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Singletrack Angel · 02-28-2008, 08:01 PM

It was a lovely day for a ride in the OC. Six riders met at Canada Vista Park in RSM - me, Brenda G., Eric Foltz, Gary "Commplex," Rich "richie_rich" and Jeff "Mtb4Fun. I posted the ride on STR and on the Trail Angels board. I had a big ride on Tuesday with the Trail Angels, so the original plan was to do an easy spin down Tijeras Creek to Oso to hit Ladera Ridge, but Eric Foltz offered to lead an "A" team uphill from the park into Chiquita Ridge.

As John KeepsWhatHappens rather undiplomatically pointed out, "Only women and sissies head downhill from Canada Vista Park. There too much fun to be had by paying for 20-30 minutes of uphill." Well, we'll see who shows, I thought - perhaps a new rider might show up needing an easy ride. Well, no newbies showed, so I had no excuses - the A ride was on, and Chiquita Ridge was first on the list.

It was a climb from the start, as those of you who did the SS Lovefest will remember. Soon we were up on Chiquita Ridge. We rode the Ridgeline/Playboy singletrack, and then it was on to Rat's Back.

Some of you may remember my little crash on Rat's Back at the SS Lovefest. It's a fun little singletrack that ends in a rocky, rutted drop. No big deal for 36 of the 37 riders that day, but of course I had to be the one to crash. I went OTB and landed on the top of my head; my glasses exploded and the lenses went flying into the brush, never to be seen again. And I had quite a headache for a few hours. (Props to Serfas for replacing my lenses for $5).

I knew I'd have to tackle Rat's Back again eventually, but I was nervous. Really nervous. As we cruised down the ridgeline singletrack, I could feel my intestines cramping and my palms sweating. I knew what I did wrong the first time (too much tire pressure) and what to do right this time (lower tire pressure, weight back and keep up the speed). I felt good as I started the drop, and this time I managed to make it down in one piece with a big smile on my face.

Next up was the Oso ridgeline singletrack. I have never done this one before - it's steep. I wasn't the only one who walked down it at the SS Lovefest. I told Eric, "I'm not riding that." He said in his calm, matter-of-fact way, "Yes you are." I said, "I'm going to die." He said calmly, "No you're not." And off we went to meet my doom.

The Oso trail teased me with its long, meandering line, delaying the inevitable drop to the valley floor. It's the best trail on Chiquita Ridge (I think), but it was hard to appreciate it with my stomach in knots. I thought back to my success on Rat's Back, got into my best downhill position and let it fly. I was either going to nail it or eat s@#$ trying. I kept up an aggressive speed and flew down the hill with flying colors.

We continued on to Ladera Ridge and Waterworks, down Tijeras Creek, up through the Jungle, out through the golf course and back to the cars.

Brenda and I celebrated with lunch and cold refreshments at Dailys afterwards. We earned it!

Thanks to the guys, and Brenda, for a great ride.

And just for the record, there were no women or sissies on this ride. Only cool guys and Dirty Girlz who managed to grow a pair of you-know-whats when necessary.

Picutres courtesy of Brenda:

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DSC03160.JPG

DSC03163.JPG

DSC03164.JPG

DSC03168.JPG

dfioc · 02-28-2008, 08:12 PM

Nice write-up and pix SA! I must have just missed you as I rode much of the same area this morning! I will try to make your next group; I'd like to meet you guys. I'm new to this board but ride Chiquita-Ladera-Tijeras regularly and I'm looking for others to ride with!

foofighter · 02-28-2008, 08:13 PM

that's great you overcame that Kristine! way to go...looked like a beautiful day to ride as well.

singleminded · 02-28-2008, 08:14 PM

Sounded like a blast....and wonderful weather too. Good job on buckin up

ericfoltz · 02-28-2008, 08:21 PM

Another fun day out on the trails.

Proof...Kristine showing no fear...

Kristine and MTB4fun at the end of Firehose...

Rich and Brenda at the stream crossing...

foofighter · 02-28-2008, 08:26 PM

eric from that pic it looks pretty hairy...cant imagine the view from the handle bar

ericfoltz · 02-28-2008, 08:37 PM

I've been thinking about trying to get hold of a helmet cam for both of these trails.

foofighter · 02-28-2008, 08:38 PM

that would be hot

Jordansrealm · 02-28-2008, 08:40 PM

sorry i missed you all today i had to be at the DR for my shoulder at 1030 so I knew I couldnt make the ride. looks like u had fun!

KeepsWhatHappens · 02-28-2008, 09:19 PM

Definitely no women and sissies on that ride today!

Great RR too!! Glad you finally overcame your fears on two different trails. Next time they'll be FUN!!

XOXOXO

bighit8 · 02-28-2008, 09:24 PM

Great ride report. Sissy's!

Big Guy · 02-28-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericfoltz

Another fun day out on the trails.

Proof...Kristine showing no fear...

I clocked 28 MPH at the bottom of this one a month ago, this thing is STEEEP!!

OMR · 02-28-2008, 09:37 PM

Faced your fears successfully you have.... I can feel the force building in this one!

Sure is pretty out there right now....

ShinKen · 02-28-2008, 11:00 PM

great job out therr GIRL!!

u're killing it big time!!!

richie_rich · 02-29-2008, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericfoltz

I've been thinking about trying to get hold of a helmet cam for both of these trails.

I have one and have been meaning to bring it...remind me for the next time!

Thanks Kristine for the ride and great to see you "chalk one up" on your list of conquests! It was a great ride, great day and it was shared with great people

Scott V · 02-29-2008, 08:29 AM

Nice rr Kristine. Congrats on making those drops. Sorry I missed the ride. I took two guys from work out for the first time and I ended up face first in a cactus field. Kinda painful but very funny. The rest of the day I was wishing I stayed home and rode with your group.

Cragar · 02-29-2008, 08:33 AM

Looks like a great way to start the day, I would love to do this ride again.

mtb4fun · 02-29-2008, 11:53 AM

Nice write-up Kristine. Rich, thanks for the tidbit on my rubbing disc brakes. I fiddled with it and now my tire's spinning freely! I'm trying to post the pics I took but it's not exactly working. I'll figure it out...

WORTH CLIMBING FOR
0228081056b.JPG

TANDEM OR PERFECT UNISON
0228081057b.JPG

GROUP PHOTO
0228081058b.JPG

BRENDA BAPTISM
0228081134b.JPG

KRISTINE BAPTISM
0228081134ab.JPG

02-28-2008, 08:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
Singletrack Angel Wenches Rule	Chiquita-Ladera Ridge-Waterworks: No "Women and Sissies" It was a lovely day for a ride in the OC. Six riders met at Canada Vista Park in RSM - me, Brenda G., Eric Foltz, Gary "Commplex," Rich "richie_rich" and Jeff "Mtb4Fun. I posted the ride on STR and on the Trail Angels board. I had a big ride on Tuesday with the Trail Angels, so the original plan was to do an easy spin down Tijeras Creek to Oso to hit Ladera Ridge, but Eric Foltz offered to lead an "A" team uphill from the park into Chiquita Ridge. As John KeepsWhatHappens rather undiplomatically pointed out, "Only women and sissies head downhill from Canada Vista Park. There too much fun to be had by paying for 20-30 minutes of uphill." Well, we'll see who shows, I thought - perhaps a new rider might show up needing an easy ride. Well, no newbies showed, so I had no excuses - the A ride was on, and Chiquita Ridge was first on the list. It was a climb from the start, as those of you who did the SS Lovefest will remember. Soon we were up on Chiquita Ridge. We rode the Ridgeline/Playboy singletrack, and then it was on to Rat's Back. Some of you may remember my little crash on Rat's Back at the SS Lovefest. It's a fun little singletrack that ends in a rocky, rutted drop. No big deal for 36 of the 37 riders that day, but of course I had to be the one to crash. I went OTB and landed on the top of my head; my glasses exploded and the lenses went flying into the brush, never to be seen again. And I had quite a headache for a few hours. (Props to Serfas for replacing my lenses for $5). I knew I'd have to tackle Rat's Back again eventually, but I was nervous. Really nervous. As we cruised down the ridgeline singletrack, I could feel my intestines cramping and my palms sweating. I knew what I did wrong the first time (too much tire pressure) and what to do right this time (lower tire pressure, weight back and keep up the speed). I felt good as I started the drop, and this time I managed to make it down in one piece with a big smile on my face. Next up was the Oso ridgeline singletrack. I have never done this one before - it's steep. I wasn't the only one who walked down it at the SS Lovefest. I told Eric, "I'm not riding that." He said in his calm, matter-of-fact way, "Yes you are." I said, "I'm going to die." He said calmly, "No you're not." And off we went to meet my doom. The Oso trail teased me with its long, meandering line, delaying the inevitable drop to the valley floor. It's the best trail on Chiquita Ridge (I think), but it was hard to appreciate it with my stomach in knots. I thought back to my success on Rat's Back, got into my best downhill position and let it fly. I was either going to nail it or eat s@#$ trying. I kept up an aggressive speed and flew down the hill with flying colors. We continued on to Ladera Ridge and Waterworks, down Tijeras Creek, up through the Jungle, out through the golf course and back to the cars. Brenda and I celebrated with lunch and cold refreshments at Dailys afterwards. We earned it! Thanks to the guys, and Brenda, for a great ride. And just for the record, there were no women or sissies on this ride. Only cool guys and Dirty Girlz who managed to grow a pair of you-know-whats when necessary. Picutres courtesy of Brenda: DSC03156.JPG DSC03157.JPG DSC03158.JPG DSC03160.JPG DSC03163.JPG DSC03164.JPG DSC03168.JPG __________________ www.talkaboutcuringautism.org "Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." - Albert Einstein

02-28-2008, 08:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
dfioc Quack Attack!	Nice write-up and pix SA! I must have just missed you as I rode much of the same area this morning! I will try to make your next group; I'd like to meet you guys. I'm new to this board but ride Chiquita-Ladera-Tijeras regularly and I'm looking for others to ride with! __________________ 2006 Giant Anthem & 2008 Giant Trance XO

02-28-2008, 08:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
foofighter On the Mend	that's great you overcame that Kristine! way to go...looked like a beautiful day to ride as well. __________________ Pho'd Up: " Heart Rate Monitor + Road miles = fast. Chasing Neil, and Chris (Sar Boats) = Faster." www.coverageispersonal.com http://news.singletrackminded.com/

02-28-2008, 08:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
singleminded I poached, and got busted	Yea..... Sounded like a blast....and wonderful weather too. Good job on buckin up __________________ Eric "Pain is nothing compared to what it feels like to quit"

02-28-2008, 08:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
ericfoltz Sua Sponte	Another fun day out on the trails. Proof...Kristine showing no fear... Kristine and MTB4fun at the end of Firehose... Rich and Brenda at the stream crossing... __________________ Portfolio: http://www.ericfoltz.com Race & Event pics: http://www.ericfoltz.photoreflect.com

02-28-2008, 08:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
foofighter On the Mend	eric from that pic it looks pretty hairy...cant imagine the view from the handle bar __________________ Pho'd Up: " Heart Rate Monitor + Road miles = fast. Chasing Neil, and Chris (Sar Boats) = Faster." www.coverageispersonal.com http://news.singletrackminded.com/

02-28-2008, 08:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
ericfoltz Sua Sponte	I've been thinking about trying to get hold of a helmet cam for both of these trails. __________________ Portfolio: http://www.ericfoltz.com Race & Event pics: http://www.ericfoltz.photoreflect.com

02-28-2008, 08:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
foofighter On the Mend	that would be hot __________________ Pho'd Up: " Heart Rate Monitor + Road miles = fast. Chasing Neil, and Chris (Sar Boats) = Faster." www.coverageispersonal.com http://news.singletrackminded.com/

02-28-2008, 08:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jordansrealm www.lostmanifesto.com	sorry i missed you all today i had to be at the DR for my shoulder at 1030 so I knew I couldnt make the ride. looks like u had fun! __________________ "Gene, let me hold on to your nuts for you" - CC "You think you're smart cuz you know words" - Benchwarmers

02-28-2008, 09:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
KeepsWhatHappens Warriors Society Member	Definitely no women and sissies on that ride today! Great RR too!! Glad you finally overcame your fears on two different trails. Next time they'll be FUN!! XOXOXO

02-28-2008, 09:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
bighit8 STR Veteran	Great ride report. Sissy's! __________________ Roger: You guys should join us next Sunday. It would be nice to have another screamer CHEWYETI: Heat, Beat, Repeat!

02-28-2008, 09:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
OMR	Bravo young grasshopper... Faced your fears successfully you have.... I can feel the force building in this one! Sure is pretty out there right now.... __________________ OMR .... An elder grasshopper of the Tribe The journey is the thing .... ride like it's your last one...

02-28-2008, 11:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
ShinKen STR BUB!!	great job out therr GIRL!! u're killing it big time!!! __________________ http://static.flickr.com/11/91529165_041edc585f_m.jpg Perhaps you think you're being treated unfairly? The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men."

02-29-2008, 08:29 AM	#16 (permalink)
Scott V Member	Nice rr Kristine. Congrats on making those drops. Sorry I missed the ride. I took two guys from work out for the first time and I ended up face first in a cactus field. Kinda painful but very funny. The rest of the day I was wishing I stayed home and rode with your group.

02-29-2008, 08:33 AM	#17 (permalink)
Cragar Senior Member	Looks like a great way to start the day, I would love to do this ride again.

02-29-2008, 11:53 AM	#18 (permalink)
mtb4fun Member	how to post pics? Nice write-up Kristine. Rich, thanks for the tidbit on my rubbing disc brakes. I fiddled with it and now my tire's spinning freely! I'm trying to post the pics I took but it's not exactly working. I'll figure it out... WORTH CLIMBING FOR 0228081056b.JPG TANDEM OR PERFECT UNISON 0228081057b.JPG GROUP PHOTO 0228081058b.JPG BRENDA BAPTISM 0228081134b.JPG KRISTINE BAPTISM 0228081134ab.JPG

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