Hi All,

I joined the group a while back looking to ride more often. I live in Valencia and used to ride Mt. Pinos (shuttle up and ride down hill). I am kind of slow and want to bike with people a bit better than me to gain some skills and conquer my fear of steep and narrow single tracks. I also want to learn jumps, etc. So far, the meetups are pretty far, usually on weeknights, and not at my skill level. I can only ride weekends and don't want to slow down the good/expert riders. Just wondering if any members are at my skill level who are available/interested in riding on the weekend, and know of some local/nearby trails that are not too difficult.

Thanks,
Mandy

Hi, Mandy,

I was very happy to see your note above! I had gotten up to beginning intermediate level, doing some simple single track, some extended uphill (tho not super steep), all on dirt Mulholland in the Santa Monica mtns., before going out of town for 3 weeks in August. The friends I'd been riding with, who are training for an off-road triathlon, zoomed WAY further ahead of me in skill while I was gone and I've been looking for someone at my level. At this point, I haven't been on my bike for a few weeks (tho I have been running and swimming), so I think my conditioning etc is probably way down. I plan on getting on my bike this week to do some stuff I can safely do alone (Balboa Park trails). I live in Sherman Oaks. Wondering if you might like to try to set something up soon? I like early-ish morning on weekends cuz of the heat, maybe starting to ride no later than 8:30ish while it's still this type of weather, how about you? I'd be open to meeting at some half-way trail (tho i don't know enough to know of one) or perhaps come to your area if you know a good trail there.

Best regards,
Debra

Hi Ladies,

I'm thinking I would be intermediate, but that is strictly based on the fact that I used to ride singletrack at night. Training for a half-Ironman derailed my time spent in the mountain biking saddle this past year, but I just bought a very nice MTB that I am convinced is going to make me a better rider. ;)

Anyways, most all fireroads are beginner-friendly. These include Sycamore Canyon (Pt Mugu Park) and Chesboro Canyon. In Pt Mugu, there's a fun little roller coaster-y singletrack trail called Two Foxes that parallels the fireroad in the canyon. At Chesboro, there's a fireroad (not as wide as your regular fireroad) with singletrack offshoots in Calabasas. Also, there is a trail (I think it's called) Porter Ranch/Lime Kiln Canyon, a single track trail that parallels a well-trafficked road, but there are a few steep little hills. I suggest checking those out during the day, vs at night to get your bearings. There's also Westridge fireroad that starts in SM and meets up with dirt Mulholland, which then meets up with other fireroads in the Valley, like Caballero in Reseda. There are also other singletrack offshoots for when you get more confident with your skills.

With any sections you don't feel comfortable riding up/down, just walk it. No shame in doing that. I also strongly suggest having a buddy, no matter where you go. I saw a rattlesnake on the trail while running today.

I hope to start riding again soon (I brought my MTB to Cheseboro today, with intentions of riding after my trail run) but it was too hot.

I'll be riding again after Nov 6 - training for the NIKE Women's marathon + NYC marathons!

Thanks for all of the great info and support, Carita, and best wishes on your upcoming events. Mandy Lee, I just sent a message to a gal on So Cal Bikes and Boards who had said she was in the same position skill and interest-wise as we seem to be. Any interest in doing an advanced beginner type ride on Saturday morning Oct 15? I sent that idea to this other gal just now as well. Let me know, thanks, Debra

I could be up for a ride on Saturday Oct. 15 if it were up this way in the area of Santa Clarita or near-abouts; and could offer tips and trips. I've been mountain bike riding for over 20 years.

In fact, if you wanted to meet here where I live, I have some great trails right from my house mixing single track which is doable for beginners at your own pace and not far away -you'd be within 5 miles from my house. I live against an area of the Los Angeles Forest, Texas Canyon (Agua Dulce, near Rowher Flats dirt riding area).

Let me know if you'd want me to host.

Also, Peter one of the organizers can help with teaching jumps, tricks and techniques -he's got a track. There might be a fee but it could be worth it to exercise skills there. He's very nice and very patient.
Hopefully Peter can advertise this... :)

Hi, LC,

The Agua Dulce area sounds good but don't know that I can go that far on Oct 15 because I have a commitment late afternoon.

I would certainly be ok for coming to Santa Clarita. How about you, Mandy Lee? I haven't heard back yet from the other gal in the other mountain biking group. If it's ok with you, perhaps when we have a plan, I'll let her know too, so we might have a fun little group that day.

LC, what time would you like to meet and where, on the 15th? I'd have no problem with something like, say, 8:30 am, for example.

Thanks very much,

DeeDee

The hard part is getting a group together since this discussion board doesn't exactly reach people well enough to get people's attention.
What area are you thinking of riding in Santa Clarita? Agua Dulce is considered part of Santa Clarita -just FYI. Takes 30 minutes to get here from Burbank, for example.

I'd be up for 9 or 10 AM start time. I'm not the early morning exerciser type; I tend to be on my computer in the AM. Any start time that's late mornings and the rest of the day work great. :)

Maybe we should ask Chris or Peter to post a meetup for us, once we have the trail and time figured out???

I'd like to come out, but unsure if I can make it until after Marathon 2, Nov 6.

I'd certainly join you for future outings! I like new trails!

Hi LC,

I think I must have confused Agua Dulce with Acton! Sooo, your area you described sounds great, as does having the leaders post it. How about 9/930 on the 15th? I'm just concerned re if the weather gets warm again by then. I'd love to get some uphill practice as part of all we do that morning and I find my muscle and cardio endurance is markedly lowerthe more above 70/75 the temp is (even with specialized electrolyte hydration supplementation).

Hello all... i am so glad i got to this thread... i have been riding DH for two to three months now... i usually ride with a group of people on thursdays after work (around 6pm) in my local mountains in Simi Valley (Animal and G Spot - this one i just started last week)) and on Tuesdays i ride with a friend on Hummingbird... these trails are technical and very suitable for intermediate riders looking to sharpen their skills... i am still a beginner and looking for people to ride all the time...

I have tried to post stuff here but i am not an organizer... i am one on So Cal Board and Bites and I am always posting stuff for Saturdays and during the week rides...

I am riding this Saturday at noon... we are planning on doing Hummingbird and/or animal... check out some videos on youtube and you guys will love these trails... they are short but technical... you'll improve your skills with a few rides...

text me or pm me... again i am really looking for people to ride... the more the better...

Seven31 45 NINEONE (EIGHTONEEIGHT)-AREACODE