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

July 2018

Looking for a map link to the trailhead? Just click on the "directions" under the ride write-up, this is a link to Google maps!

Remember to have your radios for the rides and tune them to channel 5.25

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 schedulers 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.

WEEKEND RIDES

Wednesday, July 4: Sycamore Canyon from the Beach.   We’ll begin at the parking lot and ride up the Big Sycamore Trail to Two Foxes and back to the main fireroad. We'll go to Ranch Center Drive (paved bike path) and climb up for a few miles. Then we'll blast down to Art's Trail and the Sin Nombre Trail. The rewarding part of this ride is going downhill to the beach by riding on Two Foxes Trail and the main fireroad. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E2, Technical Rating = T2, 13 Miles and 1000 Feet of Climbing , About 2.5 Hours , Ride Scheduler: Randy

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 $12 fee for parking in the lot you can look for parking on PCH. For the ride 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, turn left after you pass the gaurd).

Wednesday, July 4: 4th of July Fun Celebration .   Come join us for the Rogers/NRMB 4th of July Extravaganza.  There are five parts to this fun fest.

Part #1:  Mountain biking at Sycamore Canyon from the Beach. 9:30 am

Part #2:  Picnic at Conejo Community Park just north of the Janns Mall.  Time is 3:00.  You can bring your own picnic goodies but if you want to join us you must RSVP so we can assign you something to bring to go along with what everyone else is bringing.  My 95 year old mother will be there and she is bringing deviled eggs.  This will be your opportunity to tell her what a bad son she has.

Part #3:  Concert in the Park:  At 5:00.  Join the finale and march about the park to Stars & Stripes Forever.

Part #4:  Music Trivia at Randy's pad right after the concert.  Test your music knowledge at Randy's pad just before the fireworks.

Part #5:  The best seat in town for the Thousand Oaks fireworks display.  My parking lot is as close as you can get.  You not only see and hear the fireworks but you can smell and feel the concussion as well.  Be at my parking lot by 8:30 to see the show at 9:00 pm.  Address is at the header of the newsletter.  Meet at 5:00 pm and be ready to depart 15 minutes later. About 12 Hours , Ride Scheduler: Randy

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 $12 fee for parking in the lot you can look for parking on PCH. For the ride 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, turn left after you pass the gaurd).

Sunday, July 8: Cheeseboro/China Flats Loop.   We will begin with an easy to moderate climb up the Sulphur Springs trail to Shepherd’s Flat. Then we head west on the Palo Comado connector singletrack that leads to the Palo Comado fireroad. We’ll continue up this rather steep fireroad for approximately a mile till we come to the top of China Flats. The loop ride around the top of China Flats is both beautiful and easy. We’ll then retrace our tracks and enjoy some fun downhill all the way back to the cars.  Meet at 8:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3.5, Technical Rating = T3.0, 15 Miles and 1800 Feet of Climbing , About 2.5 Hours , Ride Scheduler: Tom

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, July 14: Cheeseboro for Beginners.   We'll be riding Cheeseboro, as it is an ideal place for a beginner's ride. Just watch out for the big rock with poison oak!! We'll ride 'til we drop, (to Shepherd's Flat) and turn around and ride back. I guarantee it will be a fun ride. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E2, Technical Rating = T2.5, 10 Miles and 700 Feet of Climbing , About 2 Hours , Ride Scheduler: 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.

Sunday, July 15: Grasslands - Malibu Creek - Short Bulldog.   We start at De Anza Park and ride over to Malibu Creek State Park via the Grasslands trail. Then we proceed along the main fire road, which passes through a fairly short but technical rocky streambed (if too technical please don’t hesitate to walk). After a short stop at the M*A*S*H site we’ll take on the first 1.25 miles of the Bulldog Fire Road. Then we cut off to Lookout Fire Road that brings us down to a paved road in the Malibu Lake area. We’ll take Crags Road to a back entrance of the park and peddle back to the cars via the same path as before. Meet at 8:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3, Technical Rating = T3, 14 Miles and 2100 Feet of Climbing , About 2.75 Hours , Ride Scheduler: Steve K

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, July 15: Ventura Beach Path to the County Line.   Every year we have a great time on this ride and lunch at the beach.  With the hot summer days upon us, come and join in again for a cool ride on the beach path from Ventura, up to the Shoals restaurant for lunch! We will have slower paced level and moderate-level speeds...something for everyone! We will meet at the Marriott Hotel in Ventura, then pedal 15 miles up the paved bike path and old coast road that parallels the beach. At the end of old PCH, we ride the stunning Ralph Fertig bike path around Rincon Bay to Bates Road and then turn back. After crossing over at Bates road and tracking south 2 miles, if the group is interested, we can have a leisurely 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 $10 $15). Otherwise, there are other places to eat on our return trip. We should be back to the cars by 2:00. Note: this will not be off road riding, any kind of bike will be fine. Good for family members. Meet at 9:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E2.5, Technical Rating = T1, 30 Miles, About 4 Hours , Ride Scheduler: Michael

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, July 21: Sycamore Canyon from the Beach - Overlook/Guadalasca/Two Foxes/Beach.   Starting at the beach side, we will start climbing at the Overlook Trail. When riding at this trail, there are gorgeous views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean. After the climb of the Overlook Trail, our first fun descent is at the Guadalasca Trail with some thrilling switchbacks. Then it's down to Wood Canyon that will take us to the the base of Two Foxes for a short out and back before riding back to the cars. Please note that this ride will be at a somewhat slower pace with advanced beginners in mind.  Meet at 8:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3, Technical Rating = T3, 17 Miles and 1500 Feet of Climbing , About 3.5 Hours , Ride Scheduler: Kevin

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 $12 fee for parking in the lot you can look for parking on PCH. For the ride 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, turn left after you pass the gaurd).

Sunday, July 22: 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 8:45 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3.5, Technical Rating = T2, 17 Miles and 3100 Feet of Climbing , About 3 Hours , Ride Scheduler: Tim

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.

Saturday, July 28: Grasslands to Dam.   Starting from De Anza Park, we’ll bike over to Malibu Creek State Park via the Grasslands Trail. Once inside the park, we 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. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E2.5, Technical Rating = T3, 12 Miles and 1400 Feet of Climbing , About 2.5 Hours , Ride Scheduler: Randy

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, July 29: Caballero/Sullivan Canyon.   We begin with a moderate to somewhat difficult climb up the Caballero singletrack to dirt Mulholland. Then we head east along Mulholland a couple miles till we reach the Sullivan Canyon cutoff. From here it's a fun, fun, fun downhill all the way to the canyon’s end. The climb out of the canyon is mostly moderate and will proceed along the same trail as before. As a finale we’ll descend Caballero 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, 16 Miles and 2300 Feet of Climbing , About 3 Hours , Ride Scheduler: Desi

Directions:   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 a couple of miles and park on the street at the trailhead. If you come upon the Braemar Country Club you've gone a little too far.

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:

MTB Backbone at Encinal.   From Thousand Oaks and points west, exit the 101 Freeway at Westlake Blvd and head south. About 3.5 miles past Potrero, turn left onto Mulholland and go 2.5 miles. Make a very sharp right turn onto Encinal Canyon Rd (west, back towards Decker), drive for 2.3 miles until you see the LA County Fire Camp sign on the left. Turn up the dirt road on the right that takes you to the trailhead parking.
From Agoura and points east, exit the 101 at Kanan and head south. After 6 miles, turn right onto Mulholland for 1 mile, then bear left onto Encinal Canyon Rd. After 2.3 miles more, you will see the LA County Fire Camp sign on the left. Turn up the dirt road on the right that takes you to the trailhead parking.

MTB Backbone at Encinal - Beginner.   From Thousand Oaks and points west, exit the 101 Freeway at Westlake Blvd and head south. About 3.5 miles past Potrero, turn left onto Mulholland and go 2.5 miles. Make a very sharp right turn onto Encinal Canyon Rd (west, back towards Decker), drive for 2.3 miles until you see the LA County Fire Camp sign on the left. Turn up the dirt road on the right that takes you to the trailhead parking.
From Agoura and points east, exit the 101 at Kanan and head south. After 6 miles, turn right onto Mulholland for 1 mile, then bear left onto Encinal Canyon Rd. After 2.3 miles more, you will see the LA County Fire Camp sign on the left. Turn up the dirt road on the right that takes you to the trailhead parking.

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 Backbone from Kanan Beginner.   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 Calabasas Peak at Night.   Take the 101 Fwy to Valley Circle/Mulholland Dr. exit. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south (towards the ocean). Continue south on Mulholland and make a right on Valmar which becomes Old Topanga Canyon Rd. Continue on Old Topanga which will join Mulholland Hwy briefly and then continue on the left. Follow Old Topanga about 1.5 miles and look for the Calabasas Peak trail head on the right across from Summit to Summit trail.

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 Cheeseboro at Night - Beginner Ride.   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 Chumash at Night.   Take the 118 Freeway to the Yosemite Avenue exit in Simi Valley. At the end of the off-ramp proceed north to Flanagan and make a right. Park on the side of the road at the end of Flanagan.

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. Turn left on to S. Reino Rd heading South for about 0.5 mile to the Alberton's parking lot. Park in the Northeast corner of the Alberton's parking lot. We will meet there.

MTB Grasslands - slower paced .   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 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 Grasslands/Las Virgenes View 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 Grasslands/MCSP 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 Johnson's Motorway at Night.   From Thousand Oaks take the 118 and exit at Rocky Peak Rd. Turn right, and then an immediate left onto Santa Susana Pass Rd. Proceed to Iverson Rd. and turn left. From the the South, from the 118 exit Topanga Cyn Blvd & turn left. Turn right on Santa Susana Pass Rd., and right onto Iverson Rd. Parking is just outside the gate, near the underpass in Iverson Rd.

MTB Lang Ranch/Albertson - slower paced.   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 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 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 Las Virgenes Canyon at Night.   From the 101, exit Las Virgenes and turn North (away from the ocean). Proceed approximately 1.5 miles to the dead end. Parking is on the street.

MTB Malibu Creek State Park at Night.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Las Virgenes Road exit in Calabasas. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south on Las Virgenes toward the ocean. Park in one of the dirt areas on the corner of Las Virgenes and Mulholland.

MTB New Millennium/Las Virgenes View/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 New Millennium/Las Virgenes View/MCSP/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 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.

MTB Santa Rosa/Wildwood at Night.   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). Or, from the 23 Freeway, exit at Avenida de los Arboles and go west. Turn right on Mountclef (at the stop sign after Moorpark Rd.), cross Olsen Rd. and park on the street.

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 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.

MTB Sycamore Canyon- Beginner.   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.

MTB Topanga Area at Night.   From Thousand Oaks: take the 101 South and exit at Mulholland Dr/Valley Circle Blvd. Turn left on Calabasas Rd then make first right on Mulholland Dr. Drive approx 1.75 miles and turn right (south) on Topanga Cyn Blvd. Drive approx 3 miles and make a left on Viewridge Rd (just past the summit). Park at end of Viewridge Rd. From the East SF Valley: take the 101 North and exit at Topanga Cyn Blvd SOUTH. Drive South for 3.5 miles and make a left on Viewridge Rd (just past the summit). Park at the end of the Viewridge Rd.

MTB 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.

MTB 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. We start at the far west end of the park.

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.

HIKES

Tuesday, July 31: Evening Hike to Calabasas Peak via "Secret Trails".   The first part of trail takes us up a single track with varied terrain including forrested areas and rocky outcrops.  This ends at the Calabasas fireroad where we will continue on to an outlook point with expansive views!  This will be a moderate hike, approx. 4 miles, with some elev. gain. Bring the usual, flashlights, water, food, radios, wear hiking boots, etc. Meet at 6:00 pm and be ready to depart 15 minutes later. About 1.75 Hours , Hike Leader: Leah & Charlotte

Directions:   From Thousand Oaks: Take the 101 Freeway in Calabasas, exit on Las Virgines Road and head south for 3 miles to Mulholland Highway. Turn left. Pass Stunt Road on the right (at 4 miles) and continue on until you see the trail head and dirt parking area on the right.

From the Valley & West LA. Take the 101 Freeway, exit Topanga Canyon Road south. Turn right at Mulholland Highway. Continue on Mullholand Highway. The trail head is on the left and is 2 miles past Calabasas High School and Old Topanga Canyon Rd intersection just past Dry Creek Canyon Rd.