Background:
Before the Station Fire we used to ride the Muller Tunnel, Sunset, Upper/Middle Merrils and El Prieto. While most of those trails are still closed, we are exploring and focusing on a few trails that ARE open.

Overview:
Tuesday's meet us at the bottom of Chaney Trail @ 7AM. We will climb Chaney Trail to either: 1)Lower San Merrill cut-off (very close to Sunset, which is still closed) or 2) Middle San Merrill (closed at the moment) or 3) Idlehour Trail (closed at the moment).

To the uninitiated, Chaney Trail is a brutal climb. Even strong climbers are forced to their granny gear within the first mile. It doesn't let up until the road turns to dirt at the Lower San Merrill cut-off about 60 minutes later. But it is worth it. San Merrill and Idelehour Trails are single-track heaven. Descending these technical trails takes some skill. Hard tails and trail bikes will do the best, although all-mountain bikes will do fine. I do not recommend a downhill bike or a full face helmet. The descents are relatively slow due to their technical nature AND the proximity of hikers. That's right - hikers. We are courteous and give them the right-of-way every-time.

The conclusion of option 1 and 2 put you at the top of Lake street an easy coast to your vehicle at Loma Alta and Chaney Trail.

Option 3 puts you over by the Mt. Wilson Toll Road. Roughly Crescent and Pinecrest Drive (http://www.meetup.com.... Several options to return to your car. Ride Altadena Drive to Fair Oaks then right on Fair Oaks to Loma Alta then left to Chaney Trail. If you are a purest take the Altacrest Trail back to the Cobb Estate, then further west behind all the houses to Chaney Trail then Chaney Trail back to your car.

Usually we just do option 1 but as we get faster or leave earlier options 2 and 3 are possibles. Since starting at the bottom of Chaney Trail does not afford any warmup before hitting the granny gear. You can park your car at my house and ride the 3/4 mile warm-up. We leave SCOA HQ at 6:40 sharp.

The Plan:
Ride up Chaney Trail to We will climb Chaney Trail to either: 1)Lower San Merrill cut-off (very close to Sunset, which is still closed) or 2) Middle San Merrill or 3) Idlehour Trail.

We start at 7:05 sharp or when the last person of the RSVPers shows which ever is earliest.

Difficulty:
The rides as they are defined are for Intermediate to Advanced riders. Even at slow speeds, if you ride something you wish you had walked, the consequences are likely to be painful. Still, strong beginners are welcome to ride with us to the trail heads (the uphill) but should return the way we came Chaney Trail.

Directions:
Mr. Google does a petty good job of getting you to Chaney Trail at Loma Alta. If you want to meet at SCOA HQ drop me a line [masked].

• Always wear a helmet when mountain biking. This is mandatory, no exceptions.
  
• 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 radios, toolkit, pump/co2, or first aid kit, bring them.
  
• Be familiar with and follow trail rules and etiquette.