RR:Chiquita Ridge Singletracks Night Ride

[KeepsWhatHappens]

I knew it was going to be a big turnout but we broke records last night. Perhaps it was the pent up lack of riding due to the fires that brought so many out. Who knows?

We had 15 awesome riders show up to sample some of the finer singletracks the Rancho area has to offer. The night was cool and moist alluding to the coming winter months. For the first time since last spring I saw long sleeve jerseys being worn and I even brought my arm warmers...but never used them.

We started off and rolled down Chiquita Ridge from Dove Canyon Plaza on the fireroad. As the last ounce of light faded to finally turned on our lights as we headed past the gate down Chiquita Ridge.

First off was "Red Sign" a fairly short but steep and oh-so-sweet singletrack along a ridge that then turns go off a two foot jump and ends with a high-speed run across a meadow. Looking back up at 14 riders with lights coming down was a beautiful sight to see along with the hoots and hollers of sheer joy piercing the still of the night. But there was no way my camera would be sensitive enough to capture it. I vowed to bring the night vision gear next time.

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Steve, Debbie B., Matt (Hermit) and Cal Epic
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TalksWithFoxes (Chip), me, and Alpine Rob

Once re-grouped we climbed back up to the main ridge along Meadows Singletrack and then up a short steep wicked little climb back to the ridge.

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Alpine Rob powering up a steep section on his brand-new Stumpie.
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Debbie B. powering up the hill followed by Ned (I think).

Then we dropped into the Lyons Singletrack which is high-speed downhill ridgeline trail overlooking Coto Valley on the left.

Next up was Rats Back which is another narrow backbone type singletrack strewn with baby heads.

Sensing we had a strong group I led them up the hike-a-bike to 241 Ridge Trail and then we took that down to the valley floor. At the bottom we rested for a few minutes, took in some calories and then headed back up to the main fireroad.

At this point I considered turning back to the cars because I senses some people might be getting tired. I offered to let anyone who wanted to to wait here while the rest of the takers went out and did one more singletrack ridgeline. Well I was wrong...there were no waiters...only takers!!!

After a 10-minute climb we were perched up on the knoll above Oso Singletrack waiting to drop. Dwhouse and WhiteChololate took off first because they knew the trail. I waited and warned the rest of the group about the big steep descent at the end. After lowering my seat as much as I could...I took off. This is my favorite trail in this area, another twisting, turning flowing ridgeline singletrack that's just too much fun. Then at the end the trails has one last surprise...a quick turn to the right and a 150' very steep descent presents itself. It's so steep that you can't see the bottom but at least the ground is hard-packed and in good shape.

Thankfully no one crashed on the way down and once re-grouped and we were done giggling and being giddy from the fun downhill we began the trek back to the cars.

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CalEpic rasing his seat after the drop.

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Steve, Hermit, AlpineRob and dwhouse waiting for other to do the big drop.

We took Sawgrass and then traversed through Coto and picked up the East Ridge Trail and followed it back to Dove Canyon.

Along the way there were a couple steep climbs.

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Vickie and Rob pushing up an unrideable section.

Since the ride ended up being about three hours total, some people's lights died. So other with light to spare rode next to them on the last few miles to guide them out.

We had a little confusion at the end when the group of gazelles sprinted ahead and didn't realize the peloton had taken a short-cut back to the cars. Being the gentlemen they are Keith and Steve waited at the Dove Canyon Waterfalls for us but we were already back at the cars. After a few minutes I went driving looking for them, but by that time they had figured out we must have gone a different way. Sorry for the confusion guys.

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Once back we all had a great time at "Friends" enjoying food and libations and good company Thanks everyone for showing up and making it fun.

Here's the parting shot with Keith and Steve stripped in since they missed the official group shot.

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KeepsWhatHappens

[dubjay]

Looks like you guys had a blast. Do you happen to have a .crs or .gpx file for the ride? Now that Luge/Old Camp is out of the picture for a while, some other riding locales in south county would be nice to know.

[cjwally]

Where is this ride? I have never heard of this before... Looks fun!

[foofighter]

dam i have to add lights to my xmas list

[Vickie]

Wait one quick sec ......that's me, me and Piglet in that picture, HELLO ...not Danielle...waaa, boohoo!!!!! Yellow Specialize......groaning, moaning, and WHEEZING all the way up that "hike a bike" section.....

JUST SO YOU ALL KNOW....... I -

LOVED THE ENTIRE GROUP>>>>> you guys are ALL great.

LOVED THE RIDE>>>>>can't wait to do it in in the daylight so I can see that knarly down hill we all came down....some more gracefully than others.

LOVED THE BEER>>>>Always good to finish a GREAT ride with GREAT friends old and new.

[cjwally]

Originally Posted by foofighter

dam i have to add lights to my xmas list

That is a must!

Dear Santa...I want a light!

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Originally Posted by dubjay

Looks like you guys had a blast. Do you happen to have a .crs or .gpx file for the ride? Now that Luge/Old Camp is out of the picture for a while, some other riding locales in south county would be nice to know.

This should get you the info you need.

Geoladders Route Info

KeepsWhatHappens

[Keith B]

I'll be up for this ride if its on next week :-)

[cjwally]

Originally Posted by Keith B

I'll be up for this ride if its on next week :-)

DITTO WinkWink. I would like to know the route before I head out at night.....

[genusmtbkr5]

Lots of fun last night for sure. 15 riders was a great turnout. My lights barely made it. Ride time was about 2 1/2 hours, so those interested may have to consider their run time. Danielle finished the last 2 miles without lights, but the it was fireroads at that point. Thanks everyone for a great time.

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Un/fortunately work calls (working 12 hour shifts 7 days a week) and I probably won't be hosting this one again anytime soon.

Originally Posted by Keith B

I'll be up for this ride if its on next week :-)

KeepsWhatHappens

[cjwally]

Originally Posted by KeepsWhatHappens

Un/fortunately work calls (working 12 hour shifts 7 days a week) and I probably won't be hosting this one again anytime soon.



KeepsWhatHappens

I would post it for this Tuesday, but I don't know the route...Anyone want to step up to lead this one?

[genusmtbkr5]

I work on Tues and Wed nights. Thurs, Fri, and Sat are my only nights off( I work graves). I could maybe alternate this ride with the Fully Loop, but I only know a variation of this route and will need help. Some of last night's route was new to me.

[db250f]

Thanks for putting on a fantastic night ride! I was getting a little grumpy toward the end, being that it took almost 3 hours, I was starving and my legs quit cooperating on the climbs. I should have known when you told us it was a 2 hour ride, that was not mere mortal time, but hard core STR riders/Warrior time frame. And you guys were mostly cruising.

It was well worth it, especially the food, people and beer at Friends afterward. Danielle, Vickie and I were proud to be a part of the group!

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Originally Posted by db250f

Thanks for putting on a fantastic night ride! I was getting a little grumpy toward the end, being that it took almost 3 hours, I was starving and my legs quit cooperating on the climbs. I should have known when you told us it was a 2 hour ride, that was not mere mortal time, but hard core STR riders/Warrior time frame. And you guys were mostly cruising.

It was well worth it, especially the food, people and beer at Friends afterward. Danielle, Vickie and I were proud to be a part of the group!

Hey Debbie..

It was great to have you and the girls along with the group. C'mon you girls hung plenty tough! You were hammering! ...and uh, oh yeah...The "two hours" meant pedaling time. Ooops

That ride was really special because we had such a large group and lots of people who don't normally join us for the mid-week night rides.

Once my big stint of work is over I look forward to hosting some more night rides.

Happy Trails!

KeepsWhatHappens