885 St. Charles Dr. #11, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805 373-8824 e-mail: mtbikesman@aol.com
web site: http://www.nrmbc.org

August 2007

Remember to bring your walkie-talkie on the ride with you. We use channel 5, privacy code 25.

Summary

The Fine Print

By riding with the North Ranch Mountain Bikers I understand and accept the following:

► I understand that mountain biking can be dangerous and accidents can result in either injury or death.

► I understand there is no charge for the bike rides.

► I understand that the trails the North Ranch Mountain Bikers ride may not be verified for safety or ridability.

► I understand that it is my responsibility to determine if my riding skills match the difficulty of the trail we are riding on.

► I understand that the ride leaders accept no responsibility for my safety on any ride and that I undertake any ride knowing that I and I alone am responsible for my safety on the ride.

NEWS FOR EVERYONE

Saturday, August 18: "HOT AUGUST NIGHTS" Summer Party.   Come enjoy a Hot August Summer Night with friends! DJ! DANCING! FOOD! & FUN! Hors d'oeuvres, wine, champagne, & " punch" will be available. Feel free to bring your own beverage and snacks to share if desired. DJ will be courtesy of Matt Becker!

If you would like directions to my home, please contact Charlotte @ AftOnAGale@sbcglobal.net or 805-890-1234 cell.  Time: 8:00 pm. Organizer: Charlotte

Friday, August 31: CORBA Trail Work Day.   Come out and help build and fix up the trails we love to ride! It feels great to ride a trail you've helped build and maintain. For more information, visit the CORBA Trail Crew page. Work days usually last from 8 - 2:00. Be sure to wear suitable clothing (sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves, hat, GLOVES) and bring snacks, sunscreen and WATER. CORBA will provide the tools and training. Time: 3:00 pm.

This month the trailwork will be on Upper Bent Arrow Trail located just above Caballero Trail in Topanga State Park. The trail work will start at 3:30 pm and go untill about 8:00 pm. We will start on the west side of the trail. That is closest to the Caballero. This is an easy trail to access from the Valley or the West Side. You can ride in or hike in at your convenience. CORBA will provide food and cold drinks afterwards. If you would like to ride in with us we will meet at 3:00 pm at the Caballero Trailhead located on Reseda Blvd 3.5 miles south of Ventura Blvd.

Sunday, October 14: CORBA Fat Tire Fest.   Join us for CORBA's biggest fundraising event (not to mention CORBA's biggest PARTY) of the year!
- Place: Malibu Creek State Park
- Poker Ride Check-In: 8:00AM - 10:30AM
- Poker Ride (Helmets Required!): 8:00AM - Noon
- BBQ Lunch: 11:30AM - 1:30PM
- Raffle: 1:00PM
Cost is $25 for CORBA members and $30 for non-members. Pre-register and receive 10 raffle tickets. Go to http://www.corbamtb.com/website/html-home/CORBASFatTireFest.html for more information and to register.
CORBA is also looking for volunteers to work this event. If you are interested in helping out please contact Tamara.
 Time: 8:00 am.

Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Las Virgenes Road exit in Calabasas. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. The park entrance is on the West Side of the road just south of Mulholland. There is a fee for parking inside the park. Otherwise you can park in the dirt area on the corner of Las Virgenes and Mulholland. Start in the last parking lot by the restrooms inside the park.

Friday, October 19: Kernville Fat Tire Festival.   Every year the NRMB has a strong contingent of riders going to the KFTF. This year should prove no different. Mountain Bike Magazine rates the KFTF as one of the top 5 festivals in the western states. This great 3 day weekend includes 3 awesome rides, a pizza party, bike rodeo, a rock’n Halloween costume party Saturday evening and a Sunday morning breakfast complete with raffle. Cost has not been announced for 2007 yet. If you need a sign-up sheet go to http://www.mtnriver.com/fattire.htm and download a pdf file with the sign-up form. Most of the high intermediate to advanced riders will be doing the following rides:
     Friday – Alta Sierra (Ride #2A; E4 - T3)
     Saturday – Kern Canyon (Ride #3; E5 - T3)
     Sunday – Cannell (Ride #4; E5 - T4.5) Time: 7:30 am.
Endurance Rating = E3-5, Technical Rating = T2-4

WEEKEND RIDES

Saturday, August 4: Santa Rosa/Wildwood Loop.   We start by climbing the hill behind CLU and traverse across the ridge toward the nursery for a quick warm-up. After a short stop we’ll retrace our tracks and cut-off onto the Santa Rosa trail that leads into Wildwood Park. This is a very fun singletrack that is moderate to fairly technical. There are some great views of the Santa Rosa Valley along the way. Once down in Wildwood we’ll head out towards Lizard Rock via the Stagecoach singletrack or the fireroad (your choice). From here we will take the Lizard Rock singletrack down to the valley floor and head on to the falls. Then there’s a fairly steep but relatively short climb up the beginning part of the Lynn Muir trail. After the climb there is a lot of fun to be had on the rest of the singletrack, which leads out to Lynn Road. From here it is just a short road ride back to the cars. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E4, Technical Rating = T4, 13 Miles, About 3 Hours , Ride Leader: Randy

There is always a cool breeze coming from Camarillo so don't worry about the heat.

Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Lynn Road exit in Thousand Oaks. At the end of the off-ramp proceed north. Take Lynn for several miles (it will turn into Olsen Road) until you reach Mountclef Blvd. (at CLU). Park on the street at the northwest corner of Mountclef and Olsen.

Sunday, August 5: Ventura Beach Path to Shoals.   With the hot August days upon us…stay cool with a ride on the beach path from Ventura, up to the Shoals restaurant for lunch! We will have beginner-level (E2) and moderate-level (E3) speeds...something for everyone! We will meet at the Marriott Hotel in Ventura, then pedal 17 miles up the paved bike path and old coast road that parallels the beach the entire way. (There is a short 5-mile stint on the Olympic Bike Path on the 101 Fwy.) After crossing over at Bates road and tracking south 2 miles, we will then enjoy a leisurely, gourmet lunch at the Shoals restaurant at the Cliffhouse Inn (http://www.cliffhouseinn.com/) where we will be seated outdoors right next to the ocean (Lunch from $8 – $15). After lunch and a good time, we then ride 13 miles back to Ventura. We should be back to the cars by 3:00. Note: this will not be off road riding so street tires are welcome.  Meet at 10:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E2 & E3, Technical Rating = T1, 30 Miles, About 4 Hours , Ride Leader: Charlotte & Marizel

Meet at 10:00 a.m.; E2 ride time is 10:15 a.m. and E3 ride time is 10:30 a.m.

Directions:   Take the 101 to Ventura. Exit at Seaward Ave and turn south towards the ocean. Turn right on Harbor Blvd. The Marriott is located at 2055 Harbor Blvd. We will meet on the far side of the hotel that faces San Pedro St. There is usually lots of daytime parking in the hotel parking lot on that side.

Saturday, August 11: Sycamore: Guadalasca - Backbone Loop.   We start off on the connector trail that leads to Big Sycamore Canyon Road. We’ll descend down into the canyon and take Sin Nombre over to Sage and make the climb up to the water tower. From here it’s a fast and fun decent down Wood Canyon. Then it’s another climb up to the top via Guadalasca. We’ll ride the fireroad over to Backbone and enjoy another great decent. After a short jaunt on Two Foxes we’ll head up the main fireroad and climb up the dreaded asphalt hill. From the top it’s just a short ride back to the cars. Meet at 8:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3.5, Technical Rating = T3.5, 19 Miles and 2900 Feet of Climbing , About 3.5 Hours , Ride Leader: Tamara

Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Wendy exit in Newbury Park. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south on Wendy until it dead-ends at Potrero Road. Park in the adjacent dirt parking area.

Sunday, August 12: Bike and Blade on the World Famous LA Beach Path.   This is the ultimate California experience. We meet at the Merry-Go-Round at Santa Monica Pier and cruise down to Hermosa Beach to see all the beach sights. We’ll dine in splendor on the beach in Hermosa Beach and then head back. It takes all day but it is a great way to see the sights along the beach. You can ride your mountain bike, road bike, beach cruiser or even rollerblade this ride. Meet at 11:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E1, Technical Rating = T1, 30 Miles, About 5 Hours , Ride Leader: Randy

Directions:   From the Ventura County area: Take Pacific Coast Hwy 1 South towards Santa Monica until you get to the pier. From San Fernando Valley: Take the 405 Fwy South. Exit on Santa Monica Blvd. and make a right turn from the ramp. Turn left on Ocean Avenue. On the right side, you'll see the Santa Monica Pier as you arrive in Santa Monica. There is parking with a flat rate of approximately $8.

Saturday, August 18: Grasslands to Dam - NRMB/SBMBC Joint Ride & Picnic.   Starting from De Anza Park, we’ll bike over to Malibu Creek State Park via the Grasslands Trail. Once inside the park, we will ride to Backbone Trail (two-mile round trip) that takes us to Tapia Park. Then we re-trace the path back to Malibu Creek State Park and will proceed along the main fireroad that leads up to Crags Road, which passes through a fairly short but technical rocky streambed (some of the technical parts can be rideable, but you can walk this area to be on the safe side). After a short stop at the M*A*S*H area, we continue on to the dam. We’ll retrace our tracks that take us back to De Anza Park, and then we’ll have a fun picnic at the park. Please be sure to bring something to grill, something to share and something to drink with you to the ride in a cooler.

Note: This is a NRMB/SBMBC joint ride. All riders participating at this ride are required to sign a CORBA waiver. Details of the waiver can be found at www.sbmbc.com website - then click on Waiver (located at the left side of the website). Meet at 8:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E2.5, Technical Rating = T3, 15 Miles and 1500 Feet of Climbing , About 3 Hours , Ride Leader: Marizel

Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Lost Hills Road exit in Calabasas. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. Park in the lot for DeAnza Park located on the northwest corner of Lost Hills and Las Virgenes Roads.

Sunday, August 19: Cheeseboro/China Flats Loop.   We start up the main fire road and continue up the Sulphur Springs trail to Shepherd’s Flat. Then we take the connector trail, west, to the spot that overlooks Palo Comado Canyon. We go up Palo Comado until we come to the top of China Flats. The loop around the top of China Flats is both beautiful and easy. Then we retrace our tracks and enjoy some fun downhill all the way back to the cars.
 Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3.0, Technical Rating = T3.0, 15 Miles and 1800 Feet of Climbing , About 3 Hours , Ride Leader: Randy

Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Chesebro exit in Agoura. Head north and make a right on Chesebro Road. Follow the narrow road one-mile and turn right at the park entrance. Continue up the paved road 1/4 mile to the top parking lot.

Saturday, August 25: Santa Barbara - Romero Canyon.   We start with a moderate climb up a fireroad that affords some spectacular views of the Santa Barbara area and the ocean beyond. A couple miles up, the fireroad narrows to a very fun singletrack. The climb up the singletrack is mostly moderate but does have some fairly technical sections along the way. This is an ‘out and back’ ride so anyone wishing to head back can turn around at any time and coast all the way down the mountain to the cars. Come prepared to have lots ‘n lots of fun. Meet at 8:45 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E4, Technical Rating = T4.5, 13 Miles and 2400 Feet of Climbing , About 3.5 Hours , Ride Leader: Tamara

Directions:   From Thousand Oaks, take the 101 Freeway to the Sheffield exit in Summerland, just past the Big Yellow House Restaurant. At the end of the off-ramp make a right and proceed to East Valley Rd. At East Valley Rd make a left and then a quick right onto Romero Cyn Rd. Stay on Romero Cyn Rd until you come upon Bella Vista Dr. At Bella Vista make a right and continue up approximately 0.25 mile. Park on the side of this road.

Sunday, August 26: Space Mountain/Rosewood.   This is a fun loop ride with lots of singletrack and switchbacks for your biking enjoyment. We start with a singletrack climb up Space Mountain. Then we’ll continue along the Los Robles Trail to the "Lookout" and take a break at the picnic table. Then it’s time to catch some thrills as we make our way down the Rosewood Singletrack to Lynn Road. After a short jaunt on pavement we are back on dirt again. This portion of the trail has a few ups and downs and connects with the whoop-de-doo trail that leads back to the cars. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3.5, Technical Rating = T3, 8 Miles and 1500 Feet of Climbing , About 2.5 Hours , Ride Leader: Randy

Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Moorpark Road exit in Thousand Oaks. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. Take Moorpark till it dead-ends at Greenmeadow Avenue and park in the dirt lot on the right.

NIGHT RIDES

Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday Nights.  See Summary Section of the Newsletter for meeting times, ride times are 15 minutes later. The lengths of all rides are between 10 & 15 miles with ride times of 1.5 - 2.5 hours. Lights are needed for the months of September to May. During the summer months they may not be needed, but it's a good idea to bring them just in case there's a delay. The specific routes taken for the night rides will be determined at the trailhead.

Meeting Locations for Evening Rides:

Lang Ranch/Sunset at Night.   Heading north on the 23 toward Simi, get off at Sunset Blvd and turn right. Continue straight until just before you get to the guard shack. Park in the lot on the right.

MTB Backbone from Kanan at Night.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Kanan exit in Agoura Hills. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. Take Kanan for several miles until you reach the third tunnel. Park in the paved parking area just before the tunnel.

MTB Cheeseboro at Night.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Chesebro exit in Agoura. Head north and make a right on Chesebro Road. Follow the narrow road one-mile and turn right at the park entrance. Park in the lower, paved parking lot (the gate to the upper lot is closed and locked at sunset).

MTB Dos Vientos at Night.   From the 101 freeway, turn south onto Wendy Drive, towards the ocean. Continue for about 0.7 miles and turn right at Borchard Rd and head West 0.5 miles. Turn left on to S. Reino Rd taking this South for about a mile passing Maurice Dr. On your left as you pass Paseo de Leon will be a Church parking lot. We will meet there.

MTB Grasslands at Night.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Lost Hills Road exit in Calabasas. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. Park in the lot for DeAnza Park located on the northwest corner of Lost Hills and Las Virgenes Roads.

MTB Lang Ranch/Albertson at Night.   Exit the 101 Freeway on Westlake Blvd and head north for about 3 miles. When you go past the North Ranch Community Center you will go downhill and the first traffic light is at the corner of Westlake and Lang Ranch Parkway. Turn right onto Lang Ranch Parkway and drive about 0.8 miles to where the pavement ends and Albertson Fire Road begins.

MTB Las Virgenes Canyon at Night.   From the 101, exit Las Virgenes and turn North (away from the ocean). Proceed approximately one mile to the dead end.

MTB Space Mountain at Night.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Moorpark Road exit in Thousand Oaks. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. Take Moorpark till it dead-ends at Greenmeadow Avenue and park in the dirt lot on the right.

MTB Wildwood at Night.   Take the Lynn Road exit, off of the 101 Fwy in Thousand Oaks, and go north until you come to Avenida De Los Arboles. Turn left and go about 1 mile to the end. From Simi Valley, go west on the 118 Fwy and then south when it turns into the 23 Fwy. Get off on Avenida De Los Arboles and go right for about 2 miles to the end. Hang a U-turn at the end (watch for opposing traffic) and then turn right into the dirt parking lot.

Reseda at Night.   Due to the extra drive, we will meet @ 6:15 and ride by 6:30. Meeting place: Take the 101 Freeway to the Reseda Blvd. exit in Tarzana. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south (towards the ocean). Continue up Reseda and park at the Caballero trailhead. Trailhead is on the left. If you pass the Braemar Country Club you’ve gone too far.

Sycamore Canyon at Night.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Wendy exit in Newbury Park. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south on Wendy until it dead-ends at Potrero Road. Park in the adjacent dirt parking area.

Trippet Ranch to Overlook at Night.   Take the 101 Fwy to the Topanga Blvd exit. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south (towards the ocean). Continue up Topange approx. 5 miles until you reach Entrada which is the entrance to the park on the left. Follow Entrada to the park entrance.

Triunfo Canyon Trail at Night.   Exit the 101 Freeway going south on Westlake Blvd. Go south for about a mile and then turn west (right) on Triunfo Canyon Road. This will lead you to Triunfo Park. Turn left onto Tamarack St and turn into the second parking lot on the left. The ride starts at the far west end of the park.

HIKES

Tuesday, August 7: Night Hike Backbone Trail to Stunt.   This was one of our favorites so let's do it agin. The first part of trail is in good shape, mostly underneath shaded oaks. After crossing Piuma at mile marker 1.19, the trail drops into a canyon with a stream. We can climb out of this canyon up to a lookout spot for a view. This section of trail varies from rocky to smooth, with lots of great views. This will be a moderate hike, approx. 5 miles, with some elev. gain. Bring the usual, flashlights, water, food, radios, wear hiking boots, etc.  Meet at 6:15 pm and be ready to depart 15 minutes later. About 2.25 Hours , Hike Leader: Charlotte

The sunsets at 7:49 so flashlights will be needed for the last part of this hike that travels under the trees.

Directions:   From T.O., take 101 South, exit @ Lost Hills Rd, turn right. This ends at Las Virgenes, turn right onto Las Virgenes. (From LA 101, exit Las Virgenes and turn left.) Proceed towards the ocean on Las Virgines. After you pass Mullhulland Hwy and Tapia Park (the road name now has turned into Malibu Canyon) proceed to Piuma Rd. Park on SE corner, or just 100 feet down on Piuma. We will meet in the parking area on Piuma.

Tuesday, August 14: Hike to Simi Peak.   We start up Dead Cow Road that takes us up to China Flats, than over and up to Simi Peak. At night, you can see the lights of T.O. Simi, Woodland Hills, and beyond. It is a beautiful site at night. We then hike down Dead Cow. This will be a moderately challenging hike, approx. 5 miles with elev. gain of about 1200'. Bring the usual, flashlights, water, food, radios, wear hiking boots, etc. Meet at 6:15 pm and be ready to depart 15 minutes later. About 2.5 Hours , Hike Leader: Charlotte

The sunsets at 7:42 so flashlights will be needed for the last part of this hike down Dead Cow.

Directions:   From the 101 Fwy, exit Lindero and turn North. Proceed up Lindero, cross over Kanan and continue up. Just past King James you will see a trailhead on the left. Park on the street at the Trailhead.

Tuesday, August 28: Full Moon Hike at Rocky Peak.   We will climb up Rocky Peak, with our eye on the rising moon and setting sun. Once we peak, we will enjoy the view before heading back down the fireroad. This hike is approx. 6 miles. Bring the usual, flashlights, water, food bars, radios, wear hiking boots, etc.  Meet at 6:15 pm and be ready to depart 15 minutes later. About 2.5 Hours , Hike Leader: Charlotte

The sunsets at 7:25 and the moonrises at 7:13 so this will be a full moon hike! We will reveal why the moon looks larger as it firsts rises above the horizon! So if you always wanted to know, come on out for this fun hike. Flashlights may be useful for the last part of this hike.

Directions:   Take 118 Fwy, exit at Kuehner Drive and head South. Kuehner turns into Clear Spring Rd. Continue on until you reach an overpass on the left. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the Fwy and overpass. You may park on Clear Spring or in the area across the overpass.