RR:Chiquita Ridge Singletracks Night Ride

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Well it was an interesting evening to say the least...

We decided to shuttle so we'd have more time in the singletracks and to avoid creek crossings coming back up hill. As we drove up to out starting spot at Dove Canyon we saw what we thought was dwhouse's Geoladders ride leaving with about 15 riders in full night riding gear/lights heading out of the parking lot. I thought to myself "Man this guy is getting popular!"

Nine of us suited up and headed after them in the chilly night air.

Once on Chiquita Ridge fire road it started getting really cold and damp. Soon we ran across Doug (dwhouse) and Matt (Hermit) and found out that large group had not been them. They joined us and kept riding. Just after that Keith E. got a flat. So as they fixed it some of the group kept rolling as Keith and Calvin stayed to work on the flat. We knew they were smoking fast and could catch us when done.

As Treve and I waited across the canyon watching them we saw about 8 more riders coming up from the skateboard park (Canada Vista) off Antonio. It was a busy night on Chiquita Ridge!

Soon with the flat fixed and the group together and now 12 riders strong we hit the first singletrack. At the bottom of the drop the air was really cold and there was heavy fog/dew making visibility interesting and the ground really. The fresh grass shoots actually looked frosty.

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Carrie and Larry coming down the first singletrack.

We rolled on and then did Playboy (recently we re-named this from Lyon's singletrack) named for a Playboy bunny shaped cactus on the trail. Sorry no picture...insert file photo.

CACTUS BUNNY HEAD 72 dpi[3].jpg

We were all cruising (or so we thought) as we approached the next singletrack (Rat's Back). Then we realized Alpine Rob and Steve (White Chocolate) were missing.

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Treve and Chip aka TalksWithFoxes waiting for the group to catch up.

I rode back a 1/2 mile and found them fixing a flat on Steve's tubeless. Stans wasn't working so they'd have to use a tube. I told them we'd move on and re-group with them down the road.

After joining the group and heading off down Rat's back I rolled off into the night in the lead. I and Calvin (behind me) went right at the junction (and thought the others did too) but apparently some missed it.

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Here Calvin and I sit at the bottom of Rat's Back Right waiting for the group.

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Soon a few riders led by Keith (aka kparsons) appeared but the rest had gone Rat's Back Left.

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More riders coming down off Rat's Back Right.

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Soon we re-grouped in the thickening wet fog and met Steve and Rob at Oso Ridge. Carrie, Larrry, Keith, Treve and Keith E. on top of Oso.

We dropped Oso Ridge singletrack which was in good shape even the last steep section and popped out onto Oso Parkway.

We then split up and Doug and Matt headed out at warp speed since they had to ride all the way back to Friends in Dove Canyon.

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Too thick to even get a good picture. White stuff in top of frame is my breath caught by the flash. I think this is TalksWithFoxes coming running out after the big drop on Oso Ridge.

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Larry had a wild ride down the step section on Oso...about 1/2 way down his light came off his helmet and was dangling down his side. Another reason to run two lights

Most of the rest of us then headed down the sweet and rolling Ladera Ridge singletrack while a few people who were getting cold and tired went back to the shuttle point to wait for us.

After Ladera Ridge we hit up the always fun Waterworks singletrack.

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Chip on Waterworks.

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Calvin on Waterworks.

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Treve on Waterworks.

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Steve on Waterworks.

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Heading down Waterworks.

All in all even with the wet and sticky conditions and the two flats it was a good ride made better afterward with good company and libations at Friends. Thanks everyone for the good times!

KeepsWhatHappens

[Rider7]

Epic!!!

[genusmtbkr5]

What's this, Calvin on a geared suspension bike. What's the world coming to? Nice RR John, Hopefully I can make the next ride with ya.(If I'm still in town )

[mtnbikej]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

What's this, Calvin on a geared suspension bike. What's the world coming to? Nice RR John, Hopefully I can make the next ride with ya.(If I'm still in town )

Yup....got hiimself a '08 Fisher Paragon.....he has made the jump to 29er.

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Yes he was on a geared bike....and smoking fast! While we shuttled back the 10 miles to Friends he rode the road. We only beat him by about 5-10 minutes!

That's why they call him "Superman!"

KeepsWhatHappens

[genusmtbkr5]

Originally Posted by mtnbikej

Yup....got hiimself a '08 Fisher Paragon.....he has made the jump to 29er.

Originally Posted by KeepsWhatHappens

Yes he was on a geared bike....and smoking fast! While we shuttled back the 10 miles to Friends he rode the road. We only beat him by about 5-10 minutes!

That's why they call him "Superman!"

KeepsWhatHappens

Thanks guys. 29er huh? He's been riding with Keith and Ned too much. I guess it was only a matter of time.

[project_d]

Very nice!!!

[CalEpic]

Looks cold!

Fully was little chilly too.

I need to join you guys again.

C

[Vickie]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

What's this, Calvin on a geared suspension bike. What's the world coming to? Nice RR John, Hopefully I can make the next ride with ya.(If I'm still in town )

Chiquita Ridge rocks for sure, sorry I missed it but we had a birthday celebration last night after the Fullerton Loop ride.

Photo's show it looking a bit more muddy than the Fullerton Loop, next time you ride it, providing we don't get anymore rain, the conditions should be great!! AND
Gene, I'm, with you - next time John can expect us both because Gene, you WILL still be in town!!

Originally Posted by KeepsWhatHappens

Yes he was on a geared bike....and smoking fast! While we shuttled back the 10 miles to Friends he rode the road. We only beat him by about 5-10 minutes!

That's why they call him "Superman!"

KeepsWhatHappens

Calvin is Superman alright and he never ever ceases to amaze me!!! I'm in awe! Rock on Calvin....

[cjwally]

Damnit....I want to do this ride....Somehow I always miss the thread. I did San Juan....still fun though. Crazy on the downhill with all the ruts...

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Originally Posted by cjwally

Damnit....I want to do this ride....Somehow I always miss the thread. I did San Juan....still fun though. Crazy on the downhill with all the ruts...

I might post this ride for next Wed or Thurs night.

KeepsWhatHappens

[kparsons]

Thanks for setting up this ride John. Maybe we can chip in and get Steve some solid tubes!!

Lots of fun through the singletracks and cold

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Anyone interested in riding here this Sunday afternoon?

KeepsWhatHappens

[OMR]

Originally Posted by KeepsWhatHappens

Anyone interested in riding here this Sunday afternoon?

KeepsWhatHappens

John,

Would have to be around 2:00 pm for me... church & lunch afterwards with the family. Would that work for you? If so, where do you want to meet?

[ThinkFast]

Sounds fun if I can get a pass.

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Originally Posted by OMR

John,

Would have to be around 2:00 pm for me... church & lunch afterwards with the family. Would that work for you? If so, where do you want to meet?

That works for me. Maybe meet at 2:00 roll by 2:15pm.

Sound OK?

KeepsWhatHappens