Palm Canyon Trail RR

[ransom]

Long time reader...first time poster.

For any who has not done this ride it starts up off of Ortega Hwy 74 and Pine View Rd. @ approx. 4500 ft. and drops you into Cathedral City at 500 ft. The ride includes several climbs totaling around 2000 ft. with a total elevation drop of around 6000. With the entire ride being around 29 miles.

We started off up Ortega Hwy Sat. around 9am the temp was a comfortable 65 deg.

Armed with GPS, TOPO, slime tubes, food, almost 200 oz. of water we are behind our estimated 8:30 start time but on our way.

We immediately started off descending onto loose shale, off camber single track with cacti in stratigic areas to test you bike handling skills.

After descending around 2000 ft we came to a grass meadow area that traverses across a stream bed several times. The ride so far is very scenic and surreal. You don’t hear any thing but your bike, birds and bees maybe the occasional plane. We saw a large female deer, lots of lizards and plenty of birds but no one else around. Toward the bottom there is a fun rhythm section followed by an old 4x4 trail you can go as fast as you wish.

We encountered many wash crossing some that were hike a bike in and out.

We continued to descend until you eventually come to sand wash toward Dunn Road…there the fun begins. Now it’s near 80 deg. and warm, but comfortable. We ascend about a mile up a gradual climb about 800 feet which feels like about 1600. Half of your pedal stroke is forward momentum the other half is wheel spin. Good bike balance and light handle bar pressure is a helpful.

Once at the top of Dunn Road it’s three hours into our ride and we barely over half way. We thought to our selves his might take a bit longer than the four hours others had mentioned. A bite to eat and a quick picture with the abandoned tractor and it’s off to Hahn Vista Trail. After a short climb you encounter some of the most scenic, fun single track yet. Once again off camber, loose, and plenty of switchbacks.

Eventually we are at Goat trails. By this point I’m almost out of water and my ham strings and thighs are starting to cramp. Even though I brought almost 200 oz. of water, energy bars, and energy gel’s I could have used a bit more. Hanging in there and stopping to stretch so my legs won’t seize we finally make it down to Cathedral City it now 3pm. Six hours later we are done!

It was a long day but we’d do it again for sure. The second time around should be a bit quicker. We stopped quite a few times to ensure we are on the correct GPS heading. Local trail knowledge here goes a long way. The next time we’d plan on riding would be between Nov. and March when the temps are cooler. It’s hard to describe this ride in a few short paragraphs…it’s better experienced for your self.



http://www.socaltrailriders.org/gall...hp?photo=20651

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/gall...hp?photo=20652

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/gall...hp?photo=20650


http://www.socaltrailriders.org/gall...hp?photo=20649

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/gall...hp?photo=20648

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/gall...hp?photo=20653

[OldDogDan]

Great ride report! I've been wanting to do that ride for a coupla years -- been telling some friends about it -- I know I couldn't keep up with most STR groups on it, but think I could finish it.

BTW -- to avoid any confusion for those unfamiliar with it -- it is off Hwy 74, but it's a long way from the Ortega Hwy. It's called the Palms to Pines Hwy over there, dropping to cathedral City by Palm Springs.

Congratulations on an epic ride.

[CalEpic]

Nice RR. That is one of my favorite rides. I keep waiting for one more nice rain storm late in the week and a cool weekend before it's really too late in the year for this ride. Hopefully it's not already.
C