RR: My Ventura County ride (hummingbird, etc.)

[dutch]

So thanks to DBD's advice, I hit up some Simi valley riding today at around 11:30 AM. It was an awesome ride with some slightly painful yet interesting climbing, a fireroad descent (and climb) that I actually enjoyed, and one of the most fun descents that I have ever done, Hummingbird.

For those who don't know, hummingbird descends down the side of a boulder filled mountain, and includes rocks on top of rocks on top of switchbacks and some steep slickrock. I only dabbed once and it is all definitely rideable, but will keep anyone on their toes for the entire descent. I absolutely loved it, but I'll get to the pictures, as I know that's what people like to see in an RR.

I took it pretty easy today as the scenery was amazing and the heat was up. On top of my photo breaks, I also got to enjoy a flat tire and a nice episode with my chain getting sucked onto the inside of the cassette, made me wish I had a nice big pie plate on their. Total time from car to car was about 2:30 with 1:28 of actual wheelspinning time for the 11 mile loop. here's some pics, enjoy!!

from the dirt lot, that's hummingbird somewhere in there:


beginning of chumash and a no smoking sign that I felt was directed right at me:


purdy flowers at the start, and a long way up:


I broke 500 dirt miles today!!!!!:


onwards and upwards:


continued!! (below)

first mechanical, lousy flat:


where I've been, absolutely beautiful:


finally, me at the top of chumash, only a few more miles of climbing to go:


the infamous hbar shot:


my car's down there somewhere, this is the highest point (i think):


hope y'all enjoyed, its definitely worth riding if you're up in the area, thanks DBD!

[DBD]

Fun ride isn't it? Although the climb up Chumash can seem to take forever when the temps are up a bit. The thing I like about Chumash is it works you with a climb and THEN throws in some technical bits towards the top after your legs are feelin' it.

Guess you had to much fun on HB since there are no trail shots.

If you want to do that ride again with a group, there is one heading up there on the 30th.

Chumash/Hummingbird/Johnson

Since you now know where the trails are/go you can bail if needed on that ride. Johnson is fun and if you climbed Chumash you will be able to climb Johnson (3.1mi) as well since the most difficult part is near the top.

If I do not need to watch the kids the next time you do the loop I will join ya. Just let me know and I can toss an extra pint or two in the fridge as well.

I thought I saw you up there, see me waving from our balcony?

[1080P]

New material, closer to home.... Try Lang Ranch, heading due East, to Suicide, West to North Ranch, to COSCO North on over back to Lang Ranch. It's a 2+ hour loop, Suicide should get your attention fully on the descent.

[dutch]

with a name like suicide I'd imagine.

And yeah no shots of the DH on hummingbird. I thought about taking some pictures of some of the tight little boulder passes, but by the time I'd thought about it I was a few switchbacks down.

Won't be able to make it up on the 30th, I've got work, and then the next day I start school back here in Irvine, so I'll be stuck in the OC for a while. Might get up for a friday/saturday some time, so I'll definitely let you know.

[dutch]

... man i hoped at least the jax dudes would comment on my ride.

i guess this is one last shameless bump before I figure that noone cares where and when I rode. peace...

[Abui]

Originally Posted by dutch

And yeah no shots of the DH on hummingbird. I thought about taking some pictures of some of the tight little boulder passes, but by the time I'd thought about it I was a few switchbacks down.

I managed to stop in a few places on Hummingbird. It must have been my friends.

Pictures - starting with the climb then the descent. Click to see bigger images. Look for two riders on the switchbacks. FUN!

[Abui]

Originally Posted by dutch

... man i hoped at least the jax dudes would comment on my ride.

i guess this is one last shameless bump before I figure that noone cares where and when I rode. peace...

There's always someone looking. Even if they don't hit "thanks".