RR: Chiquita/Ladera Single Tracks

[northshore]

I apologize in advance for the horrible cell phone pictures. I have issues fitting a larger size digital camera into my Camel Bak!I'll have to figure out another method for this. Myself, Ken(kingaucho?? don't remember his logon ID), Jim(JRD), and Mike(TrailRider) met up at the parking lot at Canada Vista and began the ride around 9am. Duan (FooFighter), Bon, AutoDuel were on the trail by 8am.

This was my first time starting from the parking lot since the previous ride I rode it backwards from Ladera. Ken(kingaucho??) was generous enough to give us a tour of the beautiful views and rolling hills. We were unable to cut through the baseball field area since maintenance workers were regrading the surface. We crossed Antonio Parkway and crossed under the street towards the beginning of Chiquita Ridge.

To ignore the ever increasing burn in my legs from the SS some notable scenery such as home made dirt jumps, beautiful small sized creeks, and the general sense of getting away from the daily grind made it much easier to enjoy. Two to three major inclines that I recall certainly forced a hike a bike but the view up top was well worth it. The pictures really don't do it justice. This is also the first time I have ridden single tracks loaded with large rocks the size of softballs and lose gravel areas. Pinch flats anyone? I can recall being at the top of one ridge, I came down so fast that I just could not steer quickly enough to avoid an overgrown bush which left a nice gash across my left shin bone . I also gained even more respect for DH folks attempting to bomb down two different super steep declines. Thinking about crashing so much made me hike a bike down parts of it. Overall, about a two hour ride and great conversations with other STR folks.

[tkblazer]

did kentonn hit any jump or hunks

[northshore]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

did kentonn hit any jump or hunks

No. He did tell us how he hurt his shoulder on one! Ouch! I might have him confused with a different Ken! DOH!

[JRD]

The ride was great, perfect weather and trail conditions. I'm not sure how you SS guys do it...
I couldn't beleive how fast Ken attacked those down hills I was blown away.
I had a great time and I'm ready to explore more of the area.
Also next time make sure that the helicopter & photographer shows up.
The Irish Red will be ready in 3 weeks.

[northshore]

Originally Posted by JRD

The ride was great, perfect weather and trail conditions. I'm not sure how you SS guys do it...
I couldn't beleive how fast Ken attacked those down hills I was blown away.
I had a great time and I'm ready to explore more of the area.
Also next time make sure that the helicopter & photographer shows up.
The Irish Red will be ready in 3 weeks.

I will need the helicopter to get me out after drinking!

[kentonn]

Thanks you for the ride report Ken. I had a great time riding and conversing with you guys. I hope to see you on future STR rides.

[kentonn]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

did kentonn hit any jump or hunks

There were several one to two footers but we were headed in the wrong direction. Now if you are ever in the area, there is some bigger stuff behind the baseball diamonds. Nothing much but you will find some three footer, a small rhythm section, a 6' ladder and a nice hip jump. They still need a little work to tie it all together.

Originally Posted by JRD

The Irish Red will be ready in 3 weeks.

Now you're talking!