The best laid plans of mice and mountainbikers took a hit this weekend. Windy and dry conditions caused Red Flag warnings to be issued by the authorities, limiting our legal options. On Saturday, we had an excellent turnout of 11 people--10 men and a most welcome woman--arrive at the top of Reseda Blvd. The initial plan was to head towards The Hub, but upon arriving at Firegate 30 we were met by an ominous sign.

Wanting to be good citizens of the backcountry we turned away and headed east on dirt Mulholland, stopping at Sullivan Fireroad. After some discussion here and at the entrance to Sullivan Canyon, a decision was reached that we would ride the seldom-ridden Dragon Back singletrack that both crisscrosses and parallels the fireroad. Steep climbs and steep descents followed.

Taking a break on Sullivan FR: Ali, Joe, Roger, Rod, Shannon, SteveK, Dean, Reuben, and Barbara

Roger's friend Shannon rode hard, both up and downhill, and, at the end of the Dragonback, was the only one to attempt the final section. The entertainment value was inestimable.

Counterclockwise from top left: 1. As Steve looks on, Shannon slides in the middle of the steep descent,

2. Shannon goes down, and 3. Shannon displays his "Hematoma of the Day" award on his shin

Having reached the bottom of Sullivan Fireroad, we now had to get back. Sir Isaac's corollary: What goes down, must go up. Thus it was that we headed for the old rutted Goat Trail that would bring us into Sullivan Canyon for our climb back.

At the bottom of the Goat Trail we started our climb up thru the beautifully lush Sullivan Canyon. As the day heated up, sycamores and oaks kept us cool in the canyon. Eventually we made it back to dirt Mulholland. Most of us took the "Red Car Trail" for some additional exciting singletrack before our final climb back to the top of Reseda and our vehicles. About half our number got together for eats at our local favorite The Greystoke Grill.