Santiago Oaks/Chutes (first timer)

Just got back from a group ride from The Path/Tustin..actually it was a very small group..just 3 of us (including myself and my bud/co-worker). The group guide took us to the Chutes trail on the right all the way to the top. I have to say that the trail is pretty narrow and steep enough that I was in my granny gear ALOT..I don't think I'll be leaving the 2 X 9 setup anytime soon. Fortunately there weren't too many riders coming down, but we had a few and I had to stop to walk around them. It taught me to make quick gear transitions and learned the proper way to go into the narrow uphill climbs. When we got to the top of Chutes, I was gassed..sucking wind.

We took the downhill trail of Chutes (right of the uphill Chutes trail) and to be honest, that first section from the top was a tad much for this first timer and had to walk it down..a feeeeeww feet.. There were actually numerous sections that were above my skill level..being a Floopie, left me unprepared for Chutes..it is steeper and more technical..ALOT more..but an eye-opener. I enjoyed going uphill than downhill..HT was good for climbing, bad for DH..think all the nuts and bolts need to be re-tightened on the bike..and some fillings.

I look forward to improved times at the Floop..lol

Does anybody know what trail this is..

 

That's the fire-road climb from the top of the Bumblebee/Grasshopper transfer to the second gazebo. During the rainy season, obviously. The "rainy season", in this instance, being 2010.

The top of Chutes Ridgeline is less scary than it seems at first, although I would imagine it sucks on a hardtail. Stay to the right, get your ass way back and just go with the flow

 

That's what the guide said also..but even the right had this drop that I couldn't even see until i got to the edge..I am tempted to try again..that is the draw..right?


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Stay to the right and go reasonably quick, seat down, butt back, slow = crash.

 

+1. Momentum is your friend. (BTW, I pucker at that same spot also.......)

 

I've only been there once, but if you want someone to ride with over there, Im always looking for new people to ride with

 

Good job, Tap! And the rest of you guys telling him to just get behind the seat and go with the flow have clearly forgotten what it's like to be new to the sport. It's the first time he's ever seen anything technical.

Your progression will come, and there is no shame in walking stuff that feels sketchy. We all still walk stuff. Trust your gut and you get to ride tomorrow.

If you haven't already, you need to do Whiting. The climb up Mustard is a bit of a grind, but the backside with Cactus, Sleepy Hollow, Live Oak, Serrano Cow trail and such are an absolute blast - mild gradient, low technical difficulty but enough to make it interesting, nice canopy of trees. Flowy, swoopy fun!

 

Tap, when I first started riding I would go to the top of Chutes Ridgeline and section it over and over until I got comfortable and could clean it w ease. I find the left side better but I like riding rocks over loose dirt though...happy sectioning!!

 

The left side has a nice smooth roll in (may look like a drop) that as your skill level rises can be at times much safer and quicker. The pic has been described. So hope we get some steady rain this year.

 

Ah..ok, will have to check the left next time..now I am curious..

 

Great job Tap! I normally approach the left then I swing to the right...just got used to it that way...as hertz said it...go with your comfort level....in time your skill set will rise and confidence will build up.....I second the whiting suggestion, hit me up if you wanna try it out......keep it up!

 

I'd say just trust your judgement, drop in when you feel comfortable. Don't sweat it, everyone's been there. That section helped me learn about Giro's helmet replacement policy.

I'm trying to think back to when I was a novice, with crap brakes and a crazy long stem, old school geometry, inappropriate tires at the wrong pressure, etc. That drop was intimidating then, and the trail's gotten more difficult in the interim.

With 25 years on the bike, and having dropped that section maybe 500 times, if you put me on a novice's bike I'd squirm a little dropping in there. I'd probably need a few takes to get the feel of things, and even then I'd never be able to bash through like I did on my all-mtn wondersled. (That said, I realize skilled riders roll that section on cyclocross bikes all the time--but I'm not a skilled rider).

Anyone remember back to when the worst part of Chutes was the lactic acid rush in the forearms? Hooray for disc brakes.

 

Death grip the handle bars and close your eyes. 60% of the time, it works all the time. :lol:

I haven't ridden chutes in a while. I, too, had to walk it down every time I've been there. Now, I feel my skill level is up to par for that area.

Anyhow, walking down a trail is always better than eating shitake.

 

Even the first drop we took from the corner at Santiago and Jamboree was an eye-opener..in all honesty, and I can say as a "newb" (that has done the Floop a few times now), Chutes/Ladders (going up) is NOT a beginner trail.. (not to scare any "newb" for trying it - just beware..it is NOT the Floop) I would not want to attempt this as a first ride..glad I did the Floop a few times to break in my legs/lungs.

 

Just to let you know Tap - The FLoop has some tech, drops and other stuff. You just need to know where to look and have some others guide and coach you - you can make the oaks a beginner ride (I wouldn't call Chute a beginner trail, UP or DOWN either) even Aliso too, just by the trails you choose.

The key to enjoying it more is to have others teach you a few pointers. Body position, bike placement, speed, control, etc. There are the Sunday morning and Thursday evening groups that are SPECTACULAR at this. And once you get out and around on the 'extra credit' there - you can apply the lessons learned and really enjoy the new experiences.

If you're smiling and having a good time - that is success!

 

Yes, I'll be looking for this next time..lol

 

Oak trail in April, right after trail maintenance...but note the hills below--at this point in the climb you are roughly level with the top of the Ladders climb, and because the trailhead is lower, you actually have climbed more than Ladders. So fitness still counts, even if the trail is wider.

As it's hot out, the best spot for levelish fire road this time of year is El Moro, out and back from Ridge Park, the sunsets are a good payoff for taking the time to get down there. If you get up with the chickens check out Telegraph in Chino Hills.

I haven't ridden Fullerton in 20 years so I have no advice there.

Dude in the back of the photo needs to raise his saddle...

 

You mean going through the gate, or the little mound right at the corner? If you rolled the drop right at the corner, super props...

There are plenty of ways to get in fun miles with less vertical at Oaks/Irvine. Grab the OCparks maps for both parks, and just roll around. Roadrunner and Willow are good places to start.

 

Congrats. Stick with it. It gets easier. Listen to your gut. Nothing wrong with walking a section, taking a look. But push yourself, a little, when you're ready; but be smart about it. Less is more--don't over brake, the bike will flow better if you're not trying to control it too much. Keep your balance / flow with it, but don't try to control the bike too much--let it roll.

 

Congrats. And I agree with the previous comment. The only time I ever got hurt while mountain biking is when I over braked...