RR: Aliso today (and rant)

[Garrett]

So, interesting ride at Aliso today.

Yes, it rained a bit last night, and a bit more today. We made sure to check the website and called the ranger station beforehand. The trails were actually open despite the rain . On our way up West Ridge the road was a bit muddy but nothing terrible. The mist limited visibility so it literally looked like the trail was on a cloud. The trip down Rockit was very nice and fun. It doesn't seem to be affected by the rain at all. The only part that was slightly wet was the double dip after the rock bed, and an easily avoided puddle before the first singletrack. Riding Coyote and back to the park was, again, muddy but not unreasonable. At this point it started raining again.

As we were riding through the park a lady with her dog stopped us to ask why we were riding when the trails were closed. Even after assuring her that the trails *were* open, she continued to tell us how selfish we were and how the canyon will soon be closed to all mountain bikers if we continued to ride when they were closed. This pisses me off to no end. I consider myself and my friends who I ride with responsible riders. We made the call to the rangers and checked online, there were no signs posted, so we rode. I don't understand how someone can blatantly accuse you of something when there is overwhelming evidence that you did nothing wrong.

Anyways not the best way to end a good ride :/ .

[genusmtbkr5]

First off, if the park was closed according to her, why was she there? When the Rangers close the park, it is closed to ALL users and not just to mountain bikers. Second, even if the park was open and while riding, you notice the conditions are less that favorable for riding, use your best judgment to continue riding or stop. That is up to you and since the park was open, you are allowed to ride. Keep in mind though, the Rangers do not always know where all the muddy conditions are and they rely on park users to inform them.

[Garrett]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

First off, if the park was closed according to her, why was she there? When the Rangers close the park, it is closed to ALL users and not just to mountain bikers.

Let me clarify. She was in MILF park walking her dog.

[art23rockpile]

Since you already knew that the park was still open and that you were riding legally, why worry about it?

[Garrett]

I'm not worried about riding illegally just pissed about how she approached it. Basically "I'm an elitist biker and you are teenagers therefore you are doing something wrong and I should assert my authority over you"

[Heyitsdave]

Was she a MILF?

[genusmtbkr5]

Originally Posted by Garrett

Let me clarify. She was in MILF park walking her dog.

Thanks for clarifying. Also, Doug who is the maintenance guy at Aliso, I'm sure you've seen him working out there. Let him know if you see any areas that may need work. I'm speaking of general trail conditions here. He will take note and usually takes care of it or lets SHARE know if the job is too big.

[Waldo]

1) It seems like you were calm and respectful with her - I sure hope that was the case, even though she was being a buzzkill.

2) I also hope that you clearly explained to her that you are very responsible riders who checked two sources for park status before venturing out. (personally, I have numbers for each of the OC parks in my phone; I'd have offered to call on the spot and verify for her)

Otherwise, don't let one cranky person ruin your day.

[afgenkuong]

Damn it. I knew I should've tried to go out today.

Last year it seemed like they closed down the park anytime water touched the ground. Seems like they're getting more leniant? No? (Hooray!)

[Garrett]

Well after the weekend rain it opened in just a few days. Much earlier than I expected. I bet the dirt is sucking up rain like a sponge right now.

[jj nicholas]

I rode with garrett today and it was a pretty fun completely legal ride!!!!!!!!!

[Garrett]

Originally Posted by jj nicholas

I rode with garrett today and it was a pretty fun completely legal ride!!!!!!!!!

I swear I don't know who he is...