Ascension of the Fat Man

[DBD]

Thought I would test this ride thing-A-Ma-Bob out.

Saturday morning, 06:30hrs, I will be climbing Las Lajas in Simi, riding up to Rocky Peak and around to Hummingbird and then descending back down.

No specifics yet on where to meet but if anyone else wants to join we could start from my place for the 3mi road ride to the trail head or meet at the trail head.

WARNING: I am sloooow on the climbs and there will be some hike-A-bike for me.

Until the point we reach Hummingbird the ride will be all fire road and not very technical. Hummingbird I would classify as an “advanced beginner” and above trail technically. If there are parts you want to session so you can learn no worries, I REALY enjoy the rests by that point in the ride.

I have done this ride in 2 hrs 49min before but I will not be pushing it this time so I would expect to finish in 3 to 3 1/2hrs with the stops. If it takes a bit longer or quicker that’s alright as it is just a fun ride.

If you want to scope it out on Google Earth or something similar the trail head for Las Lajas is;
34* 17’49.22” N
118* 40’ 49.22” W

The beginning climbs is what kills me although looking at the numbers it does not seem so bad.
The first 3.4mi (or 6.4mi from my place) has a easy elevation gain of 588’
The second climb which is about 1mi has an elevation gain of 616’
The third climb is 0.66mi and gains 275’ in elevation.

edit: The above distances only covers the first 5mi or so, the total distance is around 13.5mi.

This is not taking into account the drops and rollers but from bottom to top and the second and third climb area b**** for me, hence the title of the ride, it's allll up hill.


So now to post this up and see if it works.

Cheers
DBD

Directions to the Las Lajas trailhead in Simi Valley;

I will give direction from the 405 and 118 intersection and the 101 and 23 intersection

From the 405 (or 5) and 118 interchange;

Once you get to the 118 and 405 interchange you will want to take the 118 West (about 12 to 13mi)
Exit Yosemite Ave and turn North (right) and drive approx. 1.7mi
Turn right on Evening Sky Drive
Drive approx. 1/2mi
You will see the trail head on the left. Park on the street near the trail head.

From the 101 and 23 interchange;

Once you get to the 23 (Ronald Reagan Fwy) you will head North towards Fillmore. The 23 will turn into the 118.
Exit Yosemite (approx. 19mi from the 101) and turn left (North)
Drive approx. 1.7mi
Turn right on Evening Sky Drive
Drive approx. 1/2mi
You will see the trail head on the left. Park on the street near the trail head

If you park at the trail head you will need to ride back to the car. The easiest way from the bottom of Hummingbird is to head south on Kuehner, turn right on Yosemite and then ride the 2mi back to the car.

If we meet up and you are completely spent after the ride we can head over to my place (all down hill from Hummingbird) and take the truck back.

edit time: I am planning on being at the trail head between 06:30 and 06:45. I will take off at 06:50 if no one shows.

[jeffj]

Where is the trailhead?

[DBD]

Originally Posted by jeffj

Where is the trailhead?

In Simi Valley off of Yosemite and North of the 118 about 1mi. I will be adding directions to the trail head in just a bit.

I will bump the post when I do.

[DBD]

Directions to the trailhead are posted above.

[jeffj]

We've been wanting to try Hummingbird, so a guide is just what the Dr. ordered.

[1080P]

JeffJ and Ted, Hummingbird is technical, I would recommend that you are at least an honest strong intermediate/advanced rider that knows when to ride and when to hop off and walk a section on that descent. Lots of sandstone rock, slippery, so drop your air pressure a few pounds for the descent. It's going to be dark at 6:30 AM?

Here's a good link with more info about riding the area and how to get there. They rate it double black diamond for technicality.

http://www.venturacountytrails.org/T...AreaTrails.htm

[jeffj]

Thanks for the head's up. I'm usually referred to as 'Mountain B'Hiker Jeff' for walking up a trail, but it certainly wouldn't be the first time I walked down some sections either.

[bighit8]

Maybe, thats a far drive from Fully

[DBD]

Originally Posted by 1080P

JeffJ and Ted, Hummingbird is technical, I would recommend that you are at least an honest strong intermediate/advanced rider that knows when to ride and when to hop off and walk a section on that descent. Lots of sandstone rock, slippery, so drop your air pressure a few pounds for the descent. It's going to be dark at 6:30 AM?

Here's a good link with more info about riding the area and how to get there. They rate it double black diamond for technicality.

http://www.venturacountytrails.org/T...AreaTrails.htm

I will take care of 'em. If it takes a while to get down HB then so be it. I may not be the best climber but I have taught many a newb on Hummingbird.

Originally Posted by bighit8

Maybe, thats a far drive from Fully

At this time of morning from the 91 and 57 I would say 45min, maybe an hour drive.

[DBD]

I feel I must mention this as I have seen a few people say Rocky Peak is an "expert" or "advanced" trail. My wife is the least technical rider and ANYTHING technical usually makes her dismount the bike when she has not ridden for a while and she has no problems on RP....

I have seen this description of Rocky Peak a few times.

"The Rocky Peak Fire Road runs generally north and south, from the 118 freeway in the south, past Chumash single track and to Las Llajas Canyon Rd, with a great view of Simi Valley below. Most of it is very steep and a little rutted and rocky, but fairly firm except for a few sandy patches. Nevertheless, this trail should only be attempted by experienced riders.There is no shade and in the summertime this area is impossibly hot."

The steepest part of RP, if you just do the fireroad as the description implies, is the beginning 0.8miles, and that is wide enough for two tractor trailers to pass one another with nothing technical on it.

There are some long ascents but nothing that will kill ya if you take your time. The climb up the back of Las Lajas is much harder then most of Rocky Peak.