Announcing a new Meetup for Southern California Mountain Bikers!

What: Backbone to Will Rogers State Park from Upper Pacific Palisades

When: Saturday, March 20, 2010 9:00 AM

Where:
Will Rogers State Historic Park
1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
[masked]

Join me for a great ride on what is considered by many to be the best single track trail in the Santa Monica Mountains - the Lower Backbone trail between Will Rogers State Park and Temescal Fire Road. We'll use the car-shuttle method to make this mostly a downhill ride as we start at a much higher elevation than where we end the ride.

The Plan:
We'll all meet at Will Rogers State Park (before the entrance) at 9 AM. We'll leave about half the cars there, and then we'll all drive up to the upper Palisades in the remaining cars loaded with some extra bikes and people and start from there. We'll meet up with the Temescal Canyon Fire Rd after a short climb and take it up to Hub Junction. From there well do the Eagle Rock loop back to Hub Junction. At Eagle Rook we'll take a little break, enjoy the view and have some snacks. From Hub Junction head back the way we came just about 1/2 mile and then go down the Backbone trail just over 6 miles back to Will Rogers State Park.

I am a big advocate of carpooling but for this ride we'll need many cars as we have to make sure we can fit everyone including bikes in each half of them. If you have bike racks, bring em. Trucks are especially welcome.

Depending on the skill level of the participants we may decide to split the group in two, a fast group and a slow group so that the fast group does not need to wait so much. In that case we need to make sure that we put the fast people and the slow people in different cars.

Distance:
15 miles - about 45% single-track and 55% fire road.

Time Required:
I expect about 3-4 hours or so.

Difficulty:
I will classify this ride as "intermediate" and not suitable for beginners. The trail is not that technical for the most part but does have a few more technical sections. It may also be more rutted than usual due to recent rain. The first part of the ride will consist of some climbing so this will be a good workout. Also, most of it will be on fire road with few technical challenges. If you are unsure if this is a good ride for you feel free to contact me.

Please Note:
The Backbone trail is very popular with hikers so we need to be extra careful going around corners etc. and courteous, especially as we get closer to Will Rogers State Park. This is a treasure in terms of riding that we can't afford to lose.

Directions:
From Santa Monica: Take PCH north and turn right on Chautauqua Blvd. and go up to Sunset Blvd and turn right. Will Rogers State Park Rd will be on your left about 1/2 mile up or so.
From 405: Get off at Sunset Blvd. and head west. Will Rogers State Park Rd will be on your right a few miles down.
Click here for Google Directions

Parking and Fee:
Half of the cars will need to be parked inside the Will Rogers park. This means that those not parking there will split the $10 fee with those who do, so it should be $5 per person.

NOTE:
Please be considerate of your fellow riders and be there early. Make a note of my phone number (above) and call me if you signed up but you can't make it or you are running late.

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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/12879412/