Where to take a newbie in OC??

[PacMan]

Hey guys,
I am wondering where to take a newbie in OC?? I live in North county San Diego and my sis lives in Huntington Beach. She can't always make the trip down here to ride, so I was wondering where a good place in OC may be?? She has only been out a few times, so nothing too tough. ANy info/suggestions will be very much appreciated. Thanks

[Schecky]

Originally Posted by PacMan

Hey guys,
I am wondering where to take a newbie in OC?? I live in North county San Diego and my sis lives in Huntington Beach. She can't always make the trip down here to ride, so I was wondering where a good place in OC may be?? She has only been out a few times, so nothing too tough. ANy info/suggestions will be very much appreciated. Thanks

OC isn't great for newbies. Most rides here have some solid climbs.
If she's in HB, go with her to Fairview park in Costa Mesa.
It's right off the Talbert marsh at the end of HB. There are lots of very flat, twisty trails all over the mesa and there are also some small hills that are good for practicing going down and up.
I take my kids there and we always have a blast.
For more adventuresome rides there's always:
-Fully Loop (Steven can fill you in) - This can be a solid ride for someone just starting.
-Peter's Canyon - Small but it can be fun.
-Aliso and Wood Canyon - The main trail down the canyon is a great newbie trail, although it is often sandy. Coyote is a fun.
-Chino Hills

[jinks]

The place I like to take newbies when I'm being nice to them is Peter's Canyon. It's short and flat, or you can take the hilly side for a bit more adventure.

[Admin]

I went to Peter's a couple times when I first started maybe a year and a half ago.

[ShinKen]

:cool: The best place I know is the Fullerton Loop. I started riding there my self and the cool thing about the place is that u can take noob paths and tech paths on the same trail!! so, she can learn and practise her skillzz and you can have fun your self on the more heavy stuff.

btw I'm always there so let me know if u want to ride somm day.

[pshloss]

I agree with Schecky's suggestions. The canyon portions of all of those places are great for nearly any riders, including kids. Fully Loop is a bit more advanced, requiring some walking for most beginners. I might add El Moro Canyon (Crystal Cove State Park) as a next step up sort of place. One suggestion is to have her buy the classic green guide "Mountain Biking Orange County" at her Local Bike Shop. The ratings there for technical and grunt factors are very consistent, so once you learn how you fit on their scale, you can plan rides and know what you are in for.