RR: Trail Angels Tuesday Whiting Ride

[Elisheva]

Well there's been alot of talk amongst the TA's about Whiting, all of the excitement and hoopla about riding new trails, seeing the burn areas for the first time and developing sand skills. So at 8am this morning, 7 of us ventured out to explore the wilds of Whiting: Jacke, Deanna, Brenda, (Brendagilbert) Marla, Nancy, Karen (KPeony) and myself, Beth (Elisheva).

We began our trek at Borrego and navigated our way along the path discussing the proper techniques of riding in sand: weight back, light on the front tire, peddle, peddle and mash your way through it, keeping up momentum. Everyone did really well keeping up a good, steady pace keeping the pedals moving in the sand. After awhile we felt more comfortable, and hardly noticed the sand was there. There's a sharp left turn and an up on Borrego Trail that is probably the most challenging on the trail as it is quite soft. Happy to report several of our Angels rode right up it and it does seem to be a little more packed down on the right. Very doable. Met a male solo rider at Borrego/Mustard named "Shelly" and Deanna and he discussed their patriarchal lines.

We attacked Cattle Pond for extra credit and hooped as we made our descent. Nothing technical here, just watch the sand so there's no OTB action as you approach Mustard. Then we made our descent up Mustard, Brenda and Marla leading because they opted out of Cattle Pond. It was hot, humid and buggy as we climbed up, cleaning it. Several comments about wanting to take off our jerseys, but we kept them on for good measure. After discussion on a proper route with the new trails, we descended Cactus and down through Sleepy Hollow. This is already packing down and yes, quite fun, you can bomb it, just watch out for an occasional tight switchback in the soft, talcum-like dirt. Everyone did exceptionally well. Then, we decided to ride up Sleepy Hollow and connect to Sage Scrub to come down again. After Jacke told us to clear the trail, bikes on the side (TA's are notorious for gabbing in the middle of the trail...) we got serious and headed out Whiting Road for the fun single track on Serrrano Cow Trail. We bombed that and hit the sand fast, keeping up momentum and then out Live Oak equally as fast. Happy to report, the sand is laying down and it is fun.

The girls loaded up their bikes and headed out but Brenda and I felt we needed more, so we rode up Borrego again, to Mustard and back. Met some very nice hikers, everyone on good behavior. What a peaceful place, sitting on the trail on a Tuesday morning. What could be better?

Brenda will follow with the pictures!

[brendagilbert]

The more I ride Whiting, the more I love that sand... just as I was reading another post- its a great skillset to have. I imagine that I am skiing and it has never been so much fun. Oh yeah, AND today I cleaned Mustard for the first time ever- no stops, no dabs. Its been a goal of mine since the first time I hiked it, and didnt even own a mountain bike about 10 years ago...
It was great to see a good strong group today for our first Tuesday Whiting ride... the only one missing was Kristine! We missed you girl!
I'm off to ride Aliso Woods for a few hours, but here are the pictures from today.....

The girls on Borrego
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Jacke going strong!
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Some parts were HAB
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Deannimal cleaned that switchback o'sand
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Deanna shows how its done
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Karen cleans Mustard- guy named Shelly does too!
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Harder to hold this bike than to clean Mustard
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Yeeha Nancy cleans it too
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TA's at the top!
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After cactus- which way?
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Cool tree sculpture
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Jacke on Serrano
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Jacke removes her trail friend
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The end(s)
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