I rode San Juan today, and noticed that someone put in some very sloppy water bars since Sunday. Just wanted to give everyone a heads up. You will see them climbing, but remember them on the way down. They are only a few, and they are within the first 5 switchbacks or so. Since I don't have my camera, I couldn't get pictures of them.
Someone, I am guessing the forest service, has done some major improvements to the trail over the last 2 months. One area in particular is where the trail used to wash out and you only had a sliver of room before going off the side. They cut into the hill side so there is actually a trail now. I went down the side twice before it was fixed. The spot is just after the last of the switch backs up where you have a straight away climb for a bit.
San Juan Trail. I just rode it my first time, yesterday. How awesome. I highly recommend timing your descent so that you're getting back to the parking lot, right at dark. This puts you coming down the mountain in that golden late afternoon light, that transforms those hillsides. This only my not-so-humble opinion. BTW, the trail looked to be in good condition, other than the fact that there are several switchbacks that need to be rebuilt.
My hubby went out to take photos on Sunday as sunset and finished in the 'dark' dusk. Beautiful! He saw a large mtn lion sitting next to the fence on road between the last house that is right on the road and the fire house. He was wearing a collar. Since he was in the car, by the time he could get the camera out, he wandered off.
What he said... The first time I rode it was back in the late 80's and it never disappoints... it just always seems to take skin, sometimes a little and others a bit more but always some
I've ridden SJ 3 times. Each time it has taken me down. The last instance had me superman off my bike into a front somersault into some bushes. Scariest crash yet (i remember opening my eyes when I came to a stop wondering how nothing hurt) but I walked out of the bed like bushes unscathed while the rest of the group finished up. I had lost a shoe so I wanted to find it before I made the trek down the hill to get my bike. After a few minutes I gave up looking for my shoe and retrieved my bike. My shoe was still clipped in and buckled. Try explaining that one when you get back to the cars and your buddies ask you wtf happened This was after falling over backwards twice on the uphill, yet still stands as my most successful day on SJT considering the two previous rides.
Anyone that hasnt rode SJT has too, Im sure its a good cardio climb based on size but going down is a blast! I'll leave it at that! LOL Its the one ride thats more majestic than any other ive been on and reminds you of how beautiful socal is and the views from top are incredible. See I can ride DH and still be sensitive to the scenery! If you havent done it, then do it!
I haven't been on SJT in awhile, but I'd be willing to take a look at it, and see if we can get approval to fix it up. Sometimes waterbars are the last resort against run-off, and sometimes they're used as speedbumps. In either case, I think there are usually better ways to address those problems.
Asked and received Forest Service approval to look at those 'waterbars' and adjust as necessary. I might try to check it out on Friday, to avoid working on it while its crowded. Anyone interested in helping-- PM me, along with email address, and we'll see if we can get it cleaned up. Thanks, Jim
