RR: Elfin Forest

[Red Hot Sloth]

Man, what a beautiful morning it was. This trail holds up very well to the rains as it is about 99% DG, and rocks. To begin from the parking area I went across the newly reconstructed bridge which crosses Escondido Creek. The water was higher than normal of course due to the recent rains. It was quite nippy to begin, as I had started this ride at approximatly 8:30am. When I left my home in Oceanside it was 43 degrees, when I arrived at the trailhead it was 47 degrees, fortunetly I was layered and bundled like the little brother in "A Christmas Story". Upon my initial ascent of "The Way Up Trail" it was evident that I was the first rider this morning as the rains had washed away any previous tire track's, yet there were foot prints from a sole hiker. Traction was superb, and there were several puddles of almost crystal clear undisturbed water which I readily splashed through (yeaaaa!). Those of you familiar with this trail know what a task it can be to complete this incline in a gentlemanly manner and with poise. I was no gentleman this morning as I grunted, huffed, and wheezed my way to the apex of this "b". By now, I am sure you have probably deduced from my screen-name that I'm not the strongest, quickest, or most energetic of climbers, yet I always trudge on knowing what wonders and splendor awaits at all upon which I crest. Alone in my soul journey to conquer this minor mountain of rock and sweat, I do at last reach a vantage point of vivid serene beauty...off in the distance I gaze on snow capped mountains, clear skies, and a calm ocean. Now its time to lower the saddle, point my front wheel down and start roosting this firm, rocky, and at times unforgiving soil. I dabbed three times on my descent as some of those babyheads have a tendancy to kick you sideways a good yard (pucker-time) when at speed.
I'm sorry I don't have any pic's of trail conditions, but I can show you a couple of what the horizon offered.

[SKULLY]

Cool pics.....wish I could have got out.

[Von-Skipp]

Aweesommee pictures!! Nothing like looking at snow capped mountain in socal.

I used to ride Elfin Forest all the time when I lived in Carlsbad. Are there still a bunch of cools trails out there or did the resovoir kill it?

Next time someone plans a ride there I think I am gona go!

[bajamtnbkr]

Very nice pictures, looks cold!

[Red Hot Sloth]

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

Aweesommee pictures!! Nothing like looking at snow capped mountain in socal.
Thanks.
I used to ride Elfin Forest all the time when I lived in Carlsbad. Are there still a bunch of cools trails out there or did the resovoir kill it?
Yeah, for a few years the construction and filling of the reservoir caused closure to some trails, but they have been re-opened and slightly rerouted, so there is plenty to ride around on out there, although the Lake Hodges Overlook trail is closed due to the recent fires. I'm sure once the Parks/recreation department have time to do some more work, they will have it re-opened and in just as good condition.
Next time someone plans a ride there I think I am gona go!

Right-on, let me know too, always like spending some time out there.

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

Aweesommee pictures!! Nothing like looking at snow capped mountain in socal.

I used to ride Elfin Forest all the time when I lived in Carlsbad. Are there still a bunch of cools trails out there or did the resovoir kill it?

Next time someone plans a ride there I think I am gona go!

Theres still lots of cool stuff at Elfin.

RHS--I wish I could've joined you. Being on the DL is killing me. I think I'm going to call the doc and see if he'll let me off early.

Thanks for the pics and write-up!!

[nappyt]

Great RR and pics. I was in O'side this morning and saw the Palomar Mtn range covered in snow. Pretty cool. I need to get back to Elfin that place is just a lot of fun. Thanks for posting the ride next time I'll try to make it out.

[Red Hot Sloth]

Pac man, you will be off the DL soon, then the world be yours. Just heal up, don't chance aggravating your injuries which could lead to a much longer stint on the DL.

nappyt, Thanks. Well I posted this ride up so last minute I didn't really expect anyone to rsvp, but I knew it was going to be a beautiful day for a ride and figured why not try anyhow. the pics don't really do the scenery justice though, it was just a crisp, majestic morning.

[Dirty Boo]

Honey, as I have said before, you need to write for a bike magazine - your details always make me giggle and feel like I'm right there with ya! Can't wait to get off the DL...

[OMR]

Not only were the pictures a welcom sight... but the report writing was equal to the effort. Nice job!

[el_d00der1n0]

Thanks for doing an RR. I think SD needs to do more RRs.

Since peeps are talking about the snow...

I went out past Salton today, and we got snowed on driving on the 8. We came back through Julian on the 78, and the snow was on the ground at that level (2000ft?). The snow up higher was pretty thick. It definitely looked ridable.

We also saw a lot of the fire damage. Didn't see any structures burned, so that's good. Once again, thanks firefighters for saving our homes and our asses!

[Red Hot Sloth]

Originally Posted by Dirty Boo

Honey, as I have said before, you need to write for a bike magazine - your details always make me giggle and feel like I'm right there with ya! Can't wait to get off the DL...

You are so awesome. You always seem to make me feel great about myself, I'm such a lucky old man! And yepperz, soon mamma, hittin' the trails again!

[Schecky]

Those photos are Elfin cool!

[xhuskr]

nice photos....nice to see nature as it is intended (no starbucks!!)

[Red Hot Sloth]

Originally Posted by xhuskr

nice photos....nice to see nature as it is intended (no starbucks!!)

Thanks.
Yeah, no Kiosks other than the ones at moument markers, and theres no coffee at 'em.