RR: Angeles Solitaire

[MTBMaven]

Today was my version of Abbey's Desert Solitaire. I made a last minute decision to go ride Brown Mtn./El P loop today. It was my maiden voyage on my new Niner MCR.

I expected to find tons of people out today like on Thanksgiving morning. I arrived at the JPL parking lot about 8:20AM to find only a handful of cars. The only mountain bikers were some DHers finishing up their sunrise ride.

I foolishly didn't eat any breakfast hoping last nights Christmas feast would hold me over. Nope. I was loosing energy and VERY hungry on the climb. I saw a dad and son coming down Brown. On El P I saw two separate hikers. That was it. The ride was so quite and peaceful.

The Niner is awesome. Cleaned all El P switchbacks. Lots of fun. I'm not sure the 1x9 is going to last. I'm not sure I'm strong enough to do Lower Sam in 32x34. I might try a 30 tooth ring before going back to 2x9. My Brooks is pretty dang comfy. It was squeaking though. I hope that goes away. Not sure if it was the steel frame or the lower tire pressure but the ride was smoother on the fireroad than the EMD I demoed. I'm sure it's a function of the lower air pressure but I'd like to think it is the steel frame. Can't wait to get out on a nice long ride with this thing.

[EMrider]

Today was my version of Abbey's Desert Solitaire

Excellent book!

I did something similar today. Rode the Brown/Ken Burton loop. Absolutely perfect riding conditions. Only saw one other rider at the Brown/Burton trail junction. I'm so thankful that I can enjoy a ride like this only 10 minutes from home! This route feels extremely remote and the arroyo section is very scenic. Late December and I had peeled off two layers within the first 20 minutes of the ride. Gotta love SoCal.
R

[Endo Verendo]

Sounds like fun! BTW, the MCR will feel smoother than an EMD. Good choice!

[MTBMaven]

Hey, Endo. Haven't seen you around these parts in a while. Hope all is well, though I guess it would be better if the strike were over. Hope you are getting in a lot of riding.

Originally Posted by EMrider

Excellent book!

Yeah I had to read it in college for this outdoor class I took. Great book and class. We kayaked across a section of Lake Powell then camped and backpacked in the area.