Ride Report Rethinking The Oaks

I have never been a big fan of Santiago Oaks. The downhills are fun but the climbs to get there not so fun. I heard that Hans from Bellfree Construction was hired to redo some of trails in the Park so I was curious what had been done. First off big thanks to to the County in adding trails in the park and huge thumbs up to Hans, he has built some excellent switchbacks that make for some great climbing. If you have not done it go check Hans work out, The Oaks is now a excellent place to get your climb on.

Hans those swithbacks are works of art!

Dean

 

Forgot the important part of the day.

 

I hadn't ridden there in decades (or so it seemed), but Hans invited me out yesterday to document some of the work his crew has been doing. I shot about an hour of video and some stills. It was a lot more fun than I remembered. If you want trails built to last and still be fun, hire a mountain biker! The section they are working on now is full of berms and rock rollers and a few launch spots. It was a lot of fun to ride and would be a great place to go out and do some training.

Now all it needs is some rain to pack it down..

 

thnx for the update AND the shot of the TJ's Candy Cane ice-cream..I called my wife who's there now to get me some..mmm

 

Just got back. Cactus Canyon is wicked fun! Being able to link the whole park together without HABbing is a big plus.

 

I went there last weekend and was surprised by the new trails. Very fun!

 

Was there today, its was awesome the work they have done to the park. but Honestly Im not a fan of the new chutes. Specifically that part that intersects and weaves through old chutes. But If you remember to stay on old chutes its not to bad!

Thanks to the trail builder for his hard work!

 

Oaks and Weir Canyon are my new most favorite rides in the county.
Way to go Hanz, J. Ganahl, and the OC Parks rangers!!!!

 

going to have to get out there and check it out....

thanks for the info:steppie::steppie::steppie:

 

The Oaks is my local park, so it is near and dear to my heart. I know this has been mentioned before, but all the new trail construction, and existing trail revitalization, is being privately funded by a local mountain biker (the Oaks is his backyard). BIG THANKS to him, Ranger Jim, and Hans for building sustainable, bike-minded trails for all to use and enjoy!!

 

I've never been, but would like to go. Would it be easy to find my way around if I went on my own? or can I tag along with somebody sometime?
Thanks.

 

The trail work looks great. Now any way you can move The Oaks closer to Simi?

Just found the cookies last week. Will have to try the ice cream.

 

my new favorite loop there is up chutes b, down goat, up bumblebee, down hawk, up goat, up zips, then down zips & chutes. good stuff and no more 3 b's!

 

Riding there Sunday for the first time in a couple years! looks like a great time! wont sleep tonight thinking about it.

 

Don't forget Deer Trail nice in and out of the canyon.

 

That is what is nice, so far they have not blocked of any the the tech lines...most excellent to keep all trail users happy.

 

Yeah great work guys. It's nice cause now you can ride down chutes, turn around and go right back up without worrying about all the downhill traffic.

 

Presactly.

 

It's a local ride for me as well and was surprised to see the new trails when I was there last month. I've always wondered what trail is considered zips?

 

The trail that zips through the original mountain goat trail.