Southern California Mountain Bikers

August 13, 2010 8:00 AM - 5 attended

Cannel plunge - Friday August 13 w/Luis

Cannell Trail (map)

Selected By: Chris Ashford

45 photos of this Meetup

Uploaded by: Paul Sylvester

Note: From the moderator, the Cannell Trail is an epic ride that when executed properly is something you will not soon forget. With that said, you need to come prepared: get plenty of rest the night before, eat before, during and after the ride, hydration is key and orientation is critical too. I (Chris Ashford) have been on too many adventures where people have relied only on the GPS. Last week people needed rescue from the mountain - dehydrated and lost they were pretty desperate.

Look so what am I saying: don't show up to this unprepared - it will hurt you if you do.

Here is a GPS track - http://connect.garmin...

Paul Sylvester
You need to be sure and find the water at Big Meadow. Otherwise it will be very difficult to carry enough for the entire ride. The first half of the Plunge is very soft decomposed granite. A big tire in the front with big knobs will make life a lot easier. Carry some extra tubes even if you have tubeless tire (what happens if you cut one?) There are some very rocky descents on this trail (max fun) but they can be very hard on tires. I've taken to wearing shin and elbow pads on the descents.

Posted August 12, 2010 at 9:06 AM
Paul Sylvester
You must plan ahead on this ride. You need food, hydration, good bike handling skills, a good bike, spare tubes (2 preferably), chain tool, spare chain link, I even carry a derailer because you can't make a single speed out of a full suspension bike. Bring some common sense and leave cockiness at home. The Cannell will kick it out of you.

Posted August 12, 2010 at 9:12 AM
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5 attended

5.002 (2 ratings)

Event Host

Luis

The ride wae EPIC. It took us around 6 1/2 hours from the top. Everybody had a great time.
Paul Sylvester

As always the Cannell offered up some great riding and some surprises to those that hadn't ridden it before. Muscle cramps can be a problem on this ride, even to those people who don't normally cramp. Three in the group suffered a little but since I had my "cramp juice" with mewe were able to keep them under control. The day was cool and clear and the bottom temps were mild for this time of the year.