These trails came as a complete and pleasant surprise to me, I had never heard of these trails, and was here to visit the Sequoias on my way to Downieville. The Case Mountain Trails are about 3 miles from Three Rivers. These trails were described to me as " Like the Downieville Trails were before they became popular" .. Well in that case I was at the right place.. Trail Stats & Information Nearby Town : Three RiversLength: 12.07 miles Trail Type: Loop Skill Level: [what the … [Read more...]
My first attempt to ride the "24 hour loop" went a bit pear shaped, and I missed the turn off to Rage through the Sage and Tunnel of Love. While getting my steed fixed up, I got a lot of useful trail intel from the shop owner. The trails he marked for me on a very basic map were some local secrets, and there is no way I would have been able to ride them without this inside intel. The good thing was, I managed to map a loop that included the Rage through the Sage and Tunnel of … [Read more...]
The Idyllwild Trails in California did their best to keep me away. I had first planned to come here about 5 weeks ago, and on the actual day I left Los Angeles to head to Idyllwild 4 feet of snow was dropped, and I got a phone call from a ranger saying that I would need chains to get to Idyllwild.. I put everything on hold, and headed South instead. When I did finally make it to Idyllwild, both my bikes were in dire need of a bike doctor, luckily for me The Hub Cyclery in Iydllewild did a … [Read more...]
Finally, my first USA ride for 2011. After waiting 4 weeks for a repair, I finally hit the road again. First stop was Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano, California. . Trail Stats & Information Nearby Town : San Juan Capistrano Length: 9 miles Trail Type: Loop Skill Level: [what the books say] no info Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically demanding Duration : My time was 02:23:53 Elev Gain : 1,166 feet Top Elev : 1,471 feet Min. Elev : 371 … [Read more...]
. Hollenbeck Canyon near Jamul, and just 25 minutes east of San Diego offers some fantastic trails through stunning and unique scenery. A seasoned mtb'er can easily put together a fantastic 12-20 miles ( or more) ride, but just exploring all the paths, trails and tracks. From lush green meadows through fantastic shady oak groves to high and open trails with great scenery of the canyon and surroundings . Trail Stats & Information Nearby Town : Jamul Length: You decide : the trail I … [Read more...]
. This is the first ever ride in the USA that I have not done solo. For this ride I needed a guide, 'cos there is no way I could have otherwise experienced this trail. Although once on the Highline Trail, it is easy to follow, but finding this trail as an "outsider" would be almost impossible. Luckily for me, and for anyone else visiting, Sedona has a fantastic self confessed Mtb Ambassador who is more than willing to take you "on a ride" ( in the good sense) I would really … [Read more...]
. I have been mountain biking around the USA now for 4 years, and also spend a lot of time on the European trails, and can say that I have done my fair share of trails. This also means that I'm not often lost for words on the trails, but every so often, out of the blue I find myself on a trail that just blows me away. It's not just the trail, it's a mixture of everything.. The trail, the scenery, the weather, how I'm feeling, how my bike bike is performing etc etc. The Munds Wagon Trail and … [Read more...]
. Doctors orders were to rest for at least 10 weeks 'cos of a cracked sternum and a couple of broken ribs I acquired on the Sovereign Trail in Moab 3 weeks ago. I have been in Sedona now for 2 weeks, and there is no way I can mooch around doing nothing for another 7 weeks... My Sternum and Ribs are doing great, so I decided to hit the Sedona trails, and just hope I don't bite the Sedona dust. The first network of trails I did was as followed : >> Big Park Loop >> onto the >> Templeton Trail … [Read more...]
. This is the first time I have actually ridden the Sovereign Trail, although I have been to the trailhead twice before, but each time it was too busy for my liking. They say the first time is always the best, but in this case I'm not so sure. Just minutes from finishing the trail I produced the "Mother of all Endo's" , Endo'in off a 4 ft legdge and finishing the Sovereign Trail by cracking my Sternum as a souvenir ... Luvly Jubly !! . Trail Stats & Information Sovereign … [Read more...]
. The Slickrock Trail is THE Trail that put Moab on the map, and is probably the worlds most famous trail. Mountain Bikers from around the globe travel to Moab to ride the Slickrock Trail. There is no doubt that the Slickrock Trail is as fantastic as it is unique, but it is a trail that I have done numerous times, and I never get very exited about the thought of riding the Slickrock Trail. The crowds on this trail can be unbearable, and on a busy day, there are actual waiting lines in front of … [Read more...]
