New guy from Agoura

Welcome From Woodland Hills!! Roll the Cheese Wedge all the time!!

 

If a ranger catches you, they may advise you that you are not supposed to ride there and ask you to turn around...
Riding the street is not challenging anyway.

FYI, Just north of that gate there is a trail that goes up and from there you can go to the parking lot or down to Cheseboro.
#11 and # 3 (light-green) respectively.
If you want even a tougher climb, checkout #12 in yellow "(Ranch-center")

 

^ Thanks that's what I figured. I know it's not as challenging, but I've only been riding for about 2 months now, and the climb up the fire road to the Palo/Sheeps Coral connector is enough for me already Still need some energy for the ride down. Once I can get more endurance/strength I would def. be up for more of a challenge.

I've hiked the Ranch Center Crossover, and there's NO WAY I'm doing that on a bike anytime soon. That's wayyy too steep for my liking.

That actually brings up a point I meant to ask. I'm riding a 2x10 gearing setup - does this put me a disadvantage for steeper climbs? 36/22 Chainrings, and 10 speed 11-36 Cassette.

 

maybe... you want to build up your muscles, technique, endurance etc.. without hurting yourself.
3x may give you a little better gear ratio to climb up, but I guess it is not an option for the current bikes as you will have to replace a lot of expensive components...
I am riding a bit over 2.5 years and almost from the start on a 29er with 2x10 same ratio as yours, for the last year or so, I am riding 39/26 front, which works for me on all local trails - even on the trail center...
So take it easy, build up without hurting yourself and pretty soon, you will be able to climb all local trails on that setup.

 

Thanks for the info - that's kinda what I figured, but I also like the fact I don't have to worry about gears as much. I'm sure there's many occasions were I have bad chain angle as I'll be in the big gear up front and one of the larger rings out back, but I figure having a 2x10 reduces the negativity of chain angle a bit...

 

Welcome from Orange, the home of Santiago Oaks.

I use my saddle to control my bike, especially when riding shale. Don't get discouraged when you're first learning to be clipped in, def a learning curve so you'll tip over...a lot!!

 

Crossed chain is actually encouraged in 2x10....:lol:
I tend to move in between the 39/26 Chain wheels quite a lot while climbing...

Here's a video I took yesterday at one of my favorite sections of the loop
Sheep Corral, The lookout point to shepherds Flat
Quite a "shocking" angle..

[video=youtube;sZ0VS057TkA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ0VS057TkA[/video]

 

The gate on Palo Comado was considered trespassing and could earn you a ticket from the NPS. I have not ridden that way in quite a while, the price of admission was $20 payable to the NPS.

 

can you describe where this is on the map above? I don't think I've ridden this section, it looks great!

 

The entry point to this fun section is from Palo Comado, 300 hundred ft or so pass the Helipad and just before you continue the Climb towards China Flats...
You can ride with me if you can't find it...

 

Trail center is a tough one...