RR: El Morro/Crystal Cove

[richie_rich]

So with all the talk of the "Pole Climbing Competition" I headed out to El Morro and anted up the $10 fee to park and began my ride. As this was my first time out there I had no idea what to expect and being alone (bad idea I know), I really took it easy.

As I began the climb from the station I decided on "No Dogs Trail" to the top of this infamous "Poles" so I could scope it out with a ride down it. (Ok, it looks a lot different from some of the pictures that were posted previously as there is some growth now on the hill.) So on my way down I shot a couple photos for people who haven't been and to log what was my purpose of the day.

Upon my reaching the bottom, I took a picture from the trailhead, got out the stopwatch and took a sip from my (still heavy) camelbak. I took a moment to ready myself, pressed start and I was off! About 3/4 of the way up I was thinking that it was awful hot and either the trail was getting steeper or I was getting tired. I slid ahead on the saddle and went for it...no standing, no dabbing, no pushing, just pedaling. "I made it!" I proclaimed in my head when I reached the top while checking my time. 5 minutes and 41 seconds. Timed sign to sign bearing left at the top of the crest back to "No Dogs." (I have no idea where this time would rank, but I thought it would be a benchmark for people to go off. I did it again, though read on for a better time )

So after thinking about Wrecker taunting me about the competition to come and taking a big drink, I continued up, up and more up "No Name Ridge" to "Ticketron" past Deer Canyon camping area and up "Red Tail Ridge." When will the up stop? At the gate thankfully and I countinued around "Fence Line" and something else to "El Morro Ridge." Took some more pictures along the way and headed down "I Think I Can" where I shot some more pictures including some of "Poles" from above and continued to the junction of "El Morro Canyon."

Having had ample time to warm up my legs, I decided that I wasn't happy with my "Pole" climb and went and did it again. This time with a lighter Camelbak and a different approach, I proceeded up and this time scrubbed 16 seconds from my previous time, now 5 minutes 25 seconds. This time it did hurt a little more, but still no dabbing, no pushing, no standing, just pedaling. I turned around went back down and then followed "El Morro Canyon" back out to the lot stretched out, put on the flip flops and headed home. I have to say the trails were in great shape, everything is in bloom and I had a great ride. (Minus $10 )

Time again, 5 minutes and 25 seconds...I'm sure it's not the fastest, but I did it twice and made it both times.

[art23rockpile]

Just did a 2hr. ride in that area this morning (didn't bring the camera... yea, i'm lame ). Water Tank/Bommer/Fenceline/Redtail/Rattlesnake/Mach One/El Mo. While descending into the canyon before Mach One, I saw a bobcat ambling up the trail

All the trails were in fine shape, everything is green, and the wildlife was astir.

[sasquatch9billion]

I got there around noon and did a quck ride myself. Ridge park/rattle snake/ I think I can/ bvd/old emerald and out. I though about poles but didn't feel like trying the climb in the heat.

[Singletrack Angel]

Excellent RR Rich! Love your pictures. Yesterday was just a warm-up for you, I see.. You're such an MTB animal! Next time, post the ride and take a buddy - safety first.

[tbowren]

Can you get to the El Morro bike trails from parking at that one lot off of Laguna Canyon Road? There is also another "Wilderness" parking lot on the 133 as well. Would either of these connect to the trails?

I don't mind paying $$, it would just be a lot closer to my house to park in one of those lots.

[art23rockpile]

Originally Posted by tbowren

Can you get to the El Morro bike trails from parking at that one lot off of Laguna Canyon Road? There is also another "Wilderness" parking lot on the 133 as well. Would either of these connect to the trails?

I don't mind paying $$, it would just be a lot closer to my house to park in one of those lots.

If you park at the trailhead (parking on Lag Cyn. just past El Toro Rd.), you can get to the El Mo trails by riding up Willow Cyn. trail to Bommer Ridge trail. However, if you're unfamiliar with the area, it would be wise to purchase a map of the area at your LBS.

[brendagilbert]

Thanks for the awesome report Richard- and the photos ! I cant wait to ride with you again....