Announcing a new Meetup for Southern California Mountain Bikers!

What: Mountain Biking in Sycamore Canyon - Beginner & Intermediate

When: Saturday, July 10, 2010 9:00 AM

Where:
Point Mugu State Park
9000 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
[masked]

It's short notice but we'll be doing some riding in one of the best mountain biking areas in Southern California this Saturday and both Intermediate and Beginners are welcome as we'll have two ride options, one for each category. I (Stein) will be leading the intermediate group and Danielle will lead the beginner group. We'll all ride together for part of the ride.

The Trails:
Sycamore Canyon in Pt. Mugu State Park has many trails, including great single tracks and fire roads for all ability levels. There is a fire road in the bottom of the canyon with many single track options leading into it, some easy and some more challenging. There are some great views up on the ridges of the canyon, including views of the Pacific Ocean.



The Plan:
We will meet in the oval parking lot (on the left just past the entrance of Pt Mugu State Park) with trees in the middle across from the bathrooms at 9 AM. Please be there by 9 as we'll discuss the plans and most will need 15-20 minutes to get ready. Then we'll start riding at 9:30 SHARP.

There are many options in this area but I have come up with 2 different routes based on technical difficulty and endurance etc. We'll 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 another 3 miles. From there we'll split up, one group doing some more challenging single track, while the other follow a paved road and some fun downhill fire road. I have maps of the different routes so you will not get lost.

After about 9 miles (total) we'll join up again and have some lunch together. Please bring some food, banana or sandwich etc. After lunch we'll hike-a-bike 3/4 mile up the (infamous) Hell Hill, or you can attempt to impress us all by riding up. This is the shortest/fastest way up to the ridge. From here we'll split up again, one group doing a great 2.5 mi single track descent into the canyon while the other do a fun 4.5 mi fire road descent along the ridge with fabulous views.

Distance:
Beginner: 15.3 mi, 20% single track, 70% fire road, 10% paved.
Intermed.: 17.7 mi, 40% single track, 60% fire road.

Time Required:
I expect about 4-5 hours or so riding time (including lunch).

Difficulty:
Fire roads, except for Hell Hill (hike-a-bike for most) are relatively easy with lower part of the canyon pretty flat. The roads further up the canyon are a little steeper. The single-track sections in the bottom of the canyon are pretty flat and easy, while the single-track portions down into the canyon from the ridges are a little more challenging and suitable for more experienced riders. Hybrids are not recommended on this ride.

Note:
Although the beginner ride option is beginner level, it is a fairly long ride for a beginner, and there are some moderate climbing involved, as well as, some downhill sections that may seem steep for some beginners (go slow). Therefore if you have never been on a mountain bike before and/or if your conditioning level is low, this may not be a good ride for you. Sycamore canyon may also get pretty hot during the summer. One good thing though is that since we are starting at the lowest elevation, if things gets too hard, just let the leader know and you can just ride an easy downhill back to the cars.

Video:
The following video shows clips from several of the trails we'll be riding. We won't be starting in the valley as in the video but from the beach.
Sample clips from trails in the Sycamore area

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 on Kanan Dume Rd to PCH and 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.

Parking:
You can either park along the road for free (watch the signs) or in the park for a fee $10.

Carpooling:
As this is a longer drive for most, I highly encourage carpooling if possible. Use the "Talk about..." section below to make arrangements.

---

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.MTBOutdoors.com/calendar/14025731/