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wheezy · 03-03-2008, 08:07 PM

I had ridden a SMALL section of El Morro a few weeks back and decided to go for a much longer ride today.

First of all, it kind of broke my heart to see all the trailers gone. I don't know why, but it did. Part of the character of that place is definitely missing now; not to mention it's even uglier than it was before they removed the trailers.

Weather was perfect as I set out at about 4:15 or so. Rode the canyon and up East Cut Across, got passed by a 74 year old gentleman by the name of Steve. Good lord I'm out of shape. Once he passed me I didn't see him the rest of the ride, I'll just assume he's super human for the sake of my ego. Rode along the ridge to fenceline and decided to do Rattlesnake.

Hot diggitiy that trail is RAD. This was also my FIRST day in clipless pedals. (Crank Bros Candy SL's and some Specialized shoes) They didn't cause ANY problems and in fact I felt way more in control of the bike through that section. I do have to admit stopping and walking one small section that I just couldn't convince my brain to try and ride. If I hadn't been alone, I may have gone for it.

I couldn't believe how overgrown everything was on the section before rattlesnake. I haven't ridden back there in over a decade... but I don't ever remember seeing it like that. Made it rather intense actually. I REALLY enjoyed it, I think the somewhat claustrophobic feeling really made my senses go wild. I felt like a school boy at the 6th grade dance and was definitely on edge about the whole thing. Once again, I don't think it would have been quite the same rush if I hadn't been alone.

It eventually opened up once I got to Mach One (the best part of my ride, love that section!) it was still way overgrown but it was super fun! I felt like I was in a fairy tale world with plants up to head high and just blasting down the trail. INTENSE to say the least, this is what mtn biking should always feel like.

I wish I had taken a camera because the green growth and near perfect day was just amazing up there today. I took my sweet time and finished the ride at about 5:45 right at sunset and it was beautiful, brilliant orange as the sun went down just to the right side of Catalina.

Truly a miniature epic day for me. As good as it gets for an "after work" ride as far as I'm concerned.

I'm looking forward to going back and doing some more exploring now that it connects with Laguna Wilderness. I'm a huge fan of El Morro. You'll see me out there... a lot..... I'm the 6'5" guy wheezing on the 29er!

art23rockpile · 03-03-2008, 10:03 PM

Thanks for the RR, Todd. I ride Laguna Wilderness frequently, as I live in North Laguna. Just recently, i've been ending my rides in El Mo. Rattlesnake and Mach One are -coincidentally- part of the route i'll be taking next time out (tomorrow or Wed.). Hope to see ya out there sometime!

station · 03-03-2008, 10:06 PM

I work in Laguna, hit me up next time.

Waldo · 03-03-2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheezy

...got passed by a 74 year old gentleman by the name of Steve. Good lord I'm out of shape. Once he passed me I didn't see him the rest of the ride, I'll just assume he's super human for the sake of my ego.

Sometime in the first half of '07, LoisMustDie and I were riding there. He got a jump on me going up I Think I Can and I realized he was trying to reel in another rider. I turned it up, but I couldn't catch LMD. I did catch the other guy about 3/4 of the way up, only to find out it was a guy in his 70's! Then just to humble me more, the guy turned it up and hung on my wheel the rest of the way, smiling and chatting most of the time. It was equal part frustration and admiration for me, but I have to give the guy major props for doing something in his 70's that most don't in their 20's.

Of course since then I've stepped it up a notch or two, so I might be able to take him now...or not. At least maybe I wouldn't be too winded to return the chat and a smile.

wheezy · 03-04-2008, 08:41 AM

LOL, I wonder if it was the same guy. Apparently he's a local there. With my minor breathing disability I don't think I'll ever catch him. I had a blast though and I'm always down to ride... you'll know me when you HEAR me.

They call me wheezy for a reason!

dstepper · 03-04-2008, 08:45 AM

Just to clear things up, I am not that Old Guy, I am not that fast.

art23rockpile · 03-04-2008, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstepper

Just to clear things up, I am not that Old Guy, I am not that fast.

Yes indded, Dean... and not that old either!
But why does Wheezy use your photo for his avatar?

dirtvert · 03-04-2008, 09:21 AM

thanks for the report (and the enthusiasm). most of my rides are in el moro/laguna coast- i'm being trained as a docent/naturalist in laguna. pm me anytime you want to ride.

wheezy · 03-04-2008, 09:57 AM

There was a gentleman I met that was riding with the old guy... quite a bit behind him actually.

I forget his name but he is one of the docent guys and told me about some other websites with docent rides and such.

Irvine Wilderness something or other. He says there are LOTS of group rides every month in some of the different areas that are off limits to the public unless being led by one of these docent guys.

Anybody have direct links to some of this stuff? Sorry to be so vague, I just don't have that great of a memory and am just a new guy around here.

dstepper · 03-04-2008, 10:00 AM

https://www.irvineranchwildlands.org/activities/

wheezy · 03-04-2008, 10:15 AM

Thanks Steppie

wheezy · 03-05-2008, 03:49 PM

So I couldn't help myself and rode there again today. Not as cool of a route, but I still had a blast exploring. Met some really cool dudes on the trail as well.

None of them had ever heard of STR... I tried to recruit them but man SoCalTrailRiders.org sure is a long URL to remember.... especially in the middle of a ride.

Another BEAUTIFUL day out there. El Morro is definitely my new "local" ride. LOVE that place.

Still didn't take a camera though...

Fired Yo Momma · 03-05-2008, 03:52 PM

we will have to ge together for a ride Wheezy. I try to ride out their at least once a week. I live in Costa Mesa so its the close place for me. I usually ride after work like at 430 or 500PM.

DeeZee · 03-05-2008, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fired Yo Momma

we will have to ge together for a ride Wheezy. I try to ride out their at least once a week. I live in Costa Mesa so its the close place for me. I usually ride after work like at 430 or 500PM.

I work in AV and would like to ride that place again.....been awhile

wheezy · 03-05-2008, 04:13 PM

ANY TIME - I'm slow and I'm wheezy, but I'm always down to ride!

Pho'dUp · 03-05-2008, 04:33 PM

I see that older guy at El Morro all the time. He still riding that Blue Enduro? Anyways, he's a hammerhead for sure. You can also see him climbing up Ridgepark on his classic lugged road frame too.

Fired Yo Momma · 03-05-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeeZee

I work in AV and would like to ride that place again.....been awhile

I will carrry a big stick for that ride with you Doug. Red Sox land baby

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

I see that older guy at El Morro all the time. He still riding that Blue Enduro? Anyways, he's a hammerhead for sure. You can also see him climbing up Ridgepark on his classic lugged road frame too.

I saw that dude last night. He is pretty old but I know for sure he can climb a lot better than me of course 90% of thepeople can climb better than me. I saw him last night and he chuckled as I rode past him going in form ridgepark as he was leaving I was in my work clothes

DeeZee · 03-05-2008, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheezy

ANY TIME - I'm slow and I'm wheezy, but I'm always down to ride!

we will do well together

[quote=Fired Yo Momma;225248]I will carrry a big stick for that ride with you Doug. Red Sox land baby

EXCELLENT!!!!

wheezy · 03-05-2008, 07:41 PM

Any chance any of you guys can do the Fully Loop night ride tomorrow? It seems it would be the perfect opportunity to meet and do a casual ride together.

I'm 95% sure I'm going to be able to make it... kind of sore already from all the miles this week but whatever; I can't seem to get enough punishment. I've never ridden the Fully Loop, and I've never used my new light either so I'm kind of excited about it.

DeeZee · 03-05-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheezy

Any chance any of you guys can do the Fully Loop night ride tomorrow? It seems it would be the perfect opportunity to meet and do a casual ride together.

I'm 95% sure I'm going to be able to make it... kind of sore already from all the miles this week but whatever; I can't seem to get enough punishment. I've never ridden the Fully Loop, and I've never used my new light either so I'm kind of excited about it.

03-03-2008, 08:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
wheezy DH Gorilla	RR: El Morro 3.03.2008 I had ridden a SMALL section of El Morro a few weeks back and decided to go for a much longer ride today. First of all, it kind of broke my heart to see all the trailers gone. I don't know why, but it did. Part of the character of that place is definitely missing now; not to mention it's even uglier than it was before they removed the trailers. Weather was perfect as I set out at about 4:15 or so. Rode the canyon and up East Cut Across, got passed by a 74 year old gentleman by the name of Steve. Good lord I'm out of shape. Once he passed me I didn't see him the rest of the ride, I'll just assume he's super human for the sake of my ego. Rode along the ridge to fenceline and decided to do Rattlesnake. Hot diggitiy that trail is RAD. This was also my FIRST day in clipless pedals. (Crank Bros Candy SL's and some Specialized shoes) They didn't cause ANY problems and in fact I felt way more in control of the bike through that section. I do have to admit stopping and walking one small section that I just couldn't convince my brain to try and ride. If I hadn't been alone, I may have gone for it. I couldn't believe how overgrown everything was on the section before rattlesnake. I haven't ridden back there in over a decade... but I don't ever remember seeing it like that. Made it rather intense actually. I REALLY enjoyed it, I think the somewhat claustrophobic feeling really made my senses go wild. I felt like a school boy at the 6th grade dance and was definitely on edge about the whole thing. Once again, I don't think it would have been quite the same rush if I hadn't been alone. It eventually opened up once I got to Mach One (the best part of my ride, love that section!) it was still way overgrown but it was super fun! I felt like I was in a fairy tale world with plants up to head high and just blasting down the trail. INTENSE to say the least, this is what mtn biking should always feel like. I wish I had taken a camera because the green growth and near perfect day was just amazing up there today. I took my sweet time and finished the ride at about 5:45 right at sunset and it was beautiful, brilliant orange as the sun went down just to the right side of Catalina. Truly a miniature epic day for me. As good as it gets for an "after work" ride as far as I'm concerned. I'm looking forward to going back and doing some more exploring now that it connects with Laguna Wilderness. I'm a huge fan of El Morro. You'll see me out there... a lot..... I'm the 6'5" guy wheezing on the 29er! __________________ Wheezy Todd TODD AVERY PHOTO

03-03-2008, 10:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
art23rockpile Surf 'n' Trail Rat	Thanks for the RR, Todd. I ride Laguna Wilderness frequently, as I live in North Laguna. Just recently, i've been ending my rides in El Mo. Rattlesnake and Mach One are -coincidentally- part of the route i'll be taking next time out (tomorrow or Wed.). Hope to see ya out there sometime! __________________ "I don't need to go to the Arctic, to know that it's cold." SheDevil "Besides....half of this forum go both ways"

03-04-2008, 08:41 AM	#5 (permalink)
wheezy DH Gorilla	LOL, I wonder if it was the same guy. Apparently he's a local there. With my minor breathing disability I don't think I'll ever catch him. I had a blast though and I'm always down to ride... you'll know me when you HEAR me. They call me wheezy for a reason! __________________ Wheezy Todd TODD AVERY PHOTO

03-04-2008, 08:45 AM	#6 (permalink)
dstepper Over the Hill	Just to clear things up, I am not that Old Guy, I am not that fast. __________________ If I'm not lost or getting bushwacked, the trail was too easy. Prescott Valley Houses The Path

03-04-2008, 09:57 AM	#9 (permalink)
wheezy DH Gorilla	There was a gentleman I met that was riding with the old guy... quite a bit behind him actually. I forget his name but he is one of the docent guys and told me about some other websites with docent rides and such. Irvine Wilderness something or other. He says there are LOTS of group rides every month in some of the different areas that are off limits to the public unless being led by one of these docent guys. Anybody have direct links to some of this stuff? Sorry to be so vague, I just don't have that great of a memory and am just a new guy around here. __________________ Wheezy Todd TODD AVERY PHOTO

03-03-2008, 10:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
station Is this thing on?	I work in Laguna, hit me up next time.

03-04-2008, 09:21 AM	#8 (permalink)
dirtvert Banned	thanks for the report (and the enthusiasm). most of my rides are in el moro/laguna coast- i'm being trained as a docent/naturalist in laguna. pm me anytime you want to ride.

03-04-2008, 10:00 AM	#10 (permalink)
dstepper Over the Hill	https://www.irvineranchwildlands.org/activities/ __________________ If I'm not lost or getting bushwacked, the trail was too easy. Prescott Valley Houses The Path

03-04-2008, 10:15 AM	#11 (permalink)
wheezy DH Gorilla	Thanks Steppie __________________ Wheezy Todd TODD AVERY PHOTO

03-05-2008, 03:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
wheezy DH Gorilla	So I couldn't help myself and rode there again today. Not as cool of a route, but I still had a blast exploring. Met some really cool dudes on the trail as well. None of them had ever heard of STR... I tried to recruit them but man SoCalTrailRiders.org sure is a long URL to remember.... especially in the middle of a ride. Another BEAUTIFUL day out there. El Morro is definitely my new "local" ride. LOVE that place. Still didn't take a camera though... __________________ Wheezy Todd TODD AVERY PHOTO

03-05-2008, 03:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
Fired Yo Momma Client 9	we will have to ge together for a ride Wheezy. I try to ride out their at least once a week. I live in Costa Mesa so its the close place for me. I usually ride after work like at 430 or 500PM. __________________ And the hangovers hurt more than they used to And corn bread and ice tea took the place of pills and 80 proof And it seems like none of us do the things quite like we used to do And nobody wants to get high on the town And all my rowdy friends have settled down -Hank Williams Jr.

03-05-2008, 04:13 PM	#15 (permalink)
wheezy DH Gorilla	ANY TIME - I'm slow and I'm wheezy, but I'm always down to ride! __________________ Wheezy Todd TODD AVERY PHOTO

03-05-2008, 04:33 PM	#16 (permalink)
Pho'dUp I made a Taco this big!	I see that older guy at El Morro all the time. He still riding that Blue Enduro? Anyways, he's a hammerhead for sure. You can also see him climbing up Ridgepark on his classic lugged road frame too. __________________ *TKBlazer:* Pho'dUp forgot his clothes i guess i have to stop by the thrift store and pick him up a dress to wear for the race

03-05-2008, 07:41 PM	#19 (permalink)
wheezy DH Gorilla	Any chance any of you guys can do the Fully Loop night ride tomorrow? It seems it would be the perfect opportunity to meet and do a casual ride together. I'm 95% sure I'm going to be able to make it... kind of sore already from all the miles this week but whatever; I can't seem to get enough punishment. I've never ridden the Fully Loop, and I've never used my new light either so I'm kind of excited about it. __________________ Wheezy Todd TODD AVERY PHOTO

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