Sunday 2005Jan23

Trippet Ranch

In spite of concerns that Topanga Canyon Boulevard might be closed because of recent landslides, it was smooth driving from the Valley side to the Entrada entrance to Trippet.  There was a big lighted sign at Mulholland Highway noting that Topanga was closed to thru traffic.  But we were not going "thru", we were only going as far as Trippet Ranch so we were okay :-)

Only 3 of us--Docs Rod and Joe, and me(RobC)--showed for the ride on a cool January morning.  We headed out for the fireroad down to Paseo Miramar (if I read it correctly, according to a map in the parking lot that fireroad is called Santa Ynez Fireroad), enjoying the firm, hardpacked surface.  The air was crisp, the sky bright blue, but there was a foggy haze over the coastline.  It was smooth sailing until we hit a landslide on the fireroad.  We needed to dismount.

Rod and Joe negotiating the detour around the slide

Smilin' Joe makes it through

We continued on down the fireroad, occasionally taking short singletrack sections that parallel the road.  I crashed once when I came upon a deep rut that blocked my way and had no way to avoid it and so I layed the bike down and rolled....fortunately unhurt.  Taking the pavement down to Sunset we came upon a multi-million dollar house that had suffered damage from the recent rains.  A landslide at the side of the house had cause damage to parts of the house, pipes, and retaining walls....an expensive mess.

We took the usual return route up Palisades Drive to Michael Lane and Trailer Canyon Fireroad.  The cool air but warm sun made for a pleasant climb and good conversation.  Upon reaching the Hub we went down to Eagle Springs and back to the cars at Trippet Ranch.  With only 3 of us we seldom stopped and so made good time....but also I took few photos. 

Bidding adieu to Joe, who had to meet his wife and daughters for lunch in Santa Monica, Rod and I went out to refuel at one of my favorite places--Pat's Topanga Grill where the coffee is to die for.  We found out from the owner's wife some of the details about how the special imported green coffee beans are French Roasted at a location in North Hollywood and quickly delivered to the restaurant for timely fresh grinding and brewing.  If you like coffee, you gotta try this.

Rod going to the restroom after drinking coffee

(I was desperate for photos)

We were treated to some live entertainment.

The excellent musician provided music by Bob Dylan, John Mayer,

and James Taylor among others.

Upon leaving the restaurant we came upon a creature whom Rod and I thought could be our icon/mascot when we do the Bulldog Loop.

Have a great week.

Robco Baggins