RR: El moro canyon RR

[dbboy]

Hey everyone! Just did El moro this morning and had a great time. I've ridden it once before and liked it (even though not having had the opportunity to ride rattlesnake) but never went back because of the entrance fee. After a year and a half I went back after being 411d from Lbmtb, Calepic, and xhuskr about ridge park rd. Thanks peoples!

Trailhead


Interesting info. mmmmm..pancakes.


Wouldn't want to be covered in this stuff just in case mountain lions like this stuff.


Courtesy of Calepic. The plan was just to ride rattlesnake and make the ride as short as possible. Let's go!


Headed down the fire road and ran into some common wildlife. I'm always happy and assured to see bunny's; i'm kinda superstitious and it's good luck for me.


Nice! Found the redtail ST and can't wait to hit rattlesnake!




Nice ST but anticipating rattlesnake.......


...........


WOOHOO! This looks like the start!










Took quite a few pics on the way down which disrupted the flow. It was OK though 'cause i'd be coming back right away. Met up with another rider and both rode down Mach 1(?) some long descending fire road that took me to El moro canyon rd. From there I went left and actually enjoyed the fire road because of the scenery and cool conditions the canopy of trees afforded.




The steep grade just before the slow 'n easy/ elevators junction was a nice surprise.


Headed up slow 'n easy.




Through fenceline a nice, short but fun ST.....


....and then back down redtail and rattlesnake and back up again the same way. So much funner the second time around without having to stop.

Damn trail board had me thinking pancakes the whole time while out on the trail and so immediately headed out to original pancake house for the apple pancake special. What an awesome way to start the day. Will be at El moro more often now.

Thanks for viewing and hope to ride with ya'll sometime soon!

[foofighter]

great write up and photos!!!

[LBmtb]

Nice! I used to go out on trails alone with a map also. Great way to really soak in your surroundings and go at your own pace. Although most of the time I'd rather be enjoying it with friends.

Glad Craig's map and our advice helped out. Thanks for the photos and write up

[J_Sims]

Great Photo's and RR... Pretty much rode the whole thing in my head...

[OMR]

Excellent RR and the photos capture the essence of El Moro very well. Good way to start your apprenticeship here.

OMR

[Fired Yo Momma]

I love EM...EM Rocks!

[Permagrin]

I love El Moro - I'm there 3-4 nights/ days a week either on the mtb or afoot and the ST up rattlesnake is a whole lot of fun! I haven't progressed to riding it down yet, but someday, rabbit...

[genusmtbkr5]

Very nice RR and pics. I will probably be out there tomorrow after work. I'll be coming from work(John Wayne Airport). Should be there around 5pm at the Ridge Park.

[tbowren]

Those trails look like fun. I have only ridden there once and, like dbboy, the $10 fee turned me off. I have since noticed another parking lot entrance off the 133 that is much closer to my house. What is this place called? How much is it to park there?
This RR is really making me think about visiting again.

Thanks

[xhuskr]

nice RR...........setup a ride next time ya go and you might get some company!

[dubjay]

Originally Posted by tbowren

Those trails look like fun. I have only ridden there once and, like dbboy, the $10 fee turned me off. I have since noticed another parking lot entrance off the 133 that is much closer to my house. What is this place called? How much is it to park there?
This RR is really making me think about visiting again.

Thanks

That's the Laguna Canyon Wilderness entrance. From there, it's a good 1 mile or so climb to the top. Parking there is cheaper at $4, but I believe they close at 4PM daily.

[dbboy]

Thanks everyone and glad you all enjoyed. Like most others, I prefer to ride in groups but unfortunately ride alone because of my schedule. I'm always hawkin' the calendar for rides that I can do.

tbowren: Just want to pass along some good info that was given to me by fellow STR members. Parking at ridge park rd. is free. If you're on the PCH turn into Newport Coast dr. and then do a right on ridge park rd. Follow this all the way to the end and park! If you park here the fun of El moro starts right away with redtail and rattlesnake only 5 mins away from the trailhead!

[ezzyride]

ddboy,

I am so glad you rode there. I love riding El Moro especially off Ridge the downhill is fun. Coming up is work but worth it. Next to mach 1 is poles try riding that down. I haven't tried yet but it's in my head.

Thanks for the pics on rattlesnake - I'd heard about this your pics gave a better idea of what to expect.

Once in a while I set-up a begginer ride off Ridge. It's beginner because I wait for everybody and hiking the bike up - put's you in the cool category.

[Wrecker]

If you guys want a fun way in, with the $3 fee, you should try the Nix Center (also off of the 133, but on the other side of the Toll Road)

Just be sure to say hi to the ranger (she's not used to courteous mtn bikers)