Valley Forge Trail, San Gabriel Mountains

[dstepper]

Lynn, Scott and I set of this AM not really knowing what trail we where going to ride. There are a couple of trails that I have wanted to ride and they both drop off Mt. Wilson Road and go down to the West Fork of San Gabriel River. We decided to start at Easton Saddle, go down Valley Forge Trail then take The Gabrielino Trail to West Fork Campground, then climb back up Red Box Fireroad to Red Box. Great ride: Valley Forge Trail is not tech, but a little dangerous, it has a ton a tree limb debris, soft leaves, acorns and is loose, narrow and a ton of exposure. Twice limbs got caught up in my bike and had to stop and pull them out of my chainstays. I watched a limb explode in Scott’s rear wheel, it sounded like spokes should have broke, but things were OK. Lynn’s rear hub loosened up and Scott got a Century Plant Flat, so those where the only trailside repairs. I do not think you can come off that hill and not get stuck by century plants; I got it good once, not sure about the others.

Gabrielino Trail out to West Fork Campground is overgrown in spots and needs some trimming. The narrow trail combined with the looseness and extreme exposures makes this a sketchy ride and had me walking more than once.

The partial loop as we did it was only 11.65 miles. Back at Red Box it felt like we got a ton of downhill for not much climbing. The fireroad from West Fork to Red Box is basically a genital climb. I was surprised when I download the stats form my GPS 11.65 miles, 2910 ft down and 2436 up. Still…big payoff for little effort…I like this ride...will be a good beat the heat ride this summer as it stays in the shade alot and enough water holes in the river to get wet.

Lynn, Scott, THX for the ride, next time will be Rattlesnake Trail.

Just for George I took some pics of Poison Oak.

Dean

[dstepper]

Couple more pics coming down Valley Forge Trail and those pesky Century Plants.

[Schecky]

I don't know if I want to try a genital climb. It depends I guess......
Great pics and sweet RR!

[dstepper]

Damn spell check, thanks for pointing that out. Anyway it is not a bad climb.

[Foesnasty]

Is there some where I can find this on a map....I have been wanting to ride the valley forge but I'm not sure where I will end up... Thanks

[ka0t1c07]

Nice write up. Where r u guys riding tomorrow (Sunday).

-Tin

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by ka0t1c07

Nice write up. Where r u guys riding tomorrow (Sunday).

-Tin

So far no plans. Tin, Grup is thinking about coming down to ride Laguna mid morning.

Originally Posted by Foesnasty

Is there some where I can find this on a map....I have been wanting to ride the valley forge but I'm not sure where I will end up... Thanks

Forest Service has a good map at the Vistor Center Angeles Crest and Angeles Forest. I use National Geographic Topo and Tom Harrison Maps.

Dean

[Pain Freak]

I haven't been on that trail in about a year, but I love it. It does feel like you get a lot of bang for the buck on it. I personally like to turn it into an all day adveture and ride thru to Newcombe, and for some reason the exposure just never seem s to bother me on this trail. Now you got me jonesing to get back over there and to do it again.

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

I haven't been on that trail in about a year, but I love it. It does feel like you get a lot of bang for the buck on it. I personally like to turn it into an all day adveture ...

Dean was kind enough to help us shuttle a vehicle down to Switzer's so Scott and I went for some extra credit and climbed up Strawberry the back way to the saddle and then had a killer long downhill all the way to the truck. That made for an awesome finish and a full day. I love the section from Red Box to Switzers.

[Pain Freak]

Yep, me too!

[sheclimbs]

after watching Scott fly through the stream crossing and the waterfall (once again) I'm starting to think upgrade...5 spot...

[Pain Freak]

Sure made up for a lot of my poor riding ability. I found I could do a lot more with the increase in suspension.

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by sheclimbs

after watching Scott fly through the stream crossing and the waterfall (once again) I'm starting to think upgrade...5 spot...

Watching Scott ride makes me want to buy a motorcycle...only way I am going to keep up.

Dean

[ka0t1c07]

Scott makes everything looks easy, "Sure I can do it too, but not all the way".