Harding -> Maple Springs 03/25/06 - 8am

[trmcnulty]

Hey all,

I thought I would see if anyone would like to join me for a good workout climbing Harding, looping Maple Springs, and then back down Harding this Saturday. I know that this is the same day as the dreaded hill race, but thought those who are not racing might be interested.

An earlier start is possible, though I doubt desired on a Saturday.

I am currently planning on this being a solo ride, but I wouldn’t mind some company.

Tim

how about a harding to joplin? that is always a nice ass kicker and Lord knows I need an ass kicking
i am always up at 5am so starting early is not a problem

[trmcnulty]

I have never been on Joplin (I am still exploring these Orange County trails), but I am up for it if you know it. I am just looking for a good ride to get a relatively hard workout on. I wouldn't mind starting at 7am, though if it keeps other people from joining the ride I would like to keep it at 8am.

[royta]

You can go to geoladders.com to find directions for the trails. If you really wanted a workout, you could even try Harding - Motorway - Joplin.

Roy

i do know it...joplin can be difficult for some riders...(downhill)
i think if you can handle San Juan you can hadle Joplin is that a fair statement?
let me know

[Von-Skipp]

Originally Posted by flyingmonkey

i do know it...joplin can be difficult for some riders...(downhill)
i think if you can handle San Juan you can hadle Joplin is that a fair statement?
let me know

Jopling is steeper, more narrow, and more technical than San Juan. Dont let the trail scare you away, cuz this is still a great ride. Id join you guys but not sure if I'll have my bike built by this weekend.

Kippie

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

Originally Posted by trmcnulty

Hey all,

I thought I would see if anyone would like to join me for a good workout climbing Harding, looping Maple Springs, and then back down Harding this Saturday. I know that this is the same day as the dreaded hill race, but thought those who are not racing might be interested.

An earlier start is possible, though I doubt desired on a Saturday.

I am currently planning on this being a solo ride, but I wouldn’t mind some company.

Tim

Hey Tim,

By looping Maple Springs do you mean: going from 4 corners onto main divide to motorway then back up maple springs to 4 corners?

Where would you want to start? bottom of Harding?

or if the Jolplin/SST/Luge option is chosen would you want to make the loop start at Cook's?

[trmcnulty]

That is exactly what I meant Epic...I still have a lot to learn about these orange county trails . I had planned on starting at the bottom of Harding, and proceeding on a ride I went on with a few folks about a month ago in which we ended up coming back up Maple Springs, which so happens to be Harding->Main Divide->Motorway->Maple Springs->Harding.

I am really up for any trail flyingmonkey, so if a group of folks plan on riding in the same general area we can come to a consensus, that works for me. Let's bounce some ideas around I guess and see who wants to go...

[Ladd Jasper]

Originally Posted by trmcnulty

That is exactly what I meant Epic...I still have a lot to learn about these orange county trails . I had planned on starting at the bottom of Harding, and proceeding on a ride I went on with a few folks about a month ago in which we ended up coming back up Maple Springs, which so happens to be Harding->Main Divide->Motorway->Maple Springs->Harding.

That route is known to many as the "Harding 8" for it's (supposed) shape. A bit too ambitious for me yet, but a great ride for the stronger climbers out there.

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

looks like i might be in on this one, i'll confirm later

[dukethenuke]

If the Noble Canyon ride is cancelled (too much snow) I will be in

that sounds good...one thing i would like to see a lot of downhill single track, not just fire road climbs all around the Santa Ana mountains as Harding is enough (for me), either way please let me know.

update...I have to work on saturday...no go

[dukethenuke]

Noble Canyon ride is off so I will be riding in the Santa Anna's, but I am going to go for a longer version of this ride. I will be starting at Whitting --> harding --> joplin --> luge --> and back to Whiting 30 miles. I'm starting at 8 at the Whiting parking lot if anyone wishes to join

[Von-Skipp]

I'd be there, but no bike yet.....

[trmcnulty]

I have never done that before and wouldn't mind dropping my route and joining you...I am always up for riding new routes with people who know where they are going. Although is the lot which you are starting the same which the dreaded hill climbers are starting? How crowded do you think it will be there if so?

[TURNERob]

Originally Posted by IntenseKipp

I'd be there, but no bike yet.....

You waiting on parts Matt? If you want me to build it just let me know

[dukethenuke]

Originally Posted by trmcnulty

Although is the lot which you are starting the same which the dreaded hill climbers are starting? How crowded do you think it will be there if so?

I forgot about the race, but no it isn't the same parking lot anyways. The parking lot I will be starting is off portola by the Ralph's (?) supermarket store. As far as it being crowded we won't be riding by dreaded hill, so other than hikers it should be no problem. Here is my number in case you have any confusion and so we can find each other on Saturday.

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

Originally Posted by dukethenuke

I forgot about the race, but no it isn't the same parking lot anyways. The parking lot I will be starting is off portola by the Ralph's (?) supermarket store. As far as it being crowded we won't be riding by dreaded hill, so other than hikers it should be no problem. Here is my number in case you have any confusion and so we can find each other on Saturday.

Could you by any chance help me out with exact location of your starting point, so i can join you, i'm not familiar with the area.

thanx, i appreciate it!

BTW, are you going to take it easy on us older guys?

[dukethenuke]

Originally Posted by Epic_Mtn_Biker

Could you by any chance help me out with exact location of your starting point, so i can join you, i'm not familiar with the area.

thanx, i appreciate it!

BTW, are you going to take it easy on us older guys?

Here is the address and map to the Ralph's that is just right of the trail head

edit:
haha I totally forgot to put the link for the Ralph's. the address that trmcnulty has below is the one though.

[trmcnulty]

Sounds good, I just hope my legs are prepared come Saturday.

I have been reading on other websites that people often park in the Ralph's lot without any problems...true? I don't know if it is me or not, but I don't see a map or address in your previous post duke.

Is this it?

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...17356,0.042915