Ride Report Rethinking The Oaks

[Winger]

I think I was a bit hard on the trail with my last post.

I rode it for the 2nd time over the weekend and it was a lot more fun. Once I get to know the trail a bit better I'm sure I'll be taking advantage of the banked turns. It was a different type of fun....not Chutes, which I what I expected.

I still didn't like the rolling hill section near the bottom.

The log roll on the other side of the wash was a great addition.

 

[patro]

As much as I liked the old Chutes, I'm loving the new Chutes Ridgeline Trail. The added mountain bike features are great and add new challenges. The new trail is a much more sustainable design; there will be much less trail maintenance required after the rain we get each winter.

 

[Cilantro13]

I too have really enjoyed the new chutes. I also liked the old chutes, but I think we can all agree that some work needed to be done on the trail. The top had multiple lines that seemed to get wider each year, and the bottom needed work as well.

I think the people who have been redesigning and building the trails in the entire park have done a great job. Yes, the trails are wide in many places, but given the traffic between foot, bike, and horse, this is fine with me for passing, etc. Moreover, I imagine that as time goes, the trails will narrow substantially as dominant lines emerge and the foliage grows up to the lines.

I agree with the positive sentiments posted above: what other Orange County park (or wilderness area) has the trail design been made with mountain bikers in mind? What other park has mtn bike features? I for one am grateful for the work that has been done. A big thanks to everybody involved. See you out there! And incidentally, it isn't just Chutes that is better, it is Goat, Chutes, Cactus Canyon, Weir, Deer... a lot of great work has been done in the park.

 

[stinky180]

Do you guys/gals ride the weir canyon loop clockwise or counter clockwise?

Going to ride Oaks this Sunday! Can't wait to check it out.

 

[dstepper]

Do you guys/gals ride the weir canyon loop clockwise or counter clockwise?

Counter clockwise, out Weir Canyon Trail back on Anaheim Riding Trail.

 

[Winger]

Do you guys/gals ride the weir canyon loop clockwise or counter clockwise?

Going to ride Oaks this Sunday! Can't wait to check it out.

Clockwise. I'd rather suffer the road climb and enjoy more downhill dirt.

 

[mtnbikej]

Do you guys/gals ride the weir canyon loop clockwise or counter clockwise?

Going to ride Oaks this Sunday! Can't wait to check it out.

I prefer to do it counter clockwise.......out to Cliffhanger, then retrace my ride back to Barham Ridge.......more of a lolipop loop.

 

[sheclimbs]

Hans and his crew did a great job out at the Oaks! The trails are well built and fun to ride. I'm looking forward to the next phase and seeing what else they are doing out there. I wish more parks would employ thier team to restore / build mtb trails in our local mountains.

 

[Silver]

As much as I liked the old Chutes, I'm loving the new Chutes Ridgeline Trail. The added mountain bike features are great and add new challenges. The new trail is a much more sustainable design; there will be much less trail maintenance required after the rain we get each winter.

I'm coming around to the same way of thinking. Chutes from seven years ago-I miss. I don't miss the rutted up monstrosity that was the bottom half the last couple of years.

 

[stinky180]

The trail work is superb! They should rename the park to - santiago oaks regional bike skills park!

 

[OC rider]

love the new changes. it feels like a bike park now. for someone who is really challenged by certain trails in Laguna and SJT i love the DH feel of the jumps, roller, logs etc on the ridge.:bang:

 

[monstertiki]

love the new changes. it feels like a bike park now. for someone who is really challenged by telonics and SJT i love the DH feel of the jumps, roller, logs etc on the ridge.:bang:

I wasn't a huge fan of the way it was before. But now it's one of my favorite local places to go. Now all we have to do is keep it maintained.

 

[KeepsWhatHappens]

I am used to parking in the Albertson's lot and then heading into Oaks. Now there are signs up saying no parking, etc in that lot. Where's another good place to park other than Peters?

 

[GeorgiaOfTheJungle]

You all suck! The Oaks is a horrible place to ride! Now, go ride somewhere else and leave me to my favorite trail....errrr, I mean, go ride on some other fun trails....ummm, just go away!

 

[XcShane]

You all suck! The Oaks is a horrible place to ride! Now, go ride somewhere else and leave me to my favorite trail....errrr, I mean, go ride on some other fun trails....ummm, just go away!

Totally. Oaks sucks now. Y'all better stick to Peter's Canyon. Much better hiker...I mean biker park.

 

[denmother]

I am used to parking in the Albertson's lot and then heading into Oaks. Now there are signs up saying no parking, etc in that lot. Where's another good place to park other than Peters?

There is a whole thread about it: Santiago Oaks parking situation

 

[OC rider]

saw 3 snakes there tonight. 2 rattlers and a gopher. watch out!