Camuesa Connector Trail in SANTA BARBARA

Has anyone ridden the Camuesa Connector trail in Santa Barbara by way of this loop (see the link below)? I have never done it but I was hoping on checking it out tomorrow. However, I would like to know what the trail conditions are first. Does anyone know? And would anyone recommend this loop? Is it fun? I'm looking for a good 12-16 mile loop that includes a single track descent. Thanks in advance!!!


P.S. If there is anyone in the Santa Barbara area that would like to give me and my friend a tour of this loop, that would be awesome!! We would probably start a little late, though. Maybe around 11am or so.

Let me know!

http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-s...ail/camuesa-connector/prd_165403_4520crx.aspx

 

Anyone?

 

I did this loop a few years ago. Nice, scenic loop. It was a little overgrown with poison oak in spots at the time.

 

Tunnel ----> Jesusita!!!! The best!!!

 

Aren't those 2 trails closed b/c of a fire a few years ago? If not, what's the condition?

 

Not at all!!! Rode there yesterday!!

 

Done it, it's fun. Gotta cross the river though to get out, which isn't bad if it's hot. Isn't very long so I wouldn't plan a day around it. Go up Santa Cruz to Little pine and hit Camuesa on the way down.

http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-s...rail/santa-cruz-trail/prd_165509_4520crx.aspx

 

So, I rode Camuesa Connector trail yesterday. I don't have any pictures, but it was definitely fun! It's about a 13 mile loop, which some may consider a little short for a drive up from L.A. But Santa Barbara is a cool town and you can always hang out there and grab some good food afterwards to make your trip worth it. Which is what I did!!!

As for the ride itself, the fire road climb at the beginning is nice. There's only one part (towards the beginning) that's pretty darn steep. The rest of it is easy climbing that can be done in middle ring. The turn off for the single track is on the right after about 2 1/2 miles. The general direction of the single track is down, but there are a few short uphill sections (some with steep switchbacks). The downhill sections are pretty flowy and fun and not too technical. There are only a couple short sections that are a little steep with some loose stuff, rocks and ruts. There are some really nice sections that remind me of The Luge (bermed turns, little mini drops, etc). There is also a nice scenic meadow that you get to ride through at the end. After the 4 mile single track, you have to ride a few miles on pavement to get back to the car, but the terrain is mainly flat so it goes by really quickly. Also, there's some optional dirt single track on the way (towards the end).

Fun stuff! I would do it again. Next time, I'll check out Tunnels/Jesuita! I've done the Santa Cruz trail before. Yeah, it's fun stuff, too!!!