Iron Mountain after the rain?

[TCB]

The places I normally ride after the rain are Cowles and that other place in “Alpine”, I’m looking for an alternative place to ride after the rain that will not be damaging the trails and has similar terrain as Cowles and … (good climb and good descent) I was wondering if Iron Mountain holds up well after the rain.

[dft]

yea, iron does real well.

[MTBBill]

Originally Posted by dft

yea, iron does real well.

Overall but there are some spots early on in the lower land areas that can be mushy. One you start climbing in earnest up top saddle where Ellie Lane splits off things get good.

[TCB]

Originally Posted by MTBBill

Overall but there are some spots early on in the lower land areas that can be mushy. One you start climbing in earnest up top saddle where Ellie Lane splits off things get good.

I will give it a few days for the lower section to dry up.

[danlorek]

be sure to post up when you're heading out there... that's one of the best rides in san diego for sure. It's been a long time since I've ridden that non-solo.

[danlorek]

i rode this yesterday afternoon for the first time fairly soon after rains... it was awesome! there were a few flowing streams and the dirt was really good.

If anyone knows the bonehead groups that do trail "maintenance" there, please slap them really, really hard for me! they're definately not doing it with cyclists in mind. rain trenches, large gravel at the top, and just basic sanitation of the trail have really taken some of the character out of it.

I must say... i still feel this is probably one of the most (if not THE most) technical rides in all of san diego county.

[Solo]

Originally Posted by danlorek

be sure to post up when you're heading out there... that's one of the best rides in san diego for sure. It's been a long time since I've ridden that non-solo.

Second that, I've wanted to check this place out for awhile and would like to go with someone who knows it well.

[Dirty D]

Originally Posted by danlorek

i rode this yesterday afternoon for the first time fairly soon after rains... it was awesome! there were a few flowing streams and the dirt was really good.

If anyone knows the bonehead groups that do trail "maintenance" there, please slap them really, really hard for me! they're definately not doing it with cyclists in mind. rain trenches, large gravel at the top, and just basic sanitation of the trail have really taken some of the character out of it.

I must say... i still feel this is probably one of the most (if not THE most) technical rides in all of san diego county.

I'd have to agree here. My bud and I rode there on Wednesday afternoon and that is the first thing I noticed. They sanitized it for the latte hiker crowd who frequent the place on the weekends.

Ellie is still good though - most of the latte sippers stay away since they break a sweat by that point and there is no phone reception.

D

[92se-r]

That's sad to hear. I love Iron Mtn. Which they had an easy fireroad to climb up though.

[dft]

the trail folks are all hiker based of course.
still kicka##, but a few things are sanitized for sure.

[TCB]

Originally Posted by dft

the trail folks are all hiker based of course.
still kicka##, but a few things are sanitized for sure.

I went out there on a Saturday and the place was a zoo, what is a good day to ride Iron Mountain.

[92se-r]

The best is a weekday morning. On weekends, no matter what you do, there will be tons of riders. One way I suggest is to go hike a bike up till the T where it splits off to Ellie Lane. Go left down that section. Just as rocky there. You'll have to go up and around another hill.

[Red Hot Sloth]

I haven't ridden here since 2001. My wife and I rode it on a saturday morning and we did o.k. on the way out..only came across a few hikers, but by the time we were heading back it was ridiculous, every 10 feet was hikers, hikers with dogs, hikers with kids, hikers with grandparents, hikers with strollers, hikers with other hikers, hikers with umbrellas, hikers with cell phones, I think I even saw some hiking up there with a kitchen sink.
But seriously, we haven't been back since because of all the hikers. Too bad because it's a good place to ride sans hikers. I'm sure it's much different during the weekday when most are at work, but I just haven't wanted to drive that far only to find out it's the same on a workday

[el_d00der1n0]

Last time I was there, I was hiking...

Originally Posted by Red Hot Sloth

I haven't ridden here since 2001. My wife and I rode it on a saturday morning and we did o.k. on the way out..only came across a few hikers, but by the time we were heading back it was ridiculous, every 10 feet was hikers, hikers with dogs, hikers with kids, hikers with grandparents, hikers with strollers, hikers with other hikers, hikers with umbrellas, hikers with cell phones, I think I even saw some hiking up there with a kitchen sink.
But seriously, we haven't been back since because of all the hikers. Too bad because it's a good place to ride sans hikers. I'm sure it's much different during the weekday when most are at work, but I just haven't wanted to drive that far only to find out it's the same on a workday

[danlorek]

whataya say we hit it sometime this week? either in the am or after work hours (4pm ish)... any takers?

[TCB]

Originally Posted by danlorek

whataya say we hit it sometime this week? either in the am or after work hours (4pm ish)... any takers?

Thursday at 3pm

[CalEpic]

I should be a go for Thursday pm. pm me the details please. I've been itching to get back out there for a while. Ellie Lane too?

C

[danlorek]

3pm *should* work for me thursday. sometimes it's a bit difficult to get out of work that early.

i'm down for ellie as well(ie). i'll be in a white f250... we can meet up at the iron mtn trailhead and 67.
858.205.200nine
d

[TCB]

Here is Bill’s link to Iron Mountain if anyone needs directions, http://www.mountainbikebill.com/IronMountain.htm I will be at the trailhead at 3pm, look for a 03 Green Grand Cherokee.
I will be bringing my Highline so I will be hike a biking it up.

[CalEpic]

Sh1t - I just remembered my parents are coming into town Thursday. No way I can do the ride and be back home in time for dinner.

Next time.