STR Invades The Backbone Trail (Santa Monica's)...

[Dino Brown]

That's right! STR's Invasion of "The Westside" has OFFICIALLY begun!
What better place for the invasion to begin than THE BACKBONE TRAIL!

Where: Up Backbone to the Hub... Sullivan Fire Road to Sullivan Single (new trail) to Sunset, then ride 1 mile on the road back to Will Rogers State Park

When: Saturday January 19, 2008
Time: 8am
Distance: 16+ Miles
Skill Level: Intermediate
What To Expect: Nothing too extreme. Double track, singletrack, fireroads, climbs, DH sections. Pretty much a little of everything!
Ride Leader: Nir Tal (aka NINTENSE)

Note: If you have arm/elbow pads- bring them along. While not necessary, there are a few sections you may feel more comfortable having them. Up to you...


Meet at Will Roger's State Park at 8am.
1501 Will Rogers Park Road
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Day use fee $7.00

If you don't want to pay for parking, you can park 2 blocks down in the neighborhood (look for the street that doesn't have no parking signs).

[denmother]

Dino, thanks for setting this up. Nir, thanks for offering to be the ride leader!!!

I know there are different routes, but I picked this one! You guys can pick next time!!!

[CC]

I think I'm finally over the coughing, sinus, head, chest cold and laryngitis! Phweew! And ready for some new dirt!

The only thing holding me back is if Amber has a competition Sat.

[mazer75]

I'll be there!

[maxwell]

WOW, Mongo like invasions!! (picture me beating my chest like a gorilla)

How far away is this from O.C., and do you think I can make it there leaving from work at 6am?

I just did the 'ol MapQuest deal, and it look's like an hour. I will be there, unless I leave work late.

Sounds like a GREAT chance to hit new dirt!

[Dino Brown]

Note: (I) have 3 people who have already RSVP'd YES!

I have already received quite a few PM's concerning the ride. This is not a "one-time-only" ride! The Santa Monica's will be a regular fixture on the STR calendar. If not this time, join us next time!

Even though some of the area locals will be unable to attend this weeks ride (i.e. Epicriderat, Endo Verendo, Hollywood, Double XL, Crimson Nomad), the ride was posted simply to "warm people up" to the idea of riding some new dirt!

This week... next week.. next month.... See you there!

[Dino Brown]

Originally Posted by maxwell

....do you think I can make it there leaving from work at 6am?

Rest assured, if Maxwell was a few minutes behind schedule, we would wait for him!
EDIT: Maxwell's in the house!!! See you there!

[denmother]

Note: We opted for a shorter route for the 1st time so everyone can get there feet wet. And, our ride leader, Nir, just had a baby, so he has babysitting duty at 1pm!!! There are plenty more routes/miles that we can do in the future.

[CC]

Originally Posted by maxwell

I just did the 'ol MapQuest deal, and it look's like an hour. I will be there, unless I leave work late.

Sounds like a GREAT chance to hit new dirt!

Ok, you mapped it...it will take me about an hour too. Love new dirt.

[Do Work]

I really need to get out and ride with the mayor again...its been way too long!

Ive been lying on my death bed the past few days from this damn virus that i picked up and im very stubborn when it comes to the just rest and do nothing to get better stuff...i cant sit still or manage to stay home but for this ride im going to pull out all of the stops and do nothing till saturday
Heard its supposed to rain on Friday though...

[papisimo11]

Just a suggestion, but if you park at say Capri and Amalfi you would avoid the fee at the park as well having to climb back up to the park. once you exit sulli fireroad you're cars would be right there.
Or just park on San Vicente and ride to Will Rogers from there.
my 0.02
have fun out there.
paz afuera

[JoeTruth]

I can't make it as I have my kids this weekend but as a suggestion, why not climb Sullivan Ridge instead and then do Broken Arrow (or Widow, if you dare), then to hub, Backbone, The J and back to bottom of Sulli-Ridge and cars. Much funner loop, IMO.

[MuddyEdgar]

I might have some of my Santa Monica/ Malibu MTB buddies meet us there.

[0gravity]

Yes, bring on the Westside STR invasion.

Seems a good time to put a reminder out there about our regular Wednesday night rides, every Wednesday, always a ride going out.

West side Wednesday night ride

[Nic]

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

Note: (I) have 3 people who have already RSVP'd YES!

I have already received quite a few PM's concerning the ride. This is not a "one-time-only" ride! The Santa Monica's will be a regular fixture on the STR calendar. If not this time, join us next time!

Even though some of the area locals will be unable to attend this weeks ride (i.e. Epicriderat, Endo Verendo, Hollywood), the ride was posted simply to "warm people up" to the idea of riding some new dirt!

This week... next week.. next month.... See you there!

Sweet! Good to hear, some stuff comin up this way. I need to work up my skillz and endurance first before I hit this ride though. Still too much of a noob.

[mottmcfly]

I guess it's time I started riding uphill for once. Hope I don't hold anyone up. If so, I'll catch ya on the DH.

Anyone interested in a ride from the Pasadena area?

Mott

[Dino Brown]

Originally Posted by JoeTruth

..... why not climb Sullivan Ridge instead and then do Broken Arrow (or Widow, if you dare), then to hub, Backbone, The J and back to bottom of Sulli-Ridge and cars. Much funner loop, IMO.

JT- Your route sounds quite interesting.
In all honesty, the route does not matter to me! I will ride ANY route the group agrees on. All that matters is that STR gets an official (Santa Monica's) ride in that day!

Trust me, it will be the first of many...

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by JoeTruth
..... why not climb Sullivan Ridge instead and then do Broken Arrow (or Widow, if you dare), then to hub, Backbone, The J and back to bottom of Sulli-Ridge and cars. Much funner loop, IMO

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

JT- Your route sounds quite interesting.
In all honesty, the route does not matter to me! I will ride ANY route the group agrees on. All that matters is that STR gets an official (Santa Monica's) ride in that day!

Trust me, it will be the first of many...

I agree with JT, Backbone is a great descent, I would climb the ridge up head over to the hub then go DOWN backbone you'll still get your climbing in... Saturday is a BIG hiking day in the Santa Monicas so wear your bells. Have a great ride.

[dubl_xl]

Going down the Backbone from the Hub is definitely the most entertaining direction of travel. The climb up from Will Rodgers would be "challenging" to say the least. Check out this loop on Geoladders http://www.geoladders.com/show_route...1&route_id=291

I loaded it on my Garmin 305 and rode it last Saturday. It was a blast! J-drop was the only sketchy section (deeply rutted, steep step-downs and loose with tight switchbacks) but I plan on doing it again!