Mt. Lowe

[silkworm]

Hey, I'm thinking about trying this 14.1 mile 4800 foot downhill. Has anyone done it recently? What is the trail like? Difficulty? It looks like some people have done it in 2 hours or so, I would probably take a bit longer - I'm not good enough to ride where there is extreme cliff exposure, is there any of that? Shit is the trail even in good condition, there were some fires up that way last year wasn't there? Let me know when you get a moment.

Thanks!

You may have to sign in to view trail map:

http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=32

O yeah, I'm pretty new to Los Angeles riding so keep it real - I may have no clue what I'm getting myself into, haha.

[Hanzo]

Yes there is exposure especially on Middle Merrill. We had a rider go over a cliff ~60ft. Havent heard any updated news on him, but hopefully he is doing better.

Check out the ride report
Sam Merrill/Sunset/El Prieto

[Pain Freak]

Daniel is doing a lot better and has started riding again against dr's orders,sssshhhhh!

Most of this ride is exposure and do not do it by yourself. If you are an intermediate rider it may still be a little to much as I'd rate it in some places as advanced. True you can walk some sections, but not knowing what's coming up is an accident waiting to happen or not having a guide for your first ride is risky to say the least.

[dirtmistress]

Originally Posted by silkworm

Hey, I'm thinking about trying this 14.1 mile 4800 foot downhill. Has anyone done it recently? What is the trail like? Difficulty? It looks like some people have done it in 2 hours or so, I would probably take a bit longer - I'm not good enough to ride where there is extreme cliff exposure, is there any of that? Shit is the trail even in good condition, there were some fires up that way last year wasn't there? Let me know when you get a moment.

Thanks!

You may have to sign in to view trail map:

http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=32

O yeah, I'm pretty new to Los Angeles riding so keep it real - I may have no clue what I'm getting myself into, haha.

Probably not a good idea to do the San Gab's by yourself if you've never done them.
Maybe wait till a posted ride pops up there.
There is extreme exposure on some singletracks.
Fireroad is fine.

[1080P]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

Daniel is doing a lot better and has started riding again against dr's orders,sssshhhhh!

Most of this ride is exposure and do not do it by yourself. If you are an intermediate rider it may still be a little to much as I'd rate it in some places as advanced. True you can walk some sections, but not knowing what's coming up is an accident waiting to happen or not having a guide for your first ride is risky to say the least.

I will echo Pain Freaks sentiments. I did this alone my first time on a Saturday back in March, the day before Corba trail work day on Middle Merrill. Biggest mistake I've made to date on my mountain bike

I consider myself an intermediate rider, good basic skills, know when to walk and when to ride. This was a serious ride, with extreme serious exposure, with huge penalties for failure, including falling 50 feet and death. I made it down in one piece, thinking and knowing from there on out that this is a trail designed for miners on 2 feet or mules on 4 feet maybe 100 years ago, and that it was never intended for wheels to roll on it.

Minimum, ride it with 3 people, 2 to save your ass if you get in a jam.

[Piranha]

If you're shuttling the 4,000'+ descent from Eaton Saddle down the fire road to Chaney you'll have absolutely no problem.
As other have mentioned, if you want some good singletrack, you'll need to have the skillset to handle a lot of exposure and technical stuff. If that's you, I highly recommend checking out Upper & Middle Merrill, then you'll take the Echo connector across to Sunset and drop down to Millard.
OTBMBC.com rides the San Gabes frequently. Check out the ride schedule if you're interested in having some fun.

[freerider59]

Do not ride Mt Lowe by yourself. It just takes one mistake. Been over the side a few times myself, luckey I haven't been serously hurt.

[mp3]

Originally Posted by silkworm

Has anyone done it recently? What is the trail like?

Did it today, first time in 4 years, and the trail was in fairly good condition though it was a bit "bumpy" with
a hardtail.

[silkworm]

Yeah, I wasn't planning on riding it solo - but I don't think I'm ready to handle the exposure. What other trails up there in the area of some good downhill/singletrack?

[Pain Freak]

Almost all in the San Gabes that are dh/shuttle trails will have some exposure. Some more then others.If you want something a little tamer and to just get a feel for it, try the Gabrielino from Red Box to JPL or if you want a shorter ride to Switzers. Very little climbing and not as much exposure.

[live_in_hilo@yahoo.com]

dont forget that common sense goes a long way.

[DBD]

If you are not quite ready for the exposure in the Gabes have you ridden Chumash or Hummingbird in Simi?

You could string a couple different loops together to get some mileage and Chumash and Hummingbird both have a little exposure. Granted you will not get the long descents that you can get in the Gabes but you will definitely get the technical aspect.

[JoeTruth]

As Pain Freak mentioned, you might want to get your feet wet with something a little less exposed. For starters. The Gabrielino is a good one, although it has it's share of exposure, it's not nearly as bad as Mt. Lowe trails. FYI, the Gab is not all down. There is a few short climbs. I believe about 500-600 feet worth over a 13-14 mile stretch.

[kanga]

All of the longer descents in the Angeles Front Country have exposure, but there are shorter sections in the high country that have less, like the Redbox-Switzers section of the Gabrielino as mentioned. You can head up a little higher and hit the Chilao area, but that's not a shuttle ride.

The Vetter-Shortcut section of the Silver Moccasin is pretty good and one of my favorite sections, but you'll have to climb out, or set a shuttle on the Big Tujunga Canyon Road, and know where to get off the trail to the road. Here's what it looks like:

http://www.viddler.com/explore/kanga/videos/18/

Another option that's long, with about a mile of climbing at the start, then a very gradual climb/flat section, then 5 miles of downhill is the Redbox to Wikiup section of the Strawberry Peak Trail. There is some exposure, but it's not severe.

Lots of options. Best to hook up with a group who are doing it and can let you know what's up.

[Piranha]

Good suggestion Kanga.......Strawberry from Red Box to Wikiup is a lot of fun!

[1080P]

Originally Posted by Piranha

Good suggestion Kanga.......Strawberry from Red Box to Wikiup is a lot of fun!

Oh yeah, that was the best part of the whole ride doing Epic Chilao. Make a point to stop on that one a lot and take a look around you, the view is stunning. When your are riding it, so much of your attention will be focused on the trail right in front of you that you'll literally miss the forest looking for the trees.

[DISCO]

It's not that bad go up Merrill and down sunrise? If you stay within your limits and bring plenty of water you should be fine. Although I concur that it is best not to break new ground solo, there is usually quite a bit of traffic here so you may wind up joining a group.