In spite of very light early morning drizzle, 6 riders showed at the Kuehner Road parking lot to tackle the Rocky Peak area. Although the skies seemed to threaten throughout the ride, we never had any precipitation problem. Ali, Joe, George, Rod, DaveW and Robco set out pedaling under the 118 freeway, climbed up, down and around Mt. Sinai Memorial Park, arriving at the Chumash trailhead where we were met by Giang. Thus it was 7 of us who headed up the Las Llajas Fireroad under cool comfortable conditions.

It was here that we noticed how pervasive the non-native thistle plant has become this year. Many of the trails and fireroads that we ride have become overgrown with this painfully sharp-pointed invasive weed....I predict that this year will be remembered as the year of the Attack of the Killer Thistle.

And here is a closeup of the rather pretty flower, being munched on by some little aphid-like creatures

From this point we turned right onto the Rocky Peak Fireroad for the steep climb that brought us near the top of the Chumash Trail. After Ali and Giang replaced a slow leaking tube in Ali's front tire, all posed for a group photo.

We split up not long after this point. I believe that Ali and Giang continued on to descend the Hummingbird Trail while the remaining 5 decided to ride down Johnson Trail. Johnson was fun and technical as usual but also ended a bit early. A new asphalt road has been constructed partially up Johnson Trail. New multi-million dollar homes are springing up in the hills like thistle.

From the bottom of Johnson it was pavement pedaling up and over the Santa Susana Pass and then a quick lunch at Chuy's for Rod, Dave and me.