beginner trails

[zoso0286]

hey guys the names daniel, i'm new to the forum and mountain biking and i was wondering if anyone could tell me if peters canyon off of jamboree has some good trails for beginners. i've been riding bikes ever since i could remember but haven't done any off road riding. thanks in advance.

[un-kola]

Originally Posted by zoso0286

hey guys the names daniel, i'm new to the forum and mountain biking and i was wondering if anyone could tell me if peters canyon off of jamboree has some good trails for beginners. i've been riding bikes ever since i could remember but haven't done any off road riding. thanks in advance.

I haven't ridden in that park so I can't tell you if it is a good beginners trail or not.At this hour I don't know if you'll get much of a response.(I'm on the graveyard-shift right now.)Some of the people that live out in that direction will be able to help you out,as well as tell you about other trails that are near your location.In the meantime let me you to tha hood.You'll like it here,plenty of good people,and lot of riding help. See ya on the trails.- Lloyd

[allroy71]

Yes,
Peters Canyon by the entrance has some fairly flat single track. As you head into the back you have to climb some steep but short hills. You will likely have to hike a bike if your not in shape.
If you want really flat, go to the river bed between Santiago Oaks and Irvine Park.
For both, you can park at the Albertson's at Jamboree/Santiago. They have signs that threaten towing if you don't shop there. But I don't think they enforce it. Or you can pay to play at Peter's and Irvine Park.
Of course, the classic beginner ride is the Fullerton Loop.

[mechmann]

never ridden there.

i would chime in on good trails, but i am a crappy judge of what a beginner trail is. i had my wife riding San Juan within like 2 months of getting on a bike!

[Lefty Kev]

Welcome, Daniel

Here's a link to three loops at Peters Canyon that are posted on Geoladders.com:

http://www.geoladders.com/routes.php...h=Quick+Search

Hope this helps

[Red Hot Sloth]

from San Diego County!

[spookydave]

Peters is perfect for new riders.

[genusmtbkr5]

Welcome to the tribe. Yes, Peter's canyon is one of the easiest places to ride.

[foofighter]

welcome daniel...like everyone said peters is a good beginner's loop

[BrewMaster]

Welcome Daniel. You've found a great place to learn about mountain biking and great people to ride with. I hope to ride with you sometime.

[zoso0286]

awesome, thanks for the welcomes and all your help. i'll also have to check out the other trails you guys mentioned. and on that note, i'm off to peters.

[allison]

If you aren't too into climbing Fully probably won't be that great for you. The steep ups and downs I wouldn't have liked as a newbie.

You can also go explore around Aliso.

Check out geoladders.com

They don't have descriptions regarding beginner or not, but you can search for shorter routes with not much climbing. They have photo/way point directions so you don't get lost!

[bighit8]

Hart park in Orange is a really flat trail that will get you in the dirt if you are not ready to climb. Pm me if you want to ride. I will take you on nice easy ride.

Plus you can gage youre fitness level. If that good we can ride do to the beach via the river bed.

[un-kola]

Originally Posted by mechmann

never ridden there.

i would chime in on good trails, but i am a crappy judge of what a beginner trail is. i had my wife riding San Juan within like 2 months of getting on a bike!

Took you that long to get her climbing????? -Lloyd

[mechmann]

Originally Posted by un-kola

Took you that long to get her climbing????? -Lloyd

she was WAY faster than me when we first started. you have to remember, i was 50lbs heavier and way out of shape. she has not lost/gained any weight at all (she did exchange a lot of fat for muscle though).

the very first day we both had our new bikes i couldn't keep her in sight on the climbs. the descents were where she had big issues.

[un-kola]

Originally Posted by mechmann

she was WAY faster than me when we first started. you have to remember, i was 50lbs heavier and way out of shape. she has not lost/gained any weight at all (she did exchange a lot of fat for muscle though).

the very first day we both had our new bikes i couldn't keep her in sight on the climbs. the descents were where she had big issues.

How things change.Glad you were able to loose the weight.I started seriously riding for physical therapy reasons.No way was I going to bore myself in a gym again. -Lloyd

[BSki]

Peters Canyon still kicks my butt. I use it to judge my fitness.


Seriously. Peters has really everything in a short 8 mile figure 8 track. Some climbs, downs, ST, technical down with a switchback, sand, lose rock, and Big Red. Really a great place to get your feet wet and start riding. Should be able to knock out the loop in about 40mins or so.

I park up the street at the grocery store near In/Out, Santiago and Jamboree (I think) I also noticed across the street from the pay lot, down into the neighborhood is free parking (with some time restrictions). Or pay $3 in the parking lot.

No night riding there.

[Waldo]

Originally Posted by BSki

I park up the street at the grocery store near In/Out, Santiago and Jamboree (I think) ...No night riding there.

There's no In-n-Out there (Taco Bell and John's Place), and it's actually Chapman & Jamboree, but thanks for the reminder about no night riding at Peter's. Same goes for all county wilderness parks.

The lake loop at Peter's in an excellent start, and if you feel comfortable on that you could easily stretch it, with various options there that allow for more or less difficulty. There's nothing there that would overwhelm a fit beginner, though if you're not in good shape to start, a couple of short, steep climbs can be quite strenuous.

Zoso - since you're in Irvine, you might also want to check out Aliso & Wood Canyon Park in Aliso Viejo/Laguna Niguel. It's got a wide variety of terrain that can challenge experienced riders, but a great first-timer's loop is to start at the pay lot off Alicia and Aliso Creek. Follow the Wood Canyon road (dirt) about 3-1/2 miles (almost flat) then turn left onto Coyote Run. Coyote is a fun, flowing, singletrack with mostly mild little ups & downs. There's one short (25 ft elevation) challenging climb near the end of the singletrack, just before you reconnect with the road to return the way you came in. That's one of my favorite newbie routes in O.C. - fun, easy, and very scenic.

The Arroyo Trabuco area near Rancho Santa Margarita also has some fun, non-technical trails that offer a wilderness feel with minimal challenge. Check Geoladders.com for routes.

Last but not least, keep an eye on this site for upcoming newbie rides. There's no better way to explore new places and meet a bunch of great people.

Welcome aboard!

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by zoso0286

hey guys the names daniel, i'm new to the forum and mountain biking and i was wondering if anyone could tell me if peters canyon off of jamboree has some good trails for beginners. i've been riding bikes ever since i could remember but haven't done any off road riding. thanks in advance.

peters is certainly among the "easier" trails in OC. when i stay "local" (tustin/orange) I usually hit there and link to irvine and oaks (oaks not so beginner). if you want I can show you around some of those trails, and keep things at your level. just pm me if desired

[xhuskr]

Daniel...Peter's is a great place to start. Nice lake view and you can work your way up to the challenging parts (Big Red..). It is often filled with hikers, so be sure to yield to them and be friendly (I'm sure you are already)....oh...lots of dog walkers as well! Bring a bell if you have one!......but most of all....ENJOY