Los Robles Trail

06March05

Part I

The morning began at East Coast Bagel under a blanket of heavy fog with eleven riders hoping for a rare day without rain.  Leaving the parking lot we pedaled on the pavement with the cold mist of the lingering clouds enveloping us.   As we hit the dirt, we began to climb on the damp red soil, avoiding patches of wet mud as best we could.  As we climbed higher and higher we soon came out of the clouds like a jet plane rising into the bright sun of a new day.

Looking south from the fireroad towards Hidden Valley enshrouded in the low clouds

It was good to be back in the saddle after another week of riding interrupted by the incessant rains.  Rod's choice of ride today was just perfect as the trail conditions were good considering all the recent rain.  Tacky earth with occasional brief areas of wet, red mud.

Riders on a fireroad descent

Shah leading Jamshyd, DavidN, and Matthew thru a muddy section

Wet ruts carved into the fireroad thru the verdent green hills

End of Part I

Los Robles Trail

06March05

Part II

The group split up for a brief time at the new singletrack with some tackling the steep rutted section to the right and others taking the groomed singletrack that was built a couple of years ago.

DavidN ducks under a tree toppled across the trail by the recent rains

Our motley crew regroups at the bottom of the descent

Let's see if I can name all the faces and backs....

From the left: Shah with his back to us, Matthew's yellow shoulder, DavidN posing, JohnF riding away to set up a video shot,

Reuben eating, Brian listening, Jamshyd gesturing or jesting, patriotic Rod's back, Andy standing tall, DavidR posing

(apparently only people named David pose)

From here we headed on over to the base of the Los Robles switchbacks for the long climb in the warming sun.  At the top we rested a bit, ate and talked to others out on the trail enjoying the beautiful day under bright blue skies.   Continuing on Los Robles we came upon the two tight switchback turns, the first to the right and the second more technical one to the left.

Here is DavidR clearing the drop after making the tight left turn

And finally here is a stylized Andy concentrating on the trail ahead

Finishing the Los Robles Trail, we rested briefly at The Bench before heading down Rosewood Trail and an eventual return to our cars for about 18 miles of cycling.  Most of us then had an enjoyable meal on the patio with food from either East Coast Bagel or The Sea Casa next door before heading home and looking forward to a new week with hopefully sunny days ahead.

Note:  Plans are in the works for a ride out in Chino Hills, probably Sunday, April 10.   A few of our group have ridden out there before and will lead the rest of us thru what has been described as an area that has alot of singletrack thru a profusion of gorgeous wildflowers.  It is supposed to be about an hours drive from the 101-405 intersection.  More info should be forthcoming.

Have a great week.

Robco Baggins

============================================