New guy checkin' in!

[SpuDKnucklE]

[FONT=Tahoma]Hi all,[/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma]I'm the new guy... well, new to MTBing and new to the forum, but in no other way can I be conisdered new! Fresh maybe, but that's a different story...[/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma]I've known Gene for almost 20 years now, I guess. We were roommates in FL when we were both still in the Navy. If he was a REAL friend he would've gotten me into this a long time ago... thanks Genus![/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma]I live in Temecula and work in Carlsbad, so if any of you have any suggestions on trails that I can start cutting my teeth on, it would be most appreciated.[/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma]I'm looking forward to meeting you all and riding with you![/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma] Spudknuckle[/FONT]

[bjammin]

PM me. I live in Oceanside and ride North county all the time.

[foofighter]

welcome better late than never

[shudder]

hey spud - welcome

VAIL LAKE is right in your backyard: Vail Lake XC Courses on geoladders

[SpuDKnucklE]

Thanks for the welcome everyone, and the inputs. I think I'm gonna try Lake Hodges tomorrow. bjammin, i'll definitely be talking to you... a friend who lives in carlsbad just bought a bike too, so we'll be in touch.

Thanks again!

spud

[Pain Freak]

Okay, new guy...you've been checked.

[J_Sims]

[bjammin]

Originally Posted by SpuDKnucklE

Thanks for the welcome everyone, and the inputs. I think I'm gonna try Lake Hodges tomorrow. bjammin, i'll definitely be talking to you... a friend who lives in carlsbad just bought a bike too, so we'll be in touch.

Thanks again!

spud

Make sure to try the south side of Hodges. IMO way more fun than the North side.
Check these routes out:
http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=6996
http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=7138

[genusmtbkr5]

Bro, welcome to STR, you will find many new friends as I have fo sho. We will ride soon. You missed a dandy today. The Beek's ride we talked about went very well.

[SpuDKnucklE]

Sounds like fun, i'm sorry i missed it. hopefully next time. And we definitely need to

BTW, my friend Marco picked up a Fuel EX6 today, so he's ready to roll too...

Later bro...

[Neccros]

[allison]

Hey Spud - from Temecula area also... there's probably more riding to be had where you work, or on the way home.

However, Santa Rosa Plateau up on Clinton Keith is good for beginners. Nothing too difficult, and you can do a few short miles after work or on weekend mornings.

For a bit more of a challenge hit up Vail Lake.

http://www.geoladders.com has route directions for both areas.

I haven't ridden around Carlsbad at all, but there's Elfin Forest, Lake Hodges, etc. Check out http://www.mountainbikebill for info on that area.

[Evil Chocula]

Hey Man-
The La Costa Trails are right in Carlsbad, kind of short, but super cool. Here's a pic from the trail:
(PS- PM if you want a tour, I usaully ride there 2x a week).

[SpuDKnucklE]

Grazie for the tips!

Allison, I was checking out those exact rides today, and they look QUITE do-able. Lake Hodges seemed pretty easy, so I'm beginning to think that this activity won't kill me. Given my advanced age (48 and counting) and decrepit physical condition, believe me the outcome was not a sure thing! So I'll probably try Santa Rosa on Sunday, and get out to Vail in a couple of weeks...

E.C. thanks for the input, but taking into account the reasons given above... I think I'll hold off on anything advertising "Extreme"...

Thanks again for the advise, and hopefully we can get together for a ride soon.

S.K.