Announcing a new Meetup for Southern California Mountain Bikers!

What: Chantry Flats to Mt Zion

When: Saturday, March 6, 2010 9:00 AM

Where:
Chantry Flats Access Road
Arno Dr and Santa Anita Ave
Sierra Madre, CA 91024

Due to the technical nature of this trail, steep climbs and strenuous hike a bike sections, big bikes are not advised nor would they help you much on the way down.

Check out the photos from our last trip here:
http://photos.3fbc.com/20091219_Chantry_Flats_to_Mt_Zion/

We'll start this ride at Chantry Flats (that's the top of the road noted in the directions). We have two options on the climbs:

Interactive Ride Map:
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/-sierra-madre/843126127666983561

TOPO Map
http://topos.3fbc.com/chantry-flats-to-mt-zion-clockwise.JPG

From Chanty flats, your first two miles of climbing up a tight switchback are rideable but slightly challenging. You'll have to watch out for protuding rocks and roots on your left while focusing on not falling down steep embankments on your right most of the time. Error margin is about zero on this part of the trail and the penalty for failure is severe.

After the first 2 miles, we have a little fun dropping into a canyon for the next 1/2 mile, and then soon after we begin our hike-a-bike section: a solid and very steep mile or so switch back hike up to the Mt. Zion.

From Mt. Zion, you'll be pleased to know that the rest of the trip except for the climb out at the end on pavement is ALL downhill. However, this 3 mile section of bliss is combined with many rocky sections that will require your focus on the trail. You are almost certain to get wet in this area.

Once at the 8 mile mark, we begin a short climb up a steep paved road to get back to the cars (about a half mile).

Don't let the mileage fool you. This will be some of the most challenging climbing you've ever done if you're accustomed to fire roads. The terrain in the San Gabriel mountains is far more difficult. We're going to be doing quite a quite a bit of hike a bike stuff, so be patient with us slow guys!

Warning: If you are afraid of heights, sharp rocks, steep climbs, sheer drop offs, gnarly and rocky water crossings, hikers, horses, and/or God, this probably isn't the ride for you. Embrace your fears and you should be fine, but there is no guarantee. You might become seriously injured or die on this ride. It all depends upon your own bike handling skills and speed. We are NOT responsible for you safety, but we will be there with you the whole way to guide you through this adventure and call for a rescue helicopter if needed.

Overall stats if parking at Chantry:
Mileage: Approx. 9 miles.
Climbing: Approx. 2300'
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced, Strenuous Technical Climbing and Technical Descents
Time: Approx 3 hours or more with breaks

Radios: If you have one, bring it. We're on channel 7/7.

A forest adventure pass is required to park at Chantry Flats. If you decide to wait until you get there to buy one, be advised, they are double the price at Chantry ($10).

Learn more here:
http://www.MTBOutdoors.com/calendar/12691227/