"Announcing a new Meetup for Southern California Mountain Bikers! ... MoreWhat: Beginner mountain biking - Topanga State Park to Parker Mesa Overlook When: Saturday, March 13, 2010 10:00 AM Where: Topanga State Park 20776 Lower Azusa Rd Trippet Ranch Topanga, CA 90290 [masked] Finally a weekend with no rain so time to get back out riding. It will be sunny all week so hopefully the trails will have dried up a bit. This will be my first organized ride in the new year so I figured it would be appropriate to start out with a beginner ride. This is a great one, an out-and-back ride along a ridge with amazing views the whole time. The Plan: We'll start in Topanga State Park and proceed along the ridge on E. Topanga Fire Rd. towards the ocean to Parker Mesa Overlook. We'll take a little break there and have some snacks etc. while enjoying the great view. From there we'll head back the same way we came. The Trail & Difficulty: This will be a relatively easy and short fire road ride with only a few moderate hills and with great views. Parker Mesa Overlook is at about the same elevation as the start, maybe a little higher, even though it may not look that way in the picture. There is not a large amount of elevation gain or loss throughout the ride, just a few ups and downs. It should be a good ride for beginners/first timers. A hybrid bike should be ok, although you'll need to take it slow in a couple of sections. There are also a couple of sandy spots where a hybrid won't have enough traction so you'll need to hike-a-bike those. We'll take the time we need and nobody will be left behind. Distance: 6.6 miles - fire road. Time Required: I expect about 2-3 hours or so (riding time). Experienced Rider Option: This is too short of a ride for me so after the beginner ride, I will go for another ride in the opposite direction on E. Topanga Fire Rd and do the Eagle Rock loop. Those of you with energy to spare are welcome to join me. Eagle Rock is a hidden gem in the Santa Monica mountains with amazing views. This will add another 5.3 miles to the ride to make it about 12 miles total. This is mostly a fire road ride except for a little more technical section down from Eagle Rock. This ride has quite a bit of climbing so it makes for a great workout. It may not be suitable for a beginner unless you're well conditioned already. Hybrid bikes are not recommended on this ride. Directions: From the 101 in the Valley: Get off at Topanga Canyon Blvd. going south and make a sharp left on Entrada Rd. (If you reach Old Topanga Canyon Rd. you’ve gone too far). Continue up Entrada Rd. a bit and make a left on Lower Azusa Rd and drive into the park. From the PCH: Turn north on Topanga Canyon Bl and make a right on Entrada Rd. just past Old Topanga Canyon Rd. Continue up Entrada Rd. a bit and make a left on Lower Azusa Rd and drive into the park. Click here for Google directions. Parking: We will meet at the far end of the parking lot inside the park. There is a fee of about $8 (I think) if you park inside the park. You can also just park outside and ride in. NOTE: Please be considerate to your fellow riders and be there early so you can be ready to ride at 10. Make a note of my phone number (above) and call me if you signed up but is not coming or running late. 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. Learn more here: http://www.MTBOutdoor... "