Little Stroll Through the Mountains

Ride Name: Little Stroll Through the Mountains
When: Saturday Jan. 7
Time: 8:00am roll time
Where: Rancho Santa Margarita
Ride Description or Details:
Inspired by a RR that came on the old Pic Slot Machine.....

This will be the classic Harding-Santiago Peak-Holy Jim loop.

If the dirt is wet and O'Neill is closed, it will be a roadie ride up Live Oak over to Santiago Cyn and up Modjeska Cyn to Harding.

Temps may get cold going up over the Peak...a storm is supposed to roll in tomorrow afternoon, so be prepared.
~~~~~ Optional Details ~~~~~
Meet Location: Smart and Final Parking Lot:

21672 Plano Trabuco Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Ride Pace: Moderate Pace
Type of Ride: Loop
Rider Limit: Some, but not too many
Anticipated Mileage: 37 miles
Elevation Gain: 6200'
Ride Duration: Strava says 4:30 roll time....but I think it will be longer
Previous Ride Reports: http://www.imtbtrails.com/forum/threads/little-stroll-in-the-mountains.2376/
Possible Bail-Outs: You can turn around at any point until you get to 4 Corners. From there, you are just as well off by continuing on the intended route.
Facilities: Water: Base of Harding...Sh*tters: Holy Jim Parking lot, or lots and lots of bushes
Food/water suggestions: Bring what you need for a 5hr ride.
Option to Upload:

 

You don't think Harding will be too mucky at the bottom? I hated that sticky peanut butter last time I did it wet...

 

By tomorrow it shouldn't be bad....it hasn't rained since yesterday morning, so it will be going on almost 48 hrs.

But I'm open for suggestions

Going up Maple Springs is the same elevation with 6 more miles of distance.

 

Looks like a blast guys. Gonna have to pass. Wife morning on Saturday. Sunday I will probably do a Peltzer to Maple to Motorway if local Laguna trails are too wet (likely). Rolling 7 or 8, depending upon my Laguna posse's preference. Be there or not.

 

There is some rain in the forecast for RSM on Saturday. Sunday's weather is favorable.

 

Only showing 30-40% chance....I'll take my chances tomorrow. It'll leave Sunday open to do something else. Perhaps Tim's ride.

 

Sounds like a great tour of the mountain. I would tag up with y'all if I didn't have obligations. Enjoy, and be safe.

 

Saturdays are always bad for me - particularly because Fridays are my run day. Have a great ride! I haven't done this big loop in 5 years - I may have to go again soon.

Stay dry! Some threatening weather all over the southland.

 

You still looking at Maple / Motorway? Looks like Laguna trails were open today.

 

OC Parks are certainly in much more of a hurry to open trails after a rain than they used to be. Both Whiting and Aliso opened today. I can't imagine Mustard in Whiting or Meadows in Aliso are in very rideable condition.