Sullivan Canyon via
Caballero
08-14-05
On a pleasantly cool August morning, 7
RCYers [Joe, Rod, Jamshyd, Dean, George, Mario and I] and a guest [Craig--a
personal trainer at a local private health club] headed towards the magical
singletrack that is now Sullivan Canyon. Being on a tight time schedule,
Joe drove to the top of Reseda and met the rest of us at the top of
Caballero Canyon where we all headed east on dirt Mulholland to the Sullivan
Ridge firegate where we turned right onto the fireroad. At the top of
Sullivan Canyon, Joe had to turn back, and so it was only 7 of us that
headed down for the fun of Sullivan Canyon.
The ride over hardpack, rocks, logs, and
roots was great fun. Of course there were some obstacles that created
problems. I got a flat tire and Jamshyd endoed as he tried to jump off a
log drop-off---he was okay. Our guest rider Craig was the only who was
willing to try the jump after that.... and he made it.
Craig jumping the log on the
right with a closer view on the left.
Unfortunately I didn't capture
Jamshyd's endo, which would have been more entertaining ;-)
On we went until the last 20% of the
canyon which is like a freeway. The Gas Company is clearing the canyon in
order to make pipeline repairs....some of the singletrack probably won't
last much longer as they "bulldoze" up the canyon.
Dean and Rod view the huge
pipeline and valves that are
being worked on under the shade
of a beautiful tree.
From the bottom of the canyon we headed
on the street towards Mandeville Canyon. Climbing Mandeville pavement,
chatting away incessantly, we reached Hollyhock which we took up to the
fireroad. We rode some of the paralleling singletrack sections as we headed
west towards dirt Mulholland. But not before 3 of us decided to climb a
very steep hill. The only one who made it all the way was Mario. But on a
second attempt he didn't make it.....
Mario walking with Craig
starting a second attempt.
Observing on the fireroad below
is Rod, Dean, Jamshyd and George.
Heading west on dirt Mulholland, a few
of us decided to take the Lower Bent Arrow aka Red Car aka Gizmo Trail
before arriving at the top of Caballero Canyon.
Here is an unusual shot of
Jamshyd coming down the trail.
Can you imagine
3 Jamshyds!!!
But then, again, here are
5 Deans!!!!!
Dean turning a corner along the
Red Car trail (be sure to scroll left and right)
A final run down Caballero Canyon
brought us back to our vehicles.
Rod leading Dean down Caballero
Canyon just before the upper hairpin turn
Rod, Dean, Jamshyd and I headed on over
to the local eatery Greystoke Grill for some good eating and conversation to
end our 20 mile ride.
Have a great week.
Robco Baggins
