Let’s pound the Santa Anas

Discussion in 'Trailhead' started by mike, May 1, 2018.


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Added to Calendar: 05-03-18
  1. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    Ride Name: Let’s pound the Santa Anas
    When: Thursday
    Time: 8am?
    Where: Trabuco Canyon
    Ride Description or Details:
    I’m gonna do what I did last time I was in OC – hit a ride every other day. Starting Thursday. (Then Sat, etc.) The circuits include Joplin, Bell Ridge, Los Pinos Ridge, Yeager Mesa, Chiquito, East Horsethief, Holy Jims. Maybe others.

    Thursday is open. Yeager Mesa is the customary intro, but I’m thinking Bell Ridge. Some of you guys* still owe yourself a virgin run on some of the trails, so holler if you got a window and the jones.

    Starting Thursday the weather looks splitter. No squandering the low temps, let’s send em.


    *You know who you are, and that your bike wants it : )

    ~~~~~ Optional Details ~~~~~
    Meet Location:
    Southern Santa Ana Mountains, CNF
    Skill Level: Advanced
    Ride Pace:
    Type of Ride:
    Out and Back, Loop, Point A to B, Point A to B Shuttle, Shuttle, Lolipop
    Rider Limit: There is no safety in numbers
    Anticipated Mileage: 12-33
    Elevation Gain: Depends
    Ride Duration: 1/2 to 1 day
    Previous Ride Reports: Yes
    Possible Bail-Outs: Yes
    Facilities: Johns on Trabuco Creek Rd up to Holy Jim Parking. Water at Bluejay CG. Ground water flowing in Trabuco Creek; treating for pathogens recommended.
    Food/water suggestions: Whatever keeps you humming for the duration
    Option to Upload:
     
    MrGreedom, Grego, bvader and 10 others like this.
  2. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej J-Zilla

    Location:
    Orange
    Name:
    J
    Current Bike:
    SC Chameleon SS, SC Hightower
    Getting right back into it......I like it. :thumbsup:

    And welcome home.
     
  3. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    Some of us have to work... :whistling:

    But, have fun!
     
    Danmtchl, Derek13, mike and 1 other person like this.
  4. DangerDirtyD

    DangerDirtyD iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    CA
    Name:
    Chicken Nugget
    Current Bike:
    2018 Guerrilla Gravity SMASH
    Los Pinos? Yaeger?...and some of us would rather work...
     
  5. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    You work every other day for the next three weeks? o_O:cool:
     
    Danmtchl, mtnbikej and SnakeCharmer like this.
  6. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    Sometimes...

    What I was saying, in a different language, was that if the ride is not planned on a weekend, I cannot commit. I am a parent, taking my young'n to and from school on weekdays. :inlove:
     
    mike, LLPoolJ and DangerDirtyD like this.
  7. UPSed

    UPSed iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Simi Valley
    Name:
    Ed
    Current Bike:
    Niner Jet 9 RDO
    I'm available the second week in June. :gag:
     
    Runs with Scissors, Danmtchl and mike like this.
  8. LLPoolJ

    LLPoolJ iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Moreno Valley
    Name:
    James Johnson
    Current Bike:
    Specy Epic, Stumpu and Enduro
    I used to walk to school in the ghetto uphill both ways. They will be fine. Go ride.
     
  9. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    I’m serious. You guys got a preference, pipe up. I have limited net access, so yell loud.
     
  10. UPSed

    UPSed iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Simi Valley
    Name:
    Ed
    Current Bike:
    Niner Jet 9 RDO
    I was actually serious. That is when my next vacation is.
     
  11. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    ANOTHER vacation?! :mad:

    :Roflmao:Roflmao:Roflmao
     
    mike and UPSed like this.
  12. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    Looks like all of us but Ed picked the wrong career.

    Is driving a delivery truck with tough expectations so stressful that you get 26 weeks paid vacation per year?!
     
    mike and UPSed like this.
  13. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
    In the snow. :x3:
     
    LLPoolJ and herzalot like this.
  14. UPSed

    UPSed iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Simi Valley
    Name:
    Ed
    Current Bike:
    Niner Jet 9 RDO
    No. That's why I only get 9 weeks per year. :Roflmao:p:D
     
  15. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    NINE WEEKS?! :eek:

    Who in the world else get's that much vacation time?! o_O
     
    MrGreedom, mike and UPSed like this.
  16. UPSed

    UPSed iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Simi Valley
    Name:
    Ed
    Current Bike:
    Niner Jet 9 RDO
    I'm guessing other UPS drivers with 30 years of seniority?
     
  17. rossage

    rossage iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    East Sacramento
    Name:
    Ross Lawson
    Current Bike:
    Highball
  18. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    30 years, wow! You're a "lifer"! :thumbsup:
     
    mike and UPSed like this.
  19. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
    I'm about due for another medium-sized ride. Santa Anas? San Gabriels??
     
    mike, DangerDirtyD and JordanHMay like this.
  20. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    Teachers? 8 weeks in summer, two weeks at Christmas, a week at Thanksgiving and a week in spring. Plus Labor Day, Veteran's Day, MLK Day, two President's Days and Memorial Day. And an on-the-job time of 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. If you choose to do the minimum, it's pretty minimum. Especially if you have little to no at-home grading or planning (PE teachers?). Fortunately, most teachers are actually mission driven and not free-time driven, thus they do a ton of work after hours and on their "days off." That said, there are still many who have the minimum thing figured out.
     
  21. LLPoolJ

    LLPoolJ iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Moreno Valley
    Name:
    James Johnson
    Current Bike:
    Specy Epic, Stumpu and Enduro
    Derail
     
    mike and Cyclotourist like this.
  22. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    You guys got so busy debating careers that nobody showed up for pounding. :cry::) I like my career just fine, btw... :cool:

    Mountain got properly soaked from this last system. A good two days and totals in inches. I figured the steeps could use a day off, as they can be a little too wet. Had no idea where I stood fitness-wise after AZT, coulda been great or terrible. Food and sleep therapy has been intense the last few days...

    So I just went mountainbikeaneering on Beefy. I had this 2:11-2:13 sticking point on HJ to Santiago summit, like five tries in the last 5 years. I just got it in 1:55. POUNDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :devilish::sneaky: No dust, no bugs, no trail traffic besides rabbits, just one gorgeous day with perfect conditions for the job. Now I get dessert...UHJ and HJ descent.

    Gotta do it. Mandatory career activity. Can’t piss off the boss.
     
  23. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    Saturday: Pound Los Pinos Ridge from the SJ parking lot. A simple loop with water resupply midway. 21 mies and under 6k if memory serves. Insane views/position, lots of fun rocky tech riding. Climb SJ before the shuttlers wipe the sleep from their eyes. :sneaky::thumbsup:
     
  24. DangerDirtyD

    DangerDirtyD iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    CA
    Name:
    Chicken Nugget
    Current Bike:
    2018 Guerrilla Gravity SMASH
    Can I get on your payroll?
     
  25. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    D, you have a consultant position reserved on any team of mine, so just show up when it suits :)

    I’m gonna be terrible with communication starting today. So...
    As stated, Los Pinos ride Saturday from San Juan TH. Pedal away at 8am.

    Let’s get some pounding in, even at a moderate pace :geek: Dark blue Tundra/shell. Will you add to my short list of two 2!!!! riders who sacked up for LP??? You gonna make me solo? I laugh robustly... :laugh::sneaky: Over & out, see u at 7:50...
     
  26. sir crashalot

    sir crashalot iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    laguna beach
    Name:
    gary fishman
    Current Bike:
    2018 banshee rune
    Under 2 hours??...Dang.
    SA's got inches of rain? Thats great! Less than a quarter near the coast.
    Wish I couldve joined ya today for an SA ride while weathers still cool...too much stuff to do.
     
  27. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    Teachers dont get eight weeks paid (Summertime off), do they ?. I recall some teachers having a secondary job in the summertime to keep the income flowing.

    I assume that Ed is getting nine weeks paid vacation per year.
     
    mike and Cyclotourist like this.
  28. Faust29

    Faust29 Moderator

    Location:
    irgendwo
    Name:
    B. Bunny
    Current Bike:
    I gots some bikes.
    I'm glad I was busy this morning. I would have pushed you over the 2 hour mark! :eek:
     
    Old&InTheWay, Stkx66, mike and 2 others like this.
  29. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    Yes. Yes they do. End about June 15. Start about August 20. Whether it's "paid" or not depends on how they structure their pay checks. Most Districts allow teachers to choose a 12-month option so they can have a consistent monthly pay check. So, call it a $60,000-$80,000 a year job with full health benefits, 183 working days a year. 7.5 hour days. That said, most teachers work well beyond their minimum hours and days.

    And Justin Upton makes $22 million... so we definitely have our priorities straight in the US!

    And now, back to the Santa Anas.
     
    Rumpled, rossage, mike and 4 others like this.
  30. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    Los Piños Ridge trail
    Santa Ana Mountains, Cleveland National Forest

    The remote ridge-top trail is just a few miles in length, but its difficult approach, technical downhills, looseness, roughness, and legendary HABs all conspire to keep it somewhat shrouded in heresy. Or at least keep it unpopular. To my knowledge just four Aye Emtybeers beside myself have done it.

    The sheer difficulty of the ride is one reason I’m drawn to it – it’s a barometer of every MTB fitness metric. So I try to ride it often, as I did Saturday. For me it’s the quintessential taste of Stanta Anas ST…an ungroomed homage of past travels as much as a multi-use path. The trail delivers…but the question is, what did you order? If it was a spate of raw mountain travel and a decent workout, you’ll be all smiles. Buffed or flow? You’ll hate it.

    The classic LP loop starts and ends at San Juan Trailhead. To top Los Piños Peak from there is around 14 miles of mostly climbing (one DH section on the Old San Juan trail north of Cocktail Rock). Climb San Jan/Old San Juan trail to Bluejay Campground, and refill water there. I rode this ~11-mi portion in a little over two hours. Not fast, but steady, and a pace to leave me some juice for the goods. The two miles of westbound Main Divide Rd was in firm condition thanks to recent rains, but that grade would be formidable even paved...

    8am is way too late to start a big SA ride this time of year; my attempt to dangle a comfort carrot to would-be partners would have ended up an evil trap at noon in the sections where the breeze waned. These are the days that beat down the unsuspecting on LP and other committing trails. My current fitness made conditions little more than noteworthy.

    Once past LP summit, the goods come fast and hard, including five main HABs in reducing order of difficulty. The rut is a little annoying only in a couple of spots. The chunder is chunder-licious, steep junk sublime. Still a few small HABs on the side ridge into Hot Springs Canyon – good for cooling the brakes. The switchbacks, embedded rocks and stairs down into Lazy W Ranch are always a primo ending to the difficulties.

    Completion time of 5.5 hours represents a normal quick time for me on this loop. A little better than normal considering conditions. As always, I’m grateful for the places that few travel. I hope that Los Piños never gets any kind of reputation as a must-do. I doubt it will. “HAB” will keep it low on most riders’ to-do list, and keep the trail a place for motivated riders, runners, and the occasional peak bagger.

    These photos don't begin to do the outing justice – it's full value, up and down.


    From Bluejay CG the Ridge appears innocuous. Main Divide Rd meets the Ridge out the right side of the photo.

    LosP5-5-18_1.jpg


    On the DH side of the Ridge, looking back from HAB #1 with Inland Empire in the background.

    LosP5-5-18_2.jpg


    Down on the side ridge (the southern rampart of Hot Springs Canyon); Los P Peak and Ridge standing tall.

    LosP5-5-18_3.jpg
     


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