RR: Noble Canyon

[dstepper]

First off thanks to PacMan for suggesting this ride and playing guide. Also to Shannon for encouraging me to go. 8 of us showed up for the ride: Jerome, Doug, Rob, Shannon, Nam, Bruce, Mike and myself. (Left to right on group shot), I am sorry if I got anyone’s name wrong.

This was my first time down Noble and it is a great trail. Yes we did shuttle it, next time I will climb up the pavement and most likely from here on out…I did not get my climbing fix today. Rob, Shannon, and Bruce bailed after the first run; the remaining five went back to the top. Nam, Mike and I chose to go explore around the Laguna Lake and Jerome and Doug took a second run down Noble. Kudos to Rob, this was his third mountain biking ride and he did great.

My impressions of the trail: First off I need to preface my review by stating I enjoy the scenic ness of an area…more than the actual trail its self. I totally see this trails attraction to those who like a gnarr. Me, I go slow and pay more attention to the trees, wildlife and views than the trail…that is why I ride solo a lot. My favorite rides are on buff ridgeline singletrack with views that go on for miles…the more the exposure, the higher the elevation, the better I like it. Please do not think I am complaining, I am not, like stating my honest review and preferences. Truthfully, I enjoyed the loop around Lake Laguna more than the Noble decent. But that is just me, if I was a better tech rider I may feel differently. I do think that my impresions would be much higher if it was not for the fire that destroyed large portions of the area. The parts that did not burn are very pretty.

My favorite local rides remain, Mt. Waterman and Mt. Pinos. Would I do Noble again, I would do it tomorrow…except I would climb from the bottom.

Sorry Dino, no tech action shots, those were up to the guys that bombed down before me. Besides no one does those better than Aquaholic.

Dean

[tkblazer]

first off thanks to doug for setting up a hell of a fun ride! you rock dooood..thanks to mikey and rob for shuttling the bikes up for us. It was good fun riding with you crazies today. As for the trail, i agree with what dean had to say. The trail is really fun and has some technical parts in it, but i think it would have been better if we got a little climbing in. BLT was freakin sweet! I can only imagine how awesome it would be to ride there with blossoming wildflowers.

ok enough of the trail talk, here are some pics i took

where the fun begins



painfreak (mike) and pacman (doug)



Rob flying down some singletrack... sure didn't look like you were on your 3rd mtb ride



miss shannon



hippie deano loving the trail



mike on BLT



dean on BLT

[dstepper]

Forgot to ask ya...did Denver win?

[dhshuttlemonkey]

Dean, Is the DH worth a trip down there?

[tkblazer]

Originally Posted by MTBRacer

Dean, Is the DH worth a trip down there?

the trail is similar to the viejo tie/chiquito ride we did so if you liked that, you'll like noble

[Shannon]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Forgot to ask ya...did Denver win?

No, and he was a grump the rest of the night. Don't be suprised if you have a knock at the door b/c I'm sending him down to your house for the rest of evening...


Thanks for the terrific company on this ride Dean. I would have to say the trail has changed a lot from the last time I rode it. Many more technical sections with exposed rocks, etc. However the scenery was beautiful with all the changes leaves and views. Next time I think it'd be cool to spend the night down there and spend a couple days exploring all the trails.

Also, it was great meeting Rob and Packman. Thanks Packman for organizing the ride and showing us the way! And Rob, you did awesome for it only being your 3rd ride. Way to go!!!!

[Sprockethead]

Thanks for the RR Dean. Ann and I were down there a couple of weeks ago and we rode the BLT Loop. Here's some photos and I know what you mean by the beauty in the area.

[Pain Freak]

I, on the other hand LOVE technical trails and Noble is a technical trail. I think I did pretty good on it for the first time and I did better when I had Pacman riding behind me telling me what was coming up. The rock section before Stairway was awesome. I did dab a few times through this area and I think Mr TkBlazer looked like he had it wired. Looked pretty good from my vantage point. I had rode ahead and could see across the canyon as the riders came thru. I was some what prepeared for Stairway as I've seen numerous video's of it and I thought I might have a chance at it. I got thru it fairly well, but had 2 nose wheelies where I should have gone OTB, but I guess the MTB gods were looking out for me. We did have some blood spilt, but it wasn't much and really just added to the color of the ride. Again Thanks, Doug & Jerome. You guys were real fun to ride with and whenever you get up this way it's my turn to treat. We have a lot of trails up this way and I know you said you're a shuttle monkey first, so I'll keep that in mind. You guys have an open invite anytime you come up this way.

But I do agree with the guys it would of been better to climb up then to have shuttled. I will be back soon.

Oh yeah, Green Bay won!!!

[Rob]

I had alot of fun guys, thanks for having me, nice meeting you all. I appreciate the compliments! This was definitely the best time I've had on two wheels.

Let me know when you guys want to set something up for Big Bear, our Cabin is up in the Crestline/Lake Gregory area.

[dstepper]

[quote=Rob;37621]Let me know when you guys want to set something up for Big Bear]

Yes lets do it I am ready for a Exploration Trail and Greys Peak run. Although a short out and back Siberia Creek is beautiful.

[CalEpic]

That's a great trail. Did anyone clean the switchback just before Stairway to Hell? That stairway section is one that looks gnarlier on film than in real life. Usually it's the opposite.

C

[ocrider]

nice RR. I did Indian Creek to Noble on Saturday It was awsome.

[Schecky]

Great RR/pics you all.
I'd agree, BLT in the Spring is a beautiful thing.


My first time on this trail we attempted to do Indian Creek/BLT after forgetting the map. First we got lost and rode part of the PCT and then ended up
unintentionally dropping Noble after Indian Creek.
It was blast down, but boy what a pain back up!
For those of you that would 'like to get a little climbing in' - That pavement climb from the bottom will fit the bill.......ugggh!

A STR camp/bike thing here in the spring would be awesome!

PS-I just re-read the thread. Only your third ride Rob? Wow! What a way to start.

[Rob]

Originally Posted by Schecky

PS-I just re-read the thread. Only your third ride Rob? Wow! What a way to start.

I've done Santa Rosa Plateau a few times and some fireroad climbing in Big Sur. Oh and Snow Summit, but most of that stuff is more cross country.

First time on something like this, it was awesome.

Right into the ride I went OTB lol. And cut my shin, but after that I didn't have any problems except for the high altitude breathing.

[Burner]

Originally Posted by dstepper

My favorite local rides remain, Mt. Waterman and Mt. Pinos.
Dean

hey dean, any time you want to put a ride of either of those together, I'm in!

[PacMan]

I'm glad everyone had a good time. I figured Noble was a pretty safe bet so that no one felt like it wasn't worth the drive. Jeremy and I were happy to show you guys (and girl) around. We were thinking we will have to climb our way up soon.

BLT is really awesome too--very scenic and a nice loop to ride. I'm glad you guys enjoyed it.

[CRASH JORDAN]

Hey Everyone,
Thanks for the great ride yesterday out at Noble Canyon and it was great meeting some new faces for our ride. I had a great time riding w/ everyone and hope to hit more of those trails out in that area real soon. Yes, the Stairway was literally Hell for novice riders such as myself, but given some time maybe I'll be able to ride the technical areas as well as some of you did. Practice makes perfect!!
Where are we headed for the next ride?

p.s. Yes, Denver lost yesterday, but there is always next week!!

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Burner

hey dean, any time you want to put a ride of either of those together, I'm in!

Yes need to do both those rides before the snow.

I have tried Waterman a couple of times in the snow...the snow was not right for biking. Maybe if it was not as steep I could have made it.

I am also thinking about a Colby Bridge (Big Tujunga, Strawberry Trail) to Redbox out and back. It has been a couple of years since I have climbed up that section of trail. The first part, is North exposure, and has more forest than Red Box side. That section from Colby Bridge to Colby Ranch Trail intersection gets very little traffic...foot or bike. Last time there was fresh evidence of bear foraging right on the trail.

Deer hunting season (rifle) started Oct 28 and runs for 30 days...not that it stops me, but one needs to be aware others are out there. Last year at this time I was riding in the Buck Rock area in between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Forests. There were so many hunters that every section of forest that could be camped on was. I am surprized they don't shoot each other more often.

Photo is were the bear was digging up roots to eat.

[Big Dick]

Which rider is Fo Shizzle?

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Big Dick

Which rider is Fo Shizzle?

No Fo on this ride. I don't think his wife has givin' his gonads back yet.