Yepp, I am going back to Sycamore two weekends in a row. This area offers some of the best beginner rides in Southern California so I decided to use it for our next beginner ride. So if you are a beginner or have never mountain biked before, this is a great ride for you. No more excuses, get out there and give it a try. Borrow a friend's bike if you need to. You can even bring a hybrid for this ride. We'll take the time we need and nobody will be left behind.

The Plan:
We'll park at the Point Mugu State Park entrance in the southern end of the canyon by PCH and head up the fire road in the middle of the canyon for just over 3 miles. Then we'll do beginner level single track for about 1.5 miles. From there we'll follow a paved road higher up the canyon and up on a ridge with some great views. We'll take a break here and enjoy some snacks/lunch. From there we'll do a fun downhill down another section of the canyon on Wood Canyon fire road.

Distance:
13.6 mi, 10% single track, 65% fire road, 25% paved.

Time Required:
I expect about 3-4 hours or so riding time.

Difficulty:
We'll be riding easy fire roads and single tracks in the bottom of the canyon for the most part which are quite flat with a few "dips" now and then. The ride starts out very easy with very little incline. Higher up in the canyon the incline is a little steeper but still very moderate. The single track section is quite smooth for the most part and has no "technical" challenges. The most challenging part is the bottom of Wood Canyon fire road which has a couple steeper "dips" so you may opt to hike-a-bike those if you are a first timer. This is a longer beginner ride but much of this ride is quite flat and easy so it does not seem that long. Hybrids are ok for this ride but you'll need to be careful in a few places as you won't have as much traction.

Directions:
From Santa Monica: Take PCH north/west for 32 mi (47min) To Point Mugu State Park. If you get to the sand dunes, you just passed it.
From the valley: Head west/north on the 101 and exit on Kanan Rd. Head South to PCH, make a right and follow the same directions as above.
Click here for Google Directions.

Note: If you come from the valley, Google might tell you to take the 23 and has drawn this to be a major highway. This is incorrect. In reality it is a small windy road which takes "forever". Kanan Rd is the highway and by far the fastest way to PCH.

Parking:
You can either park along PCH road for free (but no longer near the park entrance) or in the park for a fee $12. We will gather in the oval parking lot with trees in the middle across from the bathrooms. Make a left as soon as you enter the park.

Carpooling:
As this is a longer drive for most and it costs a little to enter the park lets try to carpool as much as possible. Use the "Talk about.." below to find carpool partners.

IMPORTANT:
Mountain biking is an inherently risky sport, especially for those who tend to take chances. You can get hurt. As event organizers we assume absolutely no responsibility for you or your equipment. We are simply mountain biking "buddies", nothing more. If you choose to participate you assume all risk involved. Also, please adhere to the following:

• Always wear a helmet when mountain biking. This is mandatory, no exceptions.
  
• Make sure your bike is in good working condition, with the tires properly inflated and the chain lubricated prior to the ride.
  
• Protective pads, gloves etc are recommended on more technical rides.
  
• Know your limitations, and do not attempt what you are not comfortable with. Hike-a-bike is no shame.
  
• Bring at least one spare tube, sunscreen, energy bars/food and enough water. Hydration packs are encouraged.
  
• If you have two-way radios, toolkit, pump/co2, or first aid kit, bring them.
  
• Be familiar with and follow trail rules and etiquettes.