RR: A Good Friday - TriCanyons Area

[Esqo]

Okay, here's my first attempt at a RR, so let me know if I screwed it up!

I'm lucky enough to work in an office that closes for Good Friday, so of course I had to do a solo morning ride at one of my favorite local spots, TriCanyons area (specifically Rose Canyon/Marian Bear). I did a quick search of this forum to see if there were any RRs for this area, but didn't find much. Which is surprising, because to me, TriCanyons is a staple ride, conveniently located in the middle of San Diego next to 3 major freeways, really an oasis in the middle of the City. Sure, it's not one of the more exotic "destination" trails, but there's enough fun and challenging singletrack to satisy a weekend warrior (and newbie) like myself.

Okay enough with the rhetoric, here' my report.

Started around 11:00 am at the end of Sante Fe Road, past the Karl Strauss Brewery.



Crossed the train tracks and hit the trail going east. Surprisingly, I didn't see any other riders (bunch of roadies though). Just a couple random hikers. Here's the first of a bunch of water crossings.




Needless to say, it was a classic, beautiful Spring day in America's Finest City.





[


cont'd.

[Esqo]

Rolled passed the Rose Canyon parking lot toward Marion Bear. Came across the big restoration project. Don't know when they'll be done with it. This area gets really muddy!





Went under the bridge toward Marion Bear which of course meant hitting the big patch of babyheads - everyone's favorite terrain! The way I learned how to ride over this stuff is just hit it hard and fast and don't think about too much.



This time around I hit a bunch of the smaller offshoot trails, including Cobb, Biltmore and Kroc. The trail up Kroc was steep and ended up being more of a hike and bike (my little single-speed can't hang). Here's a shot from the top, looking down.

[Esqo]

The top of the Kroc trail leads to an outlet that dumps you directly into a neighborhood in Clairemont. This dog in the house next to the canyon was not too happy to see me. Had it not been for the chickenwire on the low wooden fence, I would have been in a bike race against the pooch.



Did a little roadbiking for a couple blocks.



Got back into the canyon through the inlet next to Ray Kroc Middle School. Not a kid in sight - Must be Spring Break.



The trail from the school is superfun, fast and twisty downhill singletrack that goes back into Marian Bear. Only lasted a few minutes, but it's worth it.





Headed back toward my car at Santa Fe. Crossed the stream once again.



Of course I couldn't leave without a train sighting.



This ride has it all, up and down singletrack with all types of terrain, a little cross-style hike and bike, and some urban road action.

[el_d00der1n0]

Nice RR. The only thing missing is the poison oak shots.

Looks like tri-canyons is a good place for the SS. We need an SS love ride in SD.

[bajamtnbkr]

Nice job Esqo!! Keep the RR coming, we need more of those from San Diego.

[Esqo]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

Looks like tri-canyons is a good place for the SS. We need an SS love ride in SD.

Do it, fearless leader!

[brett]

Nice RR, now I think I'll have to head over there sometime.

[OffRoadie]

Tri-Canyons is where I began mountain biking. It's "special" to me. I'll probably going back there soon.

[foofighter]

Originally Posted by Esqo

Do it, fearless leader!

+1 on that...brian setup a SS SD lovefest

[1080P]

Damn bug, I ALMOST put my finger through the soft screen trying to crush that little bugger.

[DISCO]

These are the best rides, easy to drive to, lots of bailout options, fun and accessible. Kudos for sharing, I wish more people would go out and explore their own backyards instead of hopping in the car to hunt down the "perfect ride". Don't think me critical but understand I enjoy mid-week rides without a twenty mile drive.

[Mr. Bungle]

Nice pictures!!!! If I want to do an easy 5 miles, thats where I go. Heck, thats where im going later today!

[Liquid55]

Originally Posted by OffRoadie

Tri-Canyons is where I began mountain biking. It's "special" to me. I'll probably going back there soon.

Same here, I enjoy going to Tri-canyon ever once in a while.

[MTBBill]

Nice RR. I used to ride there quite a bit, but a few years back I developed a sensitivity to Poison Oak. Most of my favorite sections are the singletracks off to the side of the fireroads. The bummer is that is where most of the evil leaf resides. So these days I don't hit it as much and I skipp some of those sections. Still lots of miles you can put in there.

[Esqo]

Thanks Bill. I've always been a fan of your website and use it regularly as a trail resource.

[bjammin]

Originally Posted by OffRoadie

Tri-Canyons is where I began mountain biking. It's "special" to me. I'll probably going back there soon.

Hey mark, I've never ridden here and would love a tour. We should do it on the 'cross bikes!

[OffRoadie]

Exactly what I was thinking. It's pretty good terrain I think for a 'cross bike. You get to practice dismounts as you run across the riverbed.

[SKULLY]

Thanks for the RR and pix. I lived in off of Balboa about 16 years ago and those pix brought back a lot of memories. Can't remember the last time I road
down there. I would ride those trails a least 4 times a week. The trail from the middle school was my entrance and exit and is one of the best sections....super fast and flowy!