June 6, 2004

Partly because of the sacrifices made by thousands of American troops 60 years ago, we were able to enjoy the freedom of another wonderful day mountain bike riding in the Santa Monica Mountains.   Somewhere between 10 and 20 riders (I wasn't counting) showed up at either the Caballero Canyon trailhead or somewhere along our route as we left Reseda Boulevard and headed towards Sullivan Canyon.

Dean taking his bike off his rack while Joe, George, DavidR, Bruce, James and Warner wait

GregA leading the pack after the lower hairpin turn in Caballero

Nelson, Dean, and DavidN challenged by riders in another group during the climb

Upon reaching the top of the 1.6 mile climb up Caballero, we were greeted by my wife Sheila and her hiking group along with Shah and AaronY who had ridden to meet us from the West Side.  We continued east on dirt Mulholland to the gate leading to Sullivan Ridge Fireroad.

Bruce and Dean negotiating the tight path around the gate

The group heads down Sullivan Fireroad

After a brief good-bye to Aaron and Shah who were heading back by a different route, we headed down Sullivan Canyon and its fast single-track.   I was having so much fun blasting down the trail that I forgot to stop and take pictures.  

Regrouping at the bottom of the trail, we took an informal vote and the consensus was to reverse course and head back up Sullivan.  The canyon was cool and so beautiful that there was little dissent.  There was, however, a lot of yenta-ing.   In fact, the peace and quiet of the canyon was broken up by constant RCY banter, including an academic discussion of the historical origins of the RCY:  Dean pointed out that his research had logically concluded that we were descended from the original Babble-lonians.  No one could disagree.

Climbing back up Sullivan Canyon--Nelson, Joe, DavidR, Bruce

Bruce climbing up Sullivan

After the steep climb at the end of Sullivan, we pedaled back to dirt Mulholland.  Some then took the fireroad all the way back to Caballero Canyon while others took the fun detour on the Lower Bent Arrow Trail (Red Car Trail) to the top of Caballero.  It was then a quick trip down Caballero to the cars.

GregA, James, and Dean descending in Caballero

Young Patrick riding as fast as the wind!

Six of us then headed on over to a local favorite, the Greystoke Grill, for some excellent food and talk.  A great way to end a great day of mountain biking.

Have a good week.

Respectfully submitted,

Robco Baggins