Black Star to Beek's Place Newbie Ride/Beek's Clean Up

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Kid A

will we get a personal tour from Art Tuttle (sans shotgun of course)

I know Art, I have know Art for a number of years....I consider him a friend. The stories you hear are way exaggerated. Yes he is a ecentric recluse and probibly born a century to late. Sit down with him and hear his side of the story, salt of the earth comes to mind when I think of him. Art and his family, before him, have lived "off the land" in that canyon for a long time.

Although his actions have not been appropiate and can not be excused, he has not been treated fairly by the county or the MTBing community, plus he has paid his debt to society (time in Jail). He does not spend very much time in the canyon anymore. His mother is very sick and he has been caring for her.

Dean

[genusmtbkr5]

For those who don't now what the "other" history of Black Star Canyon is:

http://www.warriorssociety.org/Blackstar_info.html

http://www.geocities.com/castle_roogna/ghoststories/blackstar.html

There is also this. Some good reading here.

Go Ride Black Star!
Bob "Keeps many Trails" Leoffler

Have you ever ridden Black Star Canyon? Have you heard the horror stories? If this is a ride you’ve been putting off ‘cause of the rumors of "Black Star Bill", then here’s a few tips to get you going:

1. Black Star Canyon Road - all of it – is open to public use. No motorized traffic is allowed behind the gate, but foot and bicycle traffic is.
2. The land on either side of the road, from the gate to just past the "residences" IS private property. Also, the Hidden Ranch property, from the cattle grate to the upper gate is private land; just stay on the road and be careful around the cattle. The trail to the falls (just past the Studor residence at the switchback) is on U.S.F.S. land and IS open to public passage.
3. Are the horror stories true? Yes… and no. Yes, Black Star Bill is a real person but, no, no one has been shot, stabbed or buried alive. Here’s the scoop on the permanent residents of Black Star Canyon. "Black Star Bill" Studor is the most infamous inhabitant. He’s somewhere between 35 and 45, 6’ and change, stocky with a prominent beer belly and long sandy hair. His favorite line is "private road! Private road!" His favorite trick is to park his truck in the middle of the public road where it passes in front of his place and post O.C. fire closure signs on construction barriers. Go around the truck and ignore the stolen signs. I’ve seen a woman up there who I hear is his wife. Don’t know her name but she’s about 30, slim with dark brown hair and blue eye shadow – doesn’t say much – but she’s good with the steely stares. You’ll pass the Studor "estate" on your right as you go up and it’s best not to stare or comment about the odd conglomeration of trailers, shacks, dogs and livestock until well out of earshot. The Tuttle’s also reside in Black Star and have been known to try to discourage people from using the road, too. Art Tuttle is 40 something, about 5’8", slight build with a reddish beard, glasses and a hat. His wife Clarisse is in her 30’s, about 5’5", rather matronly and also wears glasses. They’ve got two young boys and drive a tan Suburban. Art’s favorite line is actually a diatribe that includes how his grand daddy built the road, some obscure county rulings and ordinances, and how $60,000 damage was done by vandals to his possessions (after seeing his place, a person would have to wonder about that figure). Clarisse has been known to go on about how Mt. bikers wrecked Beek’s Place (yeah, and we left all our Busch cans up there, too). Understand that before the gate went up, lots of lowlifes cruised back there playing with guns and dumping trash, but that was many years ago. Now the only trash there belongs to Art and Bill, and it’s confined to their properties.
4. Your chance of running into these people is slim and no matter what "lines" they use, remember: you have a right to use the road! Just be polite, bid everyone a good day, and continue on your way. If any one tries to block your passage- and you’re on the public road or trail- tell them that you will call the O.C. Sheriff. For obvious reason, it’s best to travel with a couple of buds and maybe a cell phone. Whatever you do, DON"T aggrivate the situation with an attitude and be sure you STAY ON THE ROAD!

Is the ride worth the possible hassle? YA, YOU BETCHA! The scenery (outside of the "Deliverance" – style "estates") is exceptional, particularly through the Hidden Ranch. The views from the top are awesome, with all the major mountains visible on a clear day! The climb is easy enough for beginners but a good workout can be had at a faster pace. Beek’s Place is a great destination for the casual rider; stop for lunch and check out the old stone cabins and wind generator towers (feel free to pack out the Busch cans), then head down the way you came. Braver souls can head north on the Main Divide Rd. to the Silverado Motorway (way techno single track), then down to Maple Springs Trk. Tr. You’ll see the best section (scenery, views) of the Main Divide on this loop, but remember to consult a local trail guide and grab a map for the details. Do this ride and do it soon, before it gets too hot and the Main Divide gets opened to cars. And if on your way back down you run into some of the locals, remember to compliment Art on his granpappy’s work and mention to Bill that you’ll bring him some beer… next time!

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

For those who don't now what the "other" history of Black Star Canyon is:

http://www.warriorssociety.org/Blackstar_info.html

I never had a run in with Art Tuttle or Bill. The few residents I have talked to were cordial and polite.

However, I do make sure that when I ride through the first part of Blackstar where the homes are I try to keep the loud chatter down to a minimum. At least till you make that last left and start the real climbing. I know it's an easement and I have a right to be there, but it's kinda of their(Bstar residents) turf so to speak.

[RacinJason]

I have been wanting to make that ride but it seems like I have events that day. I will check with the wife.

[Pain Freak]

Check this out, it says Blackstar is closed???

Cleveland National Forest - Current Conditions

[OMR]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

Check this out, it says Blackstar is closed???

Cleveland National Forest - Current Conditions

I believe it's closed to cars but not to hiking and mountain biking.

OMR

[OTHRIDER]

Here's what is says right above the Road Closures section:

Vehicle access on the following roads will be restricted due to wet road conditions and fire/ resource damage

[KeepsWhatHappens]

I suggest we all try and clean-up Beeks a little while we're up there hanging out...other than packing out our own beer cans and bottles Even a small bit of trash in a small bag per person would make a positive impact.

If someone pulled a Bob we could really do the job right. Andy? Rut? You listening?

KWH

[genusmtbkr5]

Originally Posted by KeepsWhatHappens

I suggest we all try and clean-up Beeks a little while we're up there hanging out...other than packing out our own beer cans and bottles Even a small bit of trash in a small bag per person would make a positive impact.

If someone pulled a Bob we could really do the job right. Andy? Rut? You listening?

KWH

Great idea John, but we may not get that chance. Just spoke to the Trabuco district office. Black Star Canyon Rd is closed. The way it was explained is that Black Star beyond the iron gate is open because it belongs to The Forest, The road; Black Canyon Rd is a private road that is own by The Irvine Co. and they have closed access till further notice.

Also, Holy Jim parking lot at the bottom of HJ and Trabuco also closed, but trail is open for use. Maple Springs Rd was reopened, but still shows closed and will be updated soon. I will check updates daily and keep everyone posted.

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

Black Star Canyon Rd is closed. The way it was explained is that Black Star beyond the iron gate is open because it belongs to The Forest, The road; Black Canyon Rd is a private road that is own by The Irvine Co. and they have closed access till further notice. Also, Holy Jim parking lot at the bottom of HJ and Trabuco also closed, but trail is open for use. Maple Springs Rd was reopened, but still shows closed and will be updated soon. I will check updates daily and keep everyone posted.

are you refering to the left hand turn off silverado to get to b-star gate re: closure? if so that sux. so a private company "owns" the means to access "public" land? (at that point at least )

any opportunity to swap ride to maples in event b-star still closed. think a bit more challenging for noobs but doable

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Is the Irvine Company owned Blackstar Canyon Road closed due to fire danger?

KWH

[andy aka rut]

The Warrior's Society members have been sent out an email letting us know the forest will most likely be closing soon due to fire dangers. To be honest, I'm guessing it will be closed within a week or two. Hopefully not (well at least for this ride's sake.) If we are able to still have this ride, I'll bring the BOB. I'll even take a cooler with some ice and full beer cans too!
If it ends up we have to relocate the ride.... so be it. I'm still in!

andy

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by andy aka rut

I'll bring the BOB. I'll even take a cooler with some ice and full beer cans too!

just trying to do my part

and for my next trick - u bring em full and i'll magically make em empty

[andy aka rut]

Sorry but the silver bullit doesn't fit in my BOB.

Originally Posted by Kid A

just trying to do my part
and for my next trick - u bring em full and i'll magically make em empty

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by andy aka rut

Sorry but the silver bullit doesn't fit in my BOB.

sorry to hear that...your loss

so what's your call on beer, i'll gladly make a donation to bob if join ride

[surlygal]

Originally Posted by andy aka rut

If we are able to still have this ride, I'll bring the BOB. I'll even take a cooler with some ice and full beer cans too!
If it ends up we have to relocate the ride.... so be it. I'm still in!

andy

I knew our hints were going to be heard! Yes, Andy pulling a trailer and he'll still be faster than me!

That is if the Forest is OPEN! So should we be proactive and plan a route B?

[andy aka rut]

Well I am a huge Newcastle fan, but I tend to break bottles on B-Star. If I have to tow up cans, I would prefer some from Mexico.

Originally Posted by Kid A

sorry to hear that...your loss
so what's your call on beer, i'll gladly make a donation to bob if join ride

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by andy aka rut

Well I am a huge Newcastle fan, but I tend to break bottles on B-Star. If I have to tow up cans, I would prefer some from Mexico.

Assuming i make ride i believe i mexi-CAN accomodate your request senor rut does this imply full-on fiesta atop beeks. is