RR: Lower Emerald Canyon, Laguna Beach

[dstepper]

For me this is the best time of the year to ride, the trails are hard packed from the rain, it is still cool out, and best of all it is green.

After two springs of no vehcile traffic Lower Emerald Canyon has turned into singletrack. It is a shame that there is no access from Emerald Bay and Highway 1, because if there was it would be a excellent beginners trail. Today there is a constant buss in the canyon from all the birds and bees that is very noticable because no noise from the surrounding roads gets into this canyon.

I post this report because normally this is not a great ride, but for the next few weeks and before all the grass drys up, it is worth the side trip.

***Padre it was good seeing you and Madre on the trail today***

[CalEpic]

Thanks for the report D.

I've ridden down there a few times and you're right, it's too bad there's no access from the bottom. It would be cool to be able to head into Laguna and grab a bite to eat and drink and continue on a ride. I've sort of avoided Old Emerald and BVD lately because it was so sandy climbing back out to Bommer. I don't think I've ridden to the bottom in over a year. Good to hear the trail is in good shape.

See you tomorrow

C

[dstepper]

The climb back out is the best I have ever seen it. That steep hardpan climb has no loose stuff on it right now.

[TURNERob]

I've never been back there, looks like I may have to check it out sometime.

Kippie and I dropped Old Emerald a couple weeks ago and climbed up BVD instead of the fireroad. The lower half of BVD is pretty overgrown and the flat area at the bottom is covered in grass. Overall if the trail was cleared up a bit I think it is an easier climb than the fireroad out.

[Padre]

Great meeting you to d-step!

Here's Madre climbing out of the bottom of Old E.....

[ShinKen]

is madre the wife? newho I like the color on the bike!! what brand of bike is dat?

[dstepper]

Niner One-9. Yes his wife.

[Padre]

Originally Posted by ShinKen

is madre the wife? newho I like the color on the bike!! what brand of bike is dat?

Yep, Madre is the wife.

The bike is a Niner Bikes "One 9" Easton Scandium 29" singlespeed....boy, that was a mouthful!

check 'em out! www.ninerbikes.com

dstepper is rockin' one too....

here's her bike....
and there a picture of her tearin' it up...

[dstepper]

Madre and Padre are too humble to brag about it...check out this link to Sea Otter. http://www.seaotterclassic.com/2006/214.htm

Madre=Leslie Williams...beat the Women's Single Speed World Champion.

[LBmtb]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Madre and Padre are too humble to brag about it...check out this link to Sea Otter. http://www.seaotterclassic.com/2006/214.htm

Madre=Leslie Williams...beat the Women's Single Speed World Champion.

Very impressive !

[Pain Freak]

Wow, very impressive, Madre & Padre. You guys rock!

[Shannon]

How do you access Lower Emerald Cyn? I haven't ridden down there but anxious to now after seeing your pics. Thanks.

[dstepper]

It is in Laguna Wilderness Park. If you are familar with Old Emerald Singletract (Trail #13) go to the bottom turn left. It is a out and back as there is a large fence/gate when you get to the tennis courts in Emerald Bay.

If you come up Willow Creek Fireraod from Laguna Canyon Road you can take the Emerald Canyon Fireroad down from Boomer Ridge Fireroad.

[Schecky]

Thanks to you Dean, today I dropped down BVD and then made a right. What a hoot.
It was pretty much a no brake decent the whole trail, just cruising. I was thanking you down the whole way down.
When I got to the gate I thought about the climb out, and decided to HAB up to the ridge.
I'm not sure I made the right choice, it was a biatch.
But thanks for the recomendation, it was good fun!

[dstepper]

It really is a nice section of trail. Glad you enjoyed it.

I have been climbing back up Old Emerald (Trail 13) lately and although I can not make it, it is a fun climb....on the geared bike.

[PHAT TIRE]

Just rode OE yesterday and I agree that it's in AWESOME shape. Dean we gotta ride there together. It's gotta be just a matter of minutes that we're away from each other!

[Schecky]

I'm trying to be better about bringing my camera after missing it during the snake mating dance in Chino.
I rode solo here Sunday morning.
Cold, dewey/drizzly kind of morning - In other words, just about perfect after you warm up.
The trails were pretty tacky and the only section that led to any dirt sticking to the bike was the last climb up to the Ridge entrance.
Fenceline had plenty of hikers. That bear bell has paid for itself already.
I dropped BVD and then went down Lower Emerald.
I decided to park and take in some of the solitude (and hopefully see some wildlife).
Just a couple of pics:
[SIZE=1]Looking back[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Dropping down[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I heart my bike[/SIZE]

[dstepper]

That is a great trail to get away from the crowds in the rest of the park.

Dean

[guero]

nice pix and write up sheck. rob and aldo and i were in that area also sunday morning. great morning for a ride!

[Schecky]

Originally Posted by guero

nice pix and write up sheck. rob and aldo and i were in that area also sunday morning. great morning for a ride!

I'm surprised I didn't see you. I think I saw Aldo and somebody else climbing BVD last Sunday morning.