... they have clearly taken over.

The dirt was great, no mud except for some easily avoidable spots on the lower fire road. :thumbsup:

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Woke up early today and chose El Moro. Even at 6.30 am start it was 73 and quite humid. The trail closure signs from yesterday were still up and they were just getting removed (that had not stopped people from going on the trails yesterday, by the looks of it mainly hikers who cannot read or who are just selfish or both). Dropped down to the ocean and then up I think i can to Fenceline. Finally not that sandy anymore after the rain. Dropped down Elevator and up Slow n Easy. Chatted up with a rider from Ventura who was checking out the park for the Xterra race taking place in 2 week. Then Ticketron where i bumped into a class of about 30 children running. It was very sweet to see. They were as young as 6, pretty awesome. It was called OC Grit or something. Then quite a few more hikers but the bell helps. Then back to the top. By that time 2 heli’s, 3 fire engines and 1 ambulance had come and probably rescue the riders that had gone down the off menu trails off Red Tail Ridge (that have been roped off repeatedly, including by volunteers, and with a dozen signs… sigh). i saw them earlier on the top of the rocks checking out the “trail”. The helicopter was circling right there. Anyway, whoever it is, I hope they are ok.

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SingleTrackJB said:
Woke up early today and chose El Moro. Even at 6.30 am start it was 73 and quite humid. The trail closure signs from yesterday were still up and they were just getting removed (that had not stopped people from going on the trails yesterday, by the looks of it mainly hikers who cannot read or who are just selfish or both). Dropped down to the ocean and then up I think i can to Fenceline. Finally not that sandy anymore after the rain. Dropped down Elevator and up Slow n Easy. Chatted up with a rider from Ventura who was checking out the park for the Xterra race taking place in 2 week. Then Ticketron where i bumped into a class of about 30 children running. It was very sweet to see. They were as young as 6, pretty awesome. It was called OC Grit or something. Then quite a few more hikers but the bell helps. Then back to the top. By that time 2 heli’s, 3 fire engines and 1 ambulance had come and probably rescue the riders that had gone down the off menu trails off Red Tail Ridge (that have been roped off repeatedly, including by volunteers, and with a dozen signs… sigh). i saw them earlier on the top of the rocks checking out the “trail”. The helicopter was circling right there. Anyway, whoever it is, I hope they are ok.

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Ooof - well YouTube and STRAVA (and more importantly, the asshats who post on there) have done their part to lure lesser skilled riders in large numbers ot the off-menu trails of LCWP and Aliso. Not saying you can't get hurt on any old trail like Rock-It, just saying there are more "bros" out there proving themselves and sharing their heroics with others. I hope he/she/they are only mildly injured.
 
Got up 6 today and it was 75 and humid, but cloudy. Dithered for a bit wetehr to ride or not, but dangit wanted to ride on my birthday and the dirt should be good. Parked at top of the world, over to mentally sensitive, nice tacky dirt. Pedaling back along woods canyon I was like, its not too bad and im feeling ok, one more loop. That was a mistake. Halfway to five oaks the sun came out and although temp was only 82, with the high humidity and sun on me and hardly any sleep for the last 10 days because of the hot nights, I was dying. Felt shaky down 5 oaks and hit the a wall heading back, had to walk half of cholla and last hill to totw. Other riders were doing the same, haha. Headache and some nausea rest of day. I guess just cannot deal with this high humidity. or super sleep deprived. Or getting old. Or just having a bad day, it happens, right? Not riding again till this weather breaks. Bring on the colder weather, I thrive in that ! For some reason I have no problem running in the heat. Probably because Im done in less than an hour
 
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Got to the intersection of Blackstar and Silverado Canyon Roads. On the left B*, which was nice and sunny. On the right Maple Springs, enveloped with dark clouds. Had to choose MS cause the sign said " Gate Closed. " On the way there it started to sprinkle lightly. When I got there and was getting ready to go it raining a bunch.
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On the other side of the gate it was hammer time with some thunder and lightning and thunder thrown into the mix. Was thinking about making this the shortest Maple Springs ride ever, being under prepared as I was for the occasion.
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Took shelter a tree for a little bit and decided to pay the price and keep going. Made it up the pavement ( saw a salamander ) to the big rock at the and hooked up the lights. Ahead lay the promised conditioned dirt for which I had braved the weather to sample a taste of ( figuratively speaking .) I was not disappointed. Good stuff, not muddy. Went to the 1st guardrail and it stopped raining. It was dark and starting to get cold, I was soaking wet and the bike had a small mech. issue so turned around. Victory in quality if not quantity. 7.09 /1,346 :thumbsup:
 
sir crashalot said:
Got up 6 today and it was 75 and humid, but cloudy. Dithered for a bit wetehr to ride or not, but dangit wanted to ride on my birthday and the dirt should be good. Parked at top of the world, over to mentally sensitive, nice tacky dirt. Pedaling back along woods canyon I was like, its not too bad and im feeling ok, one more loop. That was a mistake. Halfway to five oaks the sun came out and although temp was only 82, with the high humidity and sun on me and hardly any sleep for the last 10 days because of the hot nights, I was dying. Felt shaky down 5 oaks and hit the a wall heading back, had to walk half of cholla and last hill to totw. Other riders were doing the same, haha. Headache and some nausea rest of day. I guess just cannot deal with this high humidity. or super sleep deprived. Or getting old. Or just having a bad day, it happens, right? Not riding again till this weather breaks. Bring on the colder weather, I thrive in that ! For some reason I have no problem running in the heat. Probably because Im done in less than an hour
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Happy Birfday Bruv!

Sorry to hear about the misery you are currently experiencing. May it pass soon and see you return to your joyous, exuberant self!
 
sir crashalot said:
Got up 6 today and it was 75 and humid, but cloudy. Dithered for a bit wetehr to ride or not, but dangit wanted to ride on my birthday and the dirt should be good. Parked at top of the world, over to mentally sensitive, nice tacky dirt. Pedaling back along woods canyon I was like, its not too bad and im feeling ok, one more loop. That was a mistake. Halfway to five oaks the sun came out and although temp was only 82, with the high humidity and sun on me and hardly any sleep for the last 10 days because of the hot nights, I was dying. Felt shaky down 5 oaks and hit the a wall heading back, had to walk half of cholla and last hill to totw. Other riders were doing the same, haha. Headache and some nausea rest of day. I guess just cannot deal with this high humidity. or super sleep deprived. Or getting old. Or just having a bad day, it happens, right? Not riding again till this weather breaks. Bring on the colder weather, I thrive in that ! For some reason I have no problem running in the heat. Probably because Im done in less than an hour
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Happy Birthday ride
 
Looks like I was not the only one in the soup today. Greerin it today with Frank, Dave, Jason and Sean. Got me some Insidious today. Some techy stuff!
I too was up at 6 to the trail early to beat the heat . As I drove up I could see that everything was in a soaked state. They had gotten .4 in of rain last night. Thought it was going to be a little sketchy but was mostly good. I did beat the heat somewhat but the humidity in 2 specific spots was suffocating! I swear I was not getting any air in the valleys at Greer. I had never experienced that before. Not something I need to do over. The good thing is there was no one but us out there. Picked up my fork and shock from Fluid Focus after a rebuild and a drop in oil weight . Much smoother in the chunk. and used a bit more travel. Just what I was looking for. Interestingly Johnny said the bushings in the Zeb were too tight and binding. They opened them up a bit along with the service. Bike felt even better than before!
11.67 felt like 25 and 1457 elev.

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sir crashalot said:
Got up 6 today and it was 75 and humid, but cloudy. Dithered for a bit wetehr to ride or not, but dangit wanted to ride on my birthday and the dirt should be good. Parked at top of the world, over to mentally sensitive, nice tacky dirt. Pedaling back along woods canyon I was like, its not too bad and im feeling ok, one more loop. That was a mistake. Halfway to five oaks the sun came out and although temp was only 82, with the high humidity and sun on me and hardly any sleep for the last 10 days because of the hot nights, I was dying. Felt shaky down 5 oaks and hit the a wall heading back, had to walk half of cholla and last hill to totw. Other riders were doing the same, haha. Headache and some nausea rest of day. I guess just cannot deal with this high humidity. or super sleep deprived. Or getting old. Or just having a bad day, it happens, right? Not riding again till this weather breaks. Bring on the colder weather, I thrive in that ! For some reason I have no problem running in the heat. Probably because Im done in less than an hour
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Happy Birthday from SoCan!
 
I didn't ride Saturday....too muggy and my shoulder was a little angry.

I did get out last night. I went down to the coast, figured it had to be cooler down there.

Yes / No......

It was a little cooler, but it was just as humid. Shoulder still wasn't happy, so I just kept it to a XC ride.

Down No Dogs, down Poles, up ITIC up to Missing Link. Down Missing Link, then went down Elevator and up Slow N Easy back to FenceLine. Just as I got to the end of FenceLine, it started to rain. Time to call it a day. It got a little heavier as I made my way back to RidgePark. At least at that point the temps had finally cooled down.

Good news is I cleaned all the climbs on the SS, didn't really stop at all. Finished the ride and didn't feel like garbage.

Glad I got out.

10.5 / 1800’


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Something different today... Spin through the Arroyo, behind the JPL fence, roadie through La Canada, and on to some fun at Cherry Canyon. Well, it started as all fun and games. Then I went ass over tea kettle on the little off-menu trail near the towers. I've been down it several times, but this was the first time with a man eating rut down the steep part. Thankfully, there was a nice soft bush to cushion the landing. :Roflmao I think I bent my Wahoo mount, but escaped unscathed otherwise.

25.5/3005

End of the line...
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Baby Exposure on the Soccer Mom trail, otherwise known as the Catalina-Verdugo Trail. Soccer and Baseball fields below.
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Weekday spin up to Black Star doppler. There are only a couple of 6 foot long water filled tire trenches after the rain. The rain made the road more firm and packed down the loose marbles quite a bit. Last week I was unable to make a lefthand turn at speed and ended up in a trench. Thought I was going down. At the last moment I yanked on the bars and didn't eat it. Today a bit slower and safer ride. Looking at the trench today doesn't seem like much but it did at the time. 18 mi/ 2,500

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Santiago Oaks ride this morning. Great temps ... it was nice and cool with a slight breeze for most of the ride. Still super humid, but the breeze helped.

Barham, Fenceline & Yucca twice each, Peralta, Grasshopper, Ridgeline & Puma for the fun stuff. I did three drops at the Flag and then three runs on the little jump line out back.

Not too many other people out, and I saw only one eBike and one reasonably spectacular young woman jogging. :cool:

Someone continues to sanitize the rocky fun parts of Peralta. Lots of little jumps popping up on various trails too ... I am sure our resident Trail Smoother will destroy all of those soon enough for his spandexy hardtail crowd. :Roflmao

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I rode my bike today......if yesterday was today.

Decided that I'd give the Luge a try and see how the shoulder would react. Much cooler temps than we have been experiencing made it so nice....especially in the shade.

I hadn't been on the Luge since the beginning of Feb.

Parked at Ridgeline and headed up Modjeska Grade and STT first. The climb wasn't fast, but I didn't have to stop, and I wasn't riding an ebike. I still don't get it....I saw 3 ebike bros. leave their cars geared up like they were going for a 3 hr ride based on how big their packs were. Yes, they dropped me like no tomorrow. By the time I finished the Luge loop, they were packing up the car and heading out. I mean I was :57 minutes for the loop.....why even bother loading up the car/bike, driving to a ride, then spending less than :45 mins doing it.....makes no sense.

Anyway, got to the Luge and had the trail to myself. I dropped in like I always do...perhaps a bit too quick. The first chunky bits were a bit of a shock. Farther down I'd start to feel the lack of strength, and my shoulder wasn't very happy. I made it down, and it wasn't pretty.

Back up Santiago Canyon Rd I entered Whiting at 4 Corners. 3 riders dropped into Cactus just in front of me, so I just followed. Last rider started off fast, then got slower and slower....he eventually let me go by. Down Sage Scrub....man it's pretty beat up. Serrano Cow, Live Oak.....typical. Roadie back over to entrance of Whiting. Just cruised up Borrego. Seeems like some work was recently done here. Up to Cattle Pond, still not a fan of the trail work here.

Once again up Mustard the wheels kind fell off. Shoulder was not happy, so I didn't have the strength to pull stand and pull on the bars, thus I sit and grind out the climb which burns up the legs. Had to take a breather about 2/3rds up. Made it to 4 Corners then OAB up to the top.

At least I did something different and I got out.

17.5 / 2600'
 
Stkx66 said:
Weekday spin up to Black Star doppler. There are only a couple of 6 foot long water filled tire trenches after the rain. The rain made the road more firm and packed down the loose marbles quite a bit. Last week I was unable to make a lefthand turn at speed and ended up in a trench. Thought I was going down. At the last moment I yanked on the bars and didn't eat it. Today a bit slower and safer ride. Looking at the trench today doesn't seem like much but it did at the time. 18 mi/ 2,500

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I know the left and the trench… I pointed it out last week to @Lost Kiwi as “the turn I’ve either blown or slid through the most coming down.” :laugh:
 
mtnbikej said:
I rode my bike today......if yesterday was today.

Decided that I'd give the Luge a try and see how the shoulder would react. Much cooler temps than we have been experiencing made it so nice....especially in the shade.

I hadn't been on the Luge since the beginning of Feb.

Parked at Ridgeline and headed up Modjeska Grade and STT first. The climb wasn't fast, but I didn't have to stop, and I wasn't riding an ebike. I still don't get it....I saw 3 ebike bros. leave their cars geared up like they were going for a 3 hr ride based on how big their packs were. Yes, they dropped me like no tomorrow. By the time I finished the Luge loop, they were packing up the car and heading out. I mean I was :57 minutes for the loop.....why even bother loading up the car/bike, driving to a ride, then spending less than :45 mins doing it.....makes no sense.

Anyway, got to the Luge and had the trail to myself. I dropped in like I always do...perhaps a bit too quick. The first chunky bits were a bit of a shock. Farther down I'd start to feel the lack of strength, and my shoulder wasn't very happy. I made it down, and it wasn't pretty.

Back up Santiago Canyon Rd I entered Whiting at 4 Corners. 3 riders dropped into Cactus just in front of me, so I just followed. Last rider started off fast, then got slower and slower....he eventually let me go by. Down Sage Scrub....man it's pretty beat up. Serrano Cow, Live Oak.....typical. Roadie back over to entrance of Whiting. Just cruised up Borrego. Seeems like some work was recently done here. Up to Cattle Pond, still not a fan of the trail work here.

Once again up Mustard the wheels kind fell off. Shoulder was not happy, so I didn't have the strength to pull stand and pull on the bars, thus I sit and grind out the climb which burns up the legs. Had to take a breather about 2/3rds up. Made it to 4 Corners then OAB up to the top.

At least I did something different and I got out.

17.5 / 2600'
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It’s still progress! If you’re starting to think you’re ready for bumps, that’s a world better than a few weeks ago…:thumbsup:
 
Looks respectable to me! Keep pedalin Jay.

mtnbikej said:
I rode my bike today......if yesterday was today.

Decided that I'd give the Luge a try and see how the shoulder would react. Much cooler temps than we have been experiencing made it so nice....especially in the shade.

I hadn't been on the Luge since the beginning of Feb.

Parked at Ridgeline and headed up Modjeska Grade and STT first. The climb wasn't fast, but I didn't have to stop, and I wasn't riding an ebike. I still don't get it....I saw 3 ebike bros. leave their cars geared up like they were going for a 3 hr ride based on how big their packs were. Yes, they dropped me like no tomorrow. By the time I finished the Luge loop, they were packing up the car and heading out. I mean I was :57 minutes for the loop.....why even bother loading up the car/bike, driving to a ride, then spending less than :45 mins doing it.....makes no sense.

Anyway, got to the Luge and had the trail to myself. I dropped in like I always do...perhaps a bit too quick. The first chunky bits were a bit of a shock. Farther down I'd start to feel the lack of strength, and my shoulder wasn't very happy. I made it down, and it wasn't pretty.

Back up Santiago Canyon Rd I entered Whiting at 4 Corners. 3 riders dropped into Cactus just in front of me, so I just followed. Last rider started off fast, then got slower and slower....he eventually let me go by. Down Sage Scrub....man it's pretty beat up. Serrano Cow, Live Oak.....typical. Roadie back over to entrance of Whiting. Just cruised up Borrego. Seeems like some work was recently done here. Up to Cattle Pond, still not a fan of the trail work here.

Once again up Mustard the wheels kind fell off. Shoulder was not happy, so I didn't have the strength to pull stand and pull on the bars, thus I sit and grind out the climb which burns up the legs. Had to take a breather about 2/3rds up. Made it to 4 Corners then OAB up to the top.

At least I did something different and I got out.

17.5 / 2600'
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mtnbikej said:
I rode my bike today......if yesterday was today.

Decided that I'd give the Luge a try and see how the shoulder would react. Much cooler temps than we have been experiencing made it so nice....especially in the shade.

I hadn't been on the Luge since the beginning of Feb.

Parked at Ridgeline and headed up Modjeska Grade and STT first. The climb wasn't fast, but I didn't have to stop, and I wasn't riding an ebike. I still don't get it....I saw 3 ebike bros. leave their cars geared up like they were going for a 3 hr ride based on how big their packs were. Yes, they dropped me like no tomorrow. By the time I finished the Luge loop, they were packing up the car and heading out. I mean I was :57 minutes for the loop.....why even bother loading up the car/bike, driving to a ride, then spending less than :45 mins doing it.....makes no sense.

Anyway, got to the Luge and had the trail to myself. I dropped in like I always do...perhaps a bit too quick. The first chunky bits were a bit of a shock. Farther down I'd start to feel the lack of strength, and my shoulder wasn't very happy. I made it down, and it wasn't pretty.

Back up Santiago Canyon Rd I entered Whiting at 4 Corners. 3 riders dropped into Cactus just in front of me, so I just followed. Last rider started off fast, then got slower and slower....he eventually let me go by. Down Sage Scrub....man it's pretty beat up. Serrano Cow, Live Oak.....typical. Roadie back over to entrance of Whiting. Just cruised up Borrego. Seeems like some work was recently done here. Up to Cattle Pond, still not a fan of the trail work here.

Once again up Mustard the wheels kind fell off. Shoulder was not happy, so I didn't have the strength to pull stand and pull on the bars, thus I sit and grind out the climb which burns up the legs. Had to take a breather about 2/3rds up. Made it to 4 Corners then OAB up to the top.

At least I did something different and I got out.

17.5 / 2600'
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That which doesn't kill you...

Glad you were able to hang onto the bars all the way!
 
After 31 days of not riding in the 100° + days, I finally hit the trails after work yesterday and did the flatlands on the Beast.
One word can describe it......oooofh.
It hurt during the ride, but not today.
Slow and easy was the theme for the ride.

16/ 750'/2hrs
 
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