New guy from Agoura

Just found this place after looking for some local MTB forums to get info. I just took up MTB riding a few weeks ago, I've been wanting to dive into the sport for a while, and decided for my 30th Birthday I was going to take the plunge. Born and raised in Agoura - lived in CO and WY for a little while. Been riding Dirtbikes 15+ years, but finally sold them since I wasn't using them enough. Seeing all the MTB's in cars getting off at my exit (I live off Chesebro) I figured I must live in a good spot to ride, which made me want to get into the sport that much more. Finally went for my first ride last Friday (boy am I outta shape!) off Chesebro trail, had allot of fun, but need to do something about Pedals/Shoes - Stock pedals plus my Nike SB's are not a good mix. I was slipping off constantly and kept noticing my feet were not in great position on the pedals, I think I might just make the jump to clipless (I've researched extensively between flats/clipless, and still have no clue). Also need to learn that the Front brake is on the left not right (moto habit) and that I cant squeeze the saddle between my legs for control... Will be hitting the trail again tomorrow to get some more seat time in. Looking forward to finding some good spots, and maybe some folks to ride with here.

Bryant aka Fuel&Fire

Here's a pic from my first ride - Bike is a '13 Specialized Carve Pro.

 

Welcome from Anaheim hills!

 

Hey welcome! I'm also off the chesebro exit I ride flat metal pedals with some good knobs on them, but I think the key for me is riding with 5.10 Impact 2 shoes. I banged up my gears riding mt.wilson this weekend, so my bike needs some love from the bike shop - after that we should go for a ride!

 

Welcome from the Conejo. Cheeseboro is not steep enough to squeeze that tiny saddle between you thighs. Hummingbird @ Rocky Peak will make your inside thighs sore from the squeezing, it has axle high drop off switchbacks and you will be using that technique to stay on line.

Clipless: just not cleating my shin is reason enough but once clipless you will be one with the bike
Happy trails

 

haha, I think the climb onto chesebro ridge trail is plenty steep enough to get me burning. but if I really want to hurt, space mountain at the south end of moorpark will do the trick for me... that's steeeeeep but JUST climbable for me.

 

Awesome - Yea I was looking at the 5.10/Flat combo as well, I keep going back and forth as to which way to go. As a beginner I keep thinking the flats will be a bit more forgiving for falls, and help me develop some skill etc. but then I think I need every ounce of efficiency possible (good foot placement, etc) and could use the extra "help" being locked in with clipless (climbing ugh). I tend to over-think things sometimes, and do too much research... Have to remember it's for fun

What bike shop do you use? I was told to go to Win's Wheels. I ended up buying my bike from Black Mountain Cycles in SD as I was there on business and they were the only shop that had a Carve Pro in stock at $100 under MSRP. I've talked to the guys over at Serious and they were really cool, just lacking a bit in Bike Selection.

 

welcome. there are a lot of moto guys out there that move the front brake over to the right side. as for clipless shoe/pedal and 5.10/flats, i do both. clipless for the trails i know and flats for more technical or new trails, but that's just me.

 

welcome from Ladera Ranch

 

Welcome from Torrance! :wave:

 

Welcome from the other side of the hills. I have been slacking but tend to go Chesebro for days I want longer rides.

 

Welcome. I'm just up the road in Newbury Park. Hit me if you want to see some trails. - FYI it's supposed to rain in the next couple days - Stay away from Chesebro when it's wet.

 

Welcome, I go out to Chesebro at least once a month. You're lucky to live right there, it's a great place to learn. My wife wants to give MTBing a try and I'll start her off out there. As previously mentioned, a lot of people switch their brake levers but it may not be possible depending on what kind of lever you have.

 

Welcome from the Greater Frazier Park Area!
Ex Moto guy here. I have had my brakes flipped since 1992. Totally makes sense to me (let your friends know when you swap bikes on the trail ).
I could never imagine going back to flat pedals. Clipless makes you "ONE"with your bike, plus you can pull up on the backside of your pedal stroke giving you super human strength compared to mashing the pedals just on the front side.

I've use SpeedPlay Frogs (since 1994). They are strong, stable, predicatable, rugged, and they give you all the float to protect your knees. They may be old school, but as I get friends to try them, they end up loving them!

Welcome to STR! This is a GREAT Place. There's a lot of razzing that goes on here, so put on your best thick skin and learn to dish as well as take with a good spirit. Hope we get to ride together sometime soon! We have outrageous trails out my way...your always welcome!

Mikie

 

Welcome! I think you live in a good area with lots of options near by as others can probably attest to and help you out with.

You came to the right forum - lots of helpful friendly people here. Enjoy!

 

Welcome from Fullerton!!

 

Welcome on board !
You're in the right place for Road and MTB !
This is a composite map of my Strava records - highlighted some of my favorite MTB trails in the vicinity of Agoura Hills.
Click to enlarge

 

Thanks all for the Warm Welcome! Dying to get back on the bike. Got my Shoes this weekend, and Pedals are arriving UPS tonight - VERY excited to try it out. I also got the Shimano SH-56 Multi-Release Cleats to help with learning to ride clipless. I'll be hitting the trail tomorrow afternoon, can't wait.

Shoes - Shimano SH-M161G, I guess I have to buy the Toe Spike tool to remove the spikes - Kinda annoying.
Pedals - Shimano XT PD-M785

 

Question for those who Ride Chesebro/Palo Comado/Sheeps Coral/Sulphur Springs. I've been doing the loop - clockwise, but parking at the bottom of the Chesebro Canyon Parking lot, and riding up Chesebro Street to access the trail at the end. At the end of the street before the trail there is a sign that says private driveway no park access, but then there's a gate and walkway with plenty of tire tread marks. I assumed it was ok to ride through this area to gain access to trail (the other way to get there has a climb I really don't t want to do right now). I rarely see anyone else going this way (I do ride during the week in the morning to avoid it be "crowded") but wanted to confirm this is a normal route, and I'm not trespassing, etc.

 

I have only been down to that gate a few times, but I think you are OK... just be courteous, lot's of equestrians in the area.
Here's a great link to all the trails in the area... http://venturacountytrails.org/TrailMaps/MapsHome.html
Chesebro section is here... http://venturacountytrails.org/TrailMaps/Cheeseboro/CheeseboroTrails.htm


I typically loop through Chesebro from the North, but when riding from the parking lot, we usually go up the canyon to Sheeps Corral then take the Sheep Corral Single Track over to Palo Camado and up PC to China Flat. Then back down PC cutting over one the climbs back to Chesebro Canyon (#11 or #12 on the map) and then back down Chesebro to the parking lot. So in general, it's an out-and-back with some variations thrown-in to keep it interesting. I haven't explored the trails to the East (Las Virgennes Canyon) but there are plenty of options.

 

Yea I used to ride up the North way as well, and would turn around at Sheeps Coral and ride back, but to push myself and switch it up I figured I'd ride the loop, and come up/down from Palo to Sheeps to Sulphur/Chesebro, def. a few tough spots that push my skill level - even a few I dismounted and hiked for... but I'm Gonna keep going that route until I can conquer it.