I've gone of the side on a run up in that area a few years ago. It was about a 20 foot straight drop into a dried up river. Fortunately, as luck would have it, I landed in the only small patch of sand there was. I haven't been on that trail for a while, but ever time I did that section after the fall, I was a bit nervous. The cause? I thought my left hand/grip was simply passing through some leaves. However, there was a root sticking out that I didn't see, and it grabbed my left side and spin me around, slamming my front wheel into the wall on the left, which resulted in me spinning off the side. As soon as I got up, another guy in the group did the exact same thing...except he couldn't get unclipped from his bike on the way down. Fortunately, we both rode out of there. I still don't like the exposure, but I'll still ride it. What I hate even worse up there is the poison oak.
I've always like this one from Ron Bigelow's website http://www.ronbigelow.com/Outings/Trails/merrill/pages/merrrill14.htm
All the San Gabriel front range trails are multi-use XC type of trails. Big hit bikes will only encourage you to go faster and that's really not a good idea on these trails. I've ridden with guys on rigid SS bikes and they've cleaned it top to bottom with precision and control. It's more of a technical ride, not a huck fest or a speed competition. Stay on the main trails. Too many riders (especially on Sunset) have cut bypasses to switch backs and that really sucks, not to mention piss off every hiker and ranger in the area. Adapt yourselves to the trail, not the trail to your riding ability or style. Enjoy what the trails have to offer and be careful out there.
Cleaning things going slow is one thing, cleaning things going fast is another. Also, although I've ridden many of the trails on a hardtail, it's so much more fun intentionally hitting every rock in the trail on a longer travel bike. I know, I know, there are lots of hikers. But those hikers are worth points! :bang: 15 points for ages 20 and under (kind of hard to hit) 20 points for ages 21 thru 40 9 (they can dodge a fast rider pretty quickly, so they're even harder to hit) 5 points for ages 41 thru 55 (easy targets), although +20 points if they are wearing anything that says Sierra Club. 15 points for ages 56 thru 65 (rare target) DQ for ages 66 and up
Those types are easy targets, so I wouldn't award that many points. They are a fiesty bunch, thinking they own the trails simply because they are ascending. On the other hand, 30 points + 10 with lycra. I hope no one is taking this too seriously.
I agree with you on going fast. It shouldn't matter how fast you go, just as long as you're able to stop in time to avoid an accident with others. As for the point system...funny:clap:. Not taking it seriously, but funny.
Don't forget. you can get hit multiple times in the course of the day. That can really add up :wave: Mott
Put me down as a maybe. It all depends on the Noble ride on Saturday, if we go, I'll be either in Murietta still or too pooped to wanna drive anywhere.
Does 'precision and control' mean crawling down the mountain slower than the grass grows? I always get stuck behind these douche bags and they don't let me pass. I just get tired of staring at their asses! That's gayer than MySpace (but not quite as gay as Primal Wear). I personally get a kick out of going fast and an occasional drop here and there isn't all that bad either. I can't think of anything more fun than keeping it pinned whether climbing or descending. It's absolutely a speed competition if that's what you're into. If that's not your cup o' tea, stay to the right please.
Right on project d. Nice to know I'm worth more points (59) than the 55ers ,if you could catch me. I love telling that to you youngens :lol: :bang:
Either you're trying to be funny and in that case ha-ha or you're so far removed and disconnected from society and nature that you have no idea what "multi-use trail" means. Stereo typing anyone, much less another rider is so simplistic and narrow minded. Try to think outside the box a little and a tiny bit past your own needs and desires. It's amazing how much you'll realize. Peace, love and understanding, young grasshopper. GLTY!
Maybe people are starting to forget that only a few years back, MTBers almost got those trails closed to all MTBing. Dean
Ah man. Disconnected from society and nature? Give me a break. Multi-use: some people walk, some people climb, some people whine, and some people like to descend. My favorite use is keepin' it pinned until I'm dizzy. I like to go fast. So many people go tip-toeing through the tulips on this stuff applying so much damn courtesy that it's absolutely stifling. My real point is that I think it's bogus for you to define what multi-use is. If biking is part of the allowed use, then I am at liberty to pick what bike I wish to ride and how I wish to ride it so long as I don't mess anything up. I just rode there on a big bike, had it pretty wide open AND managed to not fall into any ravines, disrupt other riders' and/or users' experiences, or show a lack of courtesy to the folks gracious enough to be working on the the trails that day. It was a great time, and hell, we did manage to throw a couple of hucks in there, too. Finally, I don't really believe in the box so I've never been so far inside as to need to think otherwise. Shifting paradigms is more my style. In any case, I just disagree with you a bit. You have a good one out there and stay off the brakes.
