web site: www.nrmbc.org
885 St. Charles Dr. #11, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805 373-8824 e-mail: mtbikesman@aol.com
March 2008
During the rainy winter months, if the ground is wet, call the ride leader on the morning of the ride to see if it's been relocated to a drier trail. There may also be a notice on the web site (http://www.nrmbc.org), but don't rely on that.
The Endurance Rating rates distance, climbing & pace of the rides. E1 represents the lowest level of exertion needed to complete a ride. And E5 represents the highest level of exertion needed to complete a ride. The Technical Rating (how smooth/rocky): | ||||
T1 Mostly smooth & wide |
T2 Mostly smooth but variable width |
T3 Predominately uneven surfaces & somewhat rocky |
T4 Long segments with rocky and uneven surfaces |
T5 Extensive segments with rocky & uneven surfaces with possible drops & exposure |
Summary
9:30 AM (E3.5 - T2) | |||
9:00 AM (E3 - T4) | |||
9:00 AM (E3.5 - T2) | |||
9:30 AM (E3 - T3) | |||
9:00 AM (E3 - T3) | |||
9:30 AM (E4 - T4) | |||
9:30 AM | |||
6:00 PM (E3.5 - T3.5) | |||
9:00 AM (E3 - T3.5) | |||
9:30 AM (E4 - T4.5) | |||
9:00 AM (E5 - T4.5) | |||
9:30 AM (E3 - T3) | |||
12:30 PM |
Randy - 805 373-8824 mtbikesman@aol.com |
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Marizel - 818 590-8167 mtbmarizel@kmmiller.net |
Tamara - 805 490-3650 MtnBykGirl@att.net |
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Wendy - 818 522-0840 cyberdivachick@yahoo.com |
Bob - 805-890-0052 goodtobebob2005-98@yahoo.com |
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Huck - 818 321-8868 hshapiro@bluestrike.com |
Charlotte - 805 890-1234 cfarrens@gmail.com |
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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
Sunday, March 30: Kite Fly-In. Get out your paper, sticks and glue or just go buy a kite. It is time for our 5th annual kite fly-in. After a short ride with Randy, we'll have lunch and then meet at Randy’s apartment and hike up fireworks hill where we’ll find out who in the club is the most skilled “flyer” (or should that read, “who has the most hot air”!!!). Then it’s back for some hot tubbing. A fun day in March. The Kite fly-in is right after the scheduled ride sometime around noon. Time: 12:30 pm. Organizer: Randy
WEEKEND RIDES
Saturday, March 1: Parker Mesa Overlook from Reseda.
This is a scenic out and back ride with terrific views along the way and of the ocean and the islands at the Parker Mesa Overlook. We will start at the South end of Reseda (not at the Caballero Trail, but further up Reseda.) We will ride up to the top end of Dirt Mulholland and ride across the Temescal Ridge Trail to the Hub. From here will we ride past Eagles Rock and continue onto Trippet Ranch, then continue onto the Parker Mesa Overlook before turning around. Meet at 9:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3.5, Technical Rating = T2, 17 Miles and 3400 Feet of Climbing
, About 3 Hours
, Ride Leader: Bob
Directions: Take the 101 Fwy to the Reseda Blvd exit in Tarzana. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south (towards the ocean). Continue up Reseda; pass the Caballero trail, up through/past the opening in the fence up to the paid parking area. Park just before the "white line" as the paid parking starts just beyond that white line. At the end of the ride, when leaving the parking area, be sure to stop at the photo enforced stop sign.
Sunday, March 2: Cheeseboro/Gas Pipe/Las Virgenes.
We begin with an easy to moderate climb up the Sulphur Springs trail to Shepherd’s Flat. Then we head east and ride down Sheep Corral (AKA Gaspipe), a really fun technical singletrack that leads down into Las Virgenes Canyon. We’ll continue down the fireroad until it ends at the city street. Then we will cut through the gate to start the Edison Fire Road climb for about 2 miles until the short Canyon View descent back into Cheesebro.
The T4 rating is due to the Gas Pipe downhill section, which is about 15 minutes long. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3, Technical Rating = T4, 10 Miles and 1800 Feet of Climbing
, About 2.5 Hours
, Ride Leader: Wendy
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, March 8: Calabasas Loop.
Over 90% of this ride is on new, high-quality singletrack. We'll circumnavigate the new Millennium community at the south end of Parkway Calabasas, experiencing some spectacular views that even residents of that exclusive community don't have. Landmarks we'll visit along the way include the "Too-Tight" Switchbacks, the guard mansion, the Pyramid Switchbacks, several hidden trailheads and the pine forest. We start at Bark Park and ride up to the trail that will lead us all the way around. Overall the trail is a good workout with many moderate climbs and fun smooth descents; the only real technical challenges will be managing the tight switchbacks. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3.5, Technical Rating = T2, 14 Miles and 2700 Feet of Climbing
, About 3.5 Hours
, Ride Leader: Huck
Directions: From the 101, turn south on Las Virgenes Rd. The entrance is about 1 mile from the freeway on the left (east) side, slightly south of the traffic light at the A. E. Wright Middle School.
Sunday, March 9: Grasslands/Malibu Creek/Las Virgenes View.
We’ll bike over to Malibu Creek State Park via the Grasslands trail. Once inside the park we’ll proceed along the main fireroad, which passes through a fairly short but technical rocky streambed. After a short stop at the M*A*S*H site for the hill-climb challenge we’ll bike to the dam and back along the same path out to Mulholland Road. From here we’ll cross over Las Virgenes Road and climb up the Las Virgenes View singletrack and take in the nice view from the top. It’s a fun ride back down the singletrack. Then we’ll hop back onto the Grasslands trail and peddle back to the cars. Meet at 9:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3, Technical Rating = T3, 16 Miles and 3200 Feet of Climbing
, About 3.5 Hours
, Ride Leader: Randy
We got rained out last month so lets try it again.
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.
Saturday, March 15: Sycamore Canyon from the Beach.
Starting at the beach side, we will start riding up the Big Sycamore Trail and connect to the Backbone Singletrack Trail. We’ll be climbing for approximately 2 miles and head to the North Overlook Trail. When we reach the top of the trail, there are gorgeous views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean. From that point, our first fun descent is at the Guadalasca Trail with some thrilling switchbacks. Then we’ll have a gentle climb at Wood Canyon with some great rollercoaster-type riding. The remaining ride will be very rewarding after arriving at the water tower area since it’s all downhill – starting at the paved area of Ranch Center Road. Then we’ll blast down the other singletrack trails (Art’s Trail, Sin Nombre Trail, and Two Foxes/Coyote Trail). The last part of the ride remaining is going down the main fireroad which takes us back to the beach area. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3, Technical Rating = T3, 19 Miles and 2000 Feet of Climbing
, About 4 Hours
, Ride Leader: Marizel
A faster-level group is more than welcome to join me on the ride and/or extend it.
Directions:
For those who are coming from the San Fernando/ Los Angeles area: Take the 101 Fwy towards Ventura and exit on Kanan Road (make a left turn from the exit ramp).
Then make a right turn on PCH 1 and head towards Sycamore Canyon (it is approximately 14 miles northwest of Kanan Road and is on the right side).
For those who are coming from the Santa Barbara/ Ventura/ Oxnard/ Camarillo area: Take the 101S Fwy (101N for those who are coming from Thousand Oaks/ Simi Valley) and exit on S Las Posas Road (going towards PCH). Then go to PCH 1 South and look for signs to go to Sycamore Canyon (which is on the left side).
If you don’t want to pay the $10 fee for parking in the lot you can look for parking on PCH. We'll meet on the park side of Pacific Coast Hwy 1 for the ride (in front of the restrooms, located by the campground/ parking lot area).
Sunday, March 16: 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 9:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E4, Technical Rating = T4, 13 Miles, About 3 Hours
, Ride Leader: Randy
Also known as the Gigi Cactus Classic
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.
Saturday, March 22: Limekiln, Brown's Cyn & Comanche.
We will ride up Limekiln Canyon from Rinaldi to where it exits at Sesnon. Then we head West on Moonshine Canyon veering off to the north into the Oak groves where we descend into Browns Canyon. The decent is using a nice single track that is referred to as the "Luge" since it kind of feels like a bobsled track. From the bottom we will make multiple stream crossings ending up on Browns Canyon Road. We will ride uphill (North) about a mile on pavement to Antonivich park. Here we will ride down the combination of fireroads, rocky sections, single tracks and stream bed until we climb out by the 118 Fwy. Finally we will take the Mission trail East back to our original starting location. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3, Technical Rating = T3.5, 13 Miles and 2300 Feet of Climbing
, About 3 Hours
, Ride Leader: Huck
Since the ride is a NRMBC/SBMBC joint ride, all riders participating will be required to sign a CORBA waiver. Details of the waiver can be found at http://www.sbmbc.com/CORBAInsuranceWaiver.pdf.
Directions:
Coming from the West (i.e. Chatsworth, Simi Valley, etc.):
Take the 118 East and exit Porter Ranch Drive. You will make a left when exiting the offramp and then a right onto Rinaldi St. Take Rinaldi past Corbin and you will see a park area on your left past the shopping area. You may have to head past the location to turn around and park on the North (Left) side of Rinaldi.
Coming from East (i.e. 405 North):
Take 118 West and exit Tampa. You will make a right when exiting the offramp and head to the left. You will make a left on Rinaldi and park on the right (North) past the townhomes.
Sunday, March 23: Cheeseboro/Simi Peak/Dead Cow Rd & Lunch.
This is the only ride where we eat lunch on the ride and then try to finish after you are stuffed and tired. We start at Cheesebro, head up to Palo Comado Road and then up to China Flats. Then comes the hardest climb around. But even if you have to push every inch it is worth the climb. You can see for miles in every direction. Then we descend down and continue further down on Dead Cow Road (Don’t you just love these names?) We have lunch at El Pollo Loco and then head over to the old Jordan Ranch, climb back to the connector trail and descend back down Cheesebro. Bring money for lunch. Meet at 9:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E4, Technical Rating = T4.5, About 3.5 Hours
, Ride Leader: Randy
Make sure you bring money for lunch!
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, March 29: Ojai - Gridley to Nordhoff Peak.
This is a beautiful out and back ride on 85% singletrack that affords some spectacular views along the way. The ride begins with a fairly technical and difficult climb up a short connector trail. The first half of the main trail is a moderate climb and passes through several avocado groves. The second half of the main trail narrows and steepens a bit with many switchbacks. At the top of the saddle we’ll cutoff onto a fairly short but very steep fireroad that leads to an old fire lookout tower. The views from the top make the climb up worth the effort. Since this is an out and back ride, those who tire can turn back at any time and coast back to the cars. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E5, Technical Rating = T4.5, 15 Miles and 3400 Feet of Climbing
, About 4 Hours
, Ride Leader: Tamara
Directions: Take the 101 Freeway to Highway 33, just a bit west of Ventura. Continue north on the 33 for approximately 13 miles until the road branches and take Highway 150 to the East. Pass through the town of Ojai and make a left (north) onto Gridley. Park at the end of the road.
Sunday, March 30: Rosewood/Space Mountain Loop.
This is a fun loop ride with lots of singletrack and switchbacks for your biking enjoyment. We’ll make our way over to the base of Rosewood at Lynn Road via a combination of fireroads and paved roads. Then it’s a moderate singletrack climb all the way up Rosewood to the picnic table. After a break we’ll take the Los Robles singletrack over to the top of Space Mountain. From here we’ll catch some thrills as we make our way down the Space Mountain singletrack and finish off the ride with the whoop-de-doo trail. Meet at 9:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3, 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
Sunday, March 16: Hike La Jolla Canyon. This is always a beautiful spring hike, with great variations of flowers in bloom, panoramic views of the coastline and islands, a quiet little lake, water fall, and embedded fossilized sea creatures! This is approximately a 7 mile loop with a 1200 foot elevation gain, with the first mile somewhat strenuous and the rest is moderate. Bring water, snacks or food for lunch break, hiking boots, windbreaker for the peak/snack spot… you know the rest. Meet at 9:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later. 7 Miles and 1200 Feet of Climbing , About 3.5 Hours , Hike Leader: Charlotte
Directions:
For those who are coming from Thousand Oaks/ Simi Valley: Take the 101N Fwy (101S for those who are coming from Santa Barbara/ Ventura/ Oxnard/ Camarillo area) and exit on S Las Posas Road (going towards PCH). Then go to PCH 1 head south/east. La Jolla Canyon is 4.2 miles from Las Posas, on the left.
For those who are coming from the San Fernando/ Los Angeles area: Take the 101 Fwy towards Ventura and exit on Kanan Road (make a left turn from the exit ramp). Then make a right turn on PCH 1 and head towards Sycamore Canyon. La Jolla Canyon is 1.7 miles after (west of) Sycamore Canyon, on the right side.
If you don’t want to pay the fee for parking in the lot you can look for parking on PCH. We'll meet in the parking lot near the trailhead.