Finally going to do Noble Canyon with some of my buddies this weekend, but none of us have ridden there. I saw a lot of different routes on Geoladders, but not not sure which one to do. Would like to keep it around 30 or so miles. Noticed there is a good deal of climbing, so would a 6" travel bike be overkill or should I bring my 4" 29er? Also, what area are the logs and jumps that people ride? Thanks for any suggestions in advance.
I just rode it for the first time two weeks ago. Either bike will work. If you're not a climber, bring the 29er. I had my heavy 5-spot (5.5" travel) and Indian Hill nearly killed me (but then again we were riding against 30-40 mile winds). My 5.5" was a Heep of fun on the descent though!! You're gonna love it - I can't wait to hit it again (hopefully w no wind). Enjoy...#GetRad
Depends on your skill level. There are guys who ride fully rigid SS up and down it. For me a 6" travel bike is the only way i can comfortably clean it all. I've done it on a rigid bike and got the scars to prove it. The logs are on Los Gatos ravine in the BLT (Big Laguna Trail) area. Mtn Bike Bill has an old route of Tour de Noble. Most people skip Pioneer postal trail because of the road ride and go down Indian Creek after Champagne Pass.
Used to live in San Diego and have ridden noble 25+ times over the years. As Ratt mentioned.. it's doable on an SS or a long travel bike depending on what your up for. I've cleaned Noble on rigid (back in the day) but an enduro / all mountain bike (4" - 5" travel) is the best way to go if your riding all the way up from Pine Valley and then heading down Noble. If your shuttling you could go with a 6" travel bike but 6" is a bit overkill in my opinion as there are not any "drops" that demand that kind of travel. I'm sure many may disagree but this is the best compromise IMO. In my opinion the best introduction to Noble is to climb up Pine Creek road (paved single lane road) all the way to the top and then head down Noble back to the car. It's not the most "epic" climb option but it's probably a good way to get introduced to Noble. This is the easiest climbing option and should leave you with some gas in the tank to tackle the downhill.. which can take a lot out of you if you charge it. This option also allows you to bail out if you are getting to tired on the way up as the downhill section of the noble canyon single track trail crosses the paved road several times. (IE.. if your tired.. hit the single track and head down). This option also allows you to asses how your feeling at the top and add on more if you want. If you are feeling good at the top.. head south and add the Laguna Meadows loop. FYI.. I would advise taking it mellow on the way up and leave some energy in the tank for the downhill. It's pretty common for people to charge up and crap out at the top if they are new to the area. The downhill is epic and much more enjoyable if you have some fuel in the tank to try and clear the "challenging" sections. Once you get a taste.. you'll be back!
Thanks shleppy for the expanded description of Noble. Since it was my first experience there I had no clue what trail I was on (Indian somethin, I think) as i was trying not to get blown off the trail!! I broke from the group of 11 bc they all had carbon bikes at the "meadows" section. When I saw them begin to climb after crossing the paved road I said: F*ck that!! I'm done climbing!!! I descended Noble solo and had a freaking blast. Had I known what I was in for, I would have chosen to climb the paved and descended Noble so I could have some juice left for the descent. I'll be back and prepared this time.
