Save Las Flores Ridge/Ladera Ridge

Discussion in 'Trailhead' started by jeskandarian, Mar 24, 2016.

  1. jeskandarian

    jeskandarian New Member

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  2. treacherous

    treacherous New Member

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    Hey there, I'm new to this site. The Las Flores Ridge has been my main trail since I moved to Ladera 3 years ago. I used to go up Fireman's Pole until the sign went up, now usually use Oso entrance. Besides the large fence with the "No trespassing signs" (on both sides?!) at the top of Fireman's Pole, there is also a newer fence at the top of Backdraft and Inferno entrance. They have also removed one of the bridges at the top 1/3 of Backdraft. I'm not sure if someone commented on this yet? Now I guess the only way to ride these is trails is to ride up Backdraft from Deerpath which definitely kills my typical loops.

    I share your guys frustration with these somewhat arbitrary closures, I just read through the whole thread and appreciate the work you guys have gone to address it.

    I noticed this morning there is a flyer at Starbucks regarding the trail closures. Looks like someone from Rock and Road (maybe one of you guys?) is having a meeting at the Selma's Patio on May 4th at 7pm (correct me if I got the days wrong).

    I'd really like to go but I work that night. I wanted pass on the info though in case you guys hadn't already heard about it.

    -Eric
     
    Last edited: May 23, 2016
  3. jeskandarian

    jeskandarian New Member

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  4. Garrick U

    Garrick U New Member

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    Selma's Patio? Not sure I am familiar with this place. Are you referring to Selma's Chicago Pizzeria in Ladera? I would like to attend this event.
     
  5. treacherous

    treacherous New Member

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    Yes it's a Selma Pizzeria in Ladera, on the patio. The flyer is at the Starbucks a few doors down on the bulletin board.
     
  6. Garrick U

    Garrick U New Member

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    Thank you. I will be there.

    Here is the flyer posted at Starbucks. Spread the word! IMG_0704.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2016
  7. dustyyoungblood

    dustyyoungblood Member

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    See you all there whatever is happening.
     
  8. BigTex

    BigTex Member

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    I'll be there tomorrow night.

    If anyone does speak to anyone from RMV and they mention critical habitat, feel free to remind them that RMV built a road through that habitat (what eventually became the trail) to begin with.
     
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  9. FijiRob

    FijiRob Member

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    EXACTLY!!! Just go to www.historicaerials.com and you can see how far back in time that trail goes.
     
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  10. FijiRob

    FijiRob Member

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    Soooo how did the meeting go?
     
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  11. BigTex

    BigTex Member

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    The meeting went well with a big turnout - the patio was packed. There is a dialogue ongoing with the Reserve at RMV. The hope that is if the illegal trails on Reserve land (M80 etc.) are repaired, Ladera Ridge will once again be open to us. There is a trail day currently scheduled for June 11 to do just that.

    HOWEVER... Nothing we do will matter if people keep cutting the fences, damaging/stealing the cameras and otherwise vandalizing the signs and trails. If you're on here and really care about those trails, please stop riding them. There's no hope for any change if people can't stop being jerks.
     
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  12. treacherous

    treacherous New Member

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    Yeah sounds good. Let's stay off the ridge. I think I'll be around that weekend to help out. Is this the main message board for this or is there another one?

    Also...

    What do you guys think about riding up backdraft from waterworks via undertaker then back down? Also can go down inferno from there. Technically not going on the ridge in that case and there are no gates or signs posted. Is this RMV property? I don't think it is...
     
  13. treacherous

    treacherous New Member

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    Not sure anyone is still watching this thread, but to answer my own question; No you can no longer ride up Backdraft (aka Updraft). There is a very brand new fence at the base just after Undertaker with the same Area Closed sign as the rest of the fences.

    Can't help but notice the remarkable coincidence that a gate popped up right after posting on the board about it. Makes you wonder who else is listening?

    If there's an ocparks or RMV representative reading this, feel free to join the conversation. It's pretty apparent that we want to work with you guys to try and reopen some of these trails, we could be very helpful allies. It seems a terrible shame to just shut the whole thing down, Backdraft is a pretty good trail.

    Didn't Telonix, Lizard and mentally sensitive (to name a few) used to be illegal but are now sanctioned trails? There's got to be a way to make this work without encroaching on the RMV preserve.

    Anyways that's my two cents.
     
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  14. David Whiting

    David Whiting Member

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  15. David Whiting

    David Whiting Member

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    David Whiting, Metro Columnist, Orange County Register here. I'm working on a trail access column and would like to talk, home office is 949-6908949, email is [email protected]. thanks
     
  16. treacherous

    treacherous New Member

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    Is the rehab project to remove the trails on RMV wilderness side of the ridge (as a good faith gesture) still happening?

    I heard it was June 11th but haven't seen anything about it?
     
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  17. kingaucho

    kingaucho Member

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    Yes, 8am tomorrow. Meet at the Starbucks by Ladera Ranch BevMo. Hope to see of you there!
     

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