Top of Reseda
or
Matthew Over the Brink
-February 13, 2005-
Part I
Although the ride today was originally scheduled to take place in Ahmanson Ranch, a decision was made at the Ahmanson location to forego that ride and drive over to the top of Reseda because of the recent rains. Ahmanson would have been a major mud pit. A couple of riders were apparently angered by the change and left for another trailhead, but the majority went to Reseda. So thus the day began on a bit of a sour note, but then what can you expect for a Sunday the 13th? A fall into a 15 foot deep ditch?
It was a little after 8 a.m. that 8 riders headed up the Rita Walters trail at the south end of Reseda Boulevard, connecting to Dirt Mulholland on a tacky and at some times muddy surface. But at least the mud here was more sand than clay and thus not as bad as would have been at Ahmanson. We turned left at the yellow gate to Fireroad 30 and pedaled our way up to the Hub. From there it was a quick trip to The Foundation.
DavidR, Robco, John, Greg, Rod,
Rabbit-ears Jamshyd, Dean the Puppeteer, & a here healthy Matthew
4 heads are better than 1?--Working on a broken spoke repair of Rod's bike
From the foundation we headed down Trailer Canyon, taking the fork to the left that took us up to Temescal Ridge Fireroad. We quickly arrived at the short hill that creates jumping opportunities.
John video-taping as Greg pulls up for his jump
Dean, Jamshyd and Greg admire the view of Santa Monica Bay
We left the dirt for the pavement near the top of Palisades Drive. A fast descent on the steep macadam followed by a short climb brought us up to Michael Lane where Matthew broke out the apples for a break before our fireroad climb back towards the Hub.
David pedals thru the rocky ruts on Trailer Canyon FR
Dean focuses on the terrain
Matthew smiling....but not for long
End of Part I
.....read on to find out Matthew's fate.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top of Reseda
or
Matthew Over the Brink
-February 13, 2005-
Part II
The climb continues up Trailer Canyon.
Rod concentrates
Jamshyd havin' a good time
John shooting me with his helmet cam
(Look for John's soon-to-be-released video!)
As we climbed the fireroad we came to a section that was very muddy on the left side and center of the road. The right side of the road was less muddy but also traveled close to the edge of a large wash out of the road that was marked with orange cones and warning markers. It was here that Matthew got a little too close to the edge, went to put his foot down where there was no road and went over sideways, head first into the 15 foot deep ditch.
First view of Matthew tangled up in his bike....15 feet down....was he okay?!!?
David climbs down to help Matthew....
The Appleman is able to stand, still sporting his smile
A group effort as Greg pulls up Matthew's bike
Matthew looks back as we all contemplate his fall.
Looking at the edge, we all felt he was lucky to be able to walk away from his fall
Matthew, being the hardy trooper he is, was able to continue on the ride back to the cars. It was truly miraculous that he was not more seriously hurt. I think that Doc Rod thought that he may have a slight dislocation of his shoulder, and he will most likely be sore in the morning, but we all wish our friend The Appleman all the best. Heal quickly, Matthew!!
Most of us, including Matthew, went out for lunch at Greystoke Grill, where we talked of the day and other worldly matters before heading for home.
Have a good, even if wet, week.
Humbly submitted,
Robco Baggins
=====================================================
Sixteen Manly Mountain miles and 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Great ride report and pictures by Rob. We are all happy and grateful that Matthew is OK (what would we do without those apples and great stories)
To see the Topo Map click on http://briefcase.yahoo.com/rodb12 then Rcy Topo Maps then 2005 and finally Top-O-Reseda13Feb05
Don't forget to check the RCY Web page for previous ride reports, pictures, topo maps, trailhead directions and other links.
And stay tuned for the video taken by John (I am sure he is editing it right now) of today's ride. RCY has reached new highs :)
Rod