Beginner trails in the LA or OC area?

[BAD_S197]

What defines a beginner trail?

I'm looking at mtbr.com and the trail reviews and geez, all of the seem like they are for mountain goats and pro riders on million dollar 10" suspension travel bikes with no fear of death.

Ok, they mention a few that sound like they are just like riding on pavement through the san fernando valley... but who wants to ride on the flat dirt?

I'm going to try and do Will Rogers-top of Reseda Loop with a buddy at work, which is where we went my first time 2.5 years ago in which i made it from the parking area to the top of the hill by the information posting board at the top (the start of the real riding)...

What trails do you suggest that won't kill me the first few times out?

thanks

jake

[allison]

You can also check out routes on Geoladders -- Overview

I'd suggest maybe searching by distance and look for shorter loops. Then read the trail info, look at the pics, and read the comments.

You could probably hit up some of the trails in Whiting (learn to love climbing steep hills; we have a lot here in So Cal) and Aliso. If you can swing it, maybe try to join the Fully Loop Thurs ride also. It's a big group.

Just be careful. There seems to be quite a few injuries out there lately!

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by BAD_S197

What defines a beginner trail?

I'm looking at mtbr.com and the trail reviews and geez, all of the seem like they are for mountain goats and pro riders on million dollar 10" suspension travel bikes with no fear of death.

Ok, they mention a few that sound like they are just like riding on pavement through the san fernando valley... but who wants to ride on the flat dirt?

I'm going to try and do Will Rogers-top of Reseda Loop with a buddy at work, which is where we went my first time 2.5 years ago in which i made it from the parking area to the top of the hill by the information posting board at the top (the start of the real riding)...

What trails do you suggest that won't kill me the first few times out?

thanks

jake

Whitting Ranch
Santiago TT
Blackstar
Maple Springs
Aliso
El Morro
Peters Cyn
and more.................

check out Geoladders for great trail info. However Geo is not as cool as STR

[foofighter]

i forget that you're up in LA, i'm sure there are tons of little easy trails to start off with. but should you venture down to south OC, there's Aliso as allison mentioned. it's got a great fire road that's relatively flat but has a little bit of a climb to the base of Cholla...i wont go into that section as i HATE it only because i hate to climb.

but you are blessed to live in a region where there are a lot of trails to ride for all skill levels

[BAD_S197]

thanks for the suggestions.

I don't mind traveling to ride because I bought a rack for my Mustang this past weekend.

OC isn't that far, and for that matter San Dog isn't that far either. I could goto SD and stay at a friends house for the night and then just get up early without being tired from driving that morning from LA.

[scorns]

There are 2 begger rides going on Aug 4 if you are interested.

Fully Loop Newbie/ B-Day ride

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

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by BAD_S197

thanks for the suggestions.

I don't mind traveling to ride because I bought a rack for my Mustang this past weekend.

OC isn't that far, and for that matter San Dog isn't that far either. I could goto SD and stay at a friends house for the night and then just get up early without being tired from driving that morning from LA.

If you want to drive across LA, I can show you a lot of the fun beginner trails at Chino Hills State Park. This park has a mix for everyone, from beginner singletrack to death-wish-special. I am more of a beginner myself so we could probably ride well together. PM me if interested.

[Aztlan]

Originally Posted by BAD_S197

What defines a beginner trail?

I'm looking at mtbr.com and the trail reviews and geez, all of the seem like they are for mountain goats and pro riders on million dollar 10" suspension travel bikes with no fear of death.

Ok, they mention a few that sound like they are just like riding on pavement through the san fernando valley... but who wants to ride on the flat dirt?

I'm going to try and do Will Rogers-top of Reseda Loop with a buddy at work, which is where we went my first time 2.5 years ago in which i made it from the parking area to the top of the hill by the information posting board at the top (the start of the real riding)...

What trails do you suggest that won't kill me the first few times out?

thanks

jake

Check out this site

Outings Regional

They have great collection of trails with pics and directions.

[CC]

Also two trails in San Dimas/La Verne area.

Marshall Cyn (La Verne-Claremont)
Bonelli - (San Dimas)

Both of these trails have a lot of options. Bonelli has a beginner loop on the inside that is mostly flat. It also has a lot of trails that include climbing, a rock garden and some single track as well. Bonelli is mostly up and down trail.

Marshall Cyn is also a versatile trail system. You can go up and down a fire road, until you build up stamina. Then there is lots of options for switch backs. It is mostly a climb up and a decent down. Incycle Bike Shop leads a Monday night ride to Marshall Cyn, and I'm usually there every Monday.

Next month I am planning on guiding some riders through Bonelli, let me know if you want to join in.

~ cc

[BAD_S197]

The best time I have for riding is sunday's... saturdays are daughters swimming lessons and spending time with my girlfriend. We usually go skating at the beach (skateboard).

[BFloFoxRider.]

i would say a beginner trail is something you can go down or up and not wear out break pads if you have v brakes or not melting the pads for disc brakes...

[jeffj]

Check out Sycamore Canyon at Point Mugu State Park.

Make sure to ask the Ranger where it's OK to park and not to park.

You can make it as hard or as easy as you want. I'd recommend pedaling up the main valley trail to the Wood Canyon trail. Make the left and it loops back into the trail you came up. Makes a nice beginner route.

[carbonman]

trails in OC i would recommend either the Fullerton Loop or Peters Canyon.

[ka0t1c07]

Easy trails in LA could be Turnbull Canyon, JPL El Prieto fire road climb, Marshall Canyon, Fullerton Loop, Bonelli Park, Santa Monica Sullivan fire road, etc. You will have to check out Geoladders.com and check out the elevation on the trails.

Tin

[jackieo]

Definitely Sycamore Cyn, Los Robles Trail, parts of Backbone are a bitch but it's FUN!, Wildwood is pretty easy with lots of options.