Hidden Meadow Trail -- August 15, 2004

Only DavidR and I showed up at 7:30 a.m. for today's RCY ride.  But undeterred by paucity of number, we two were preparing to ride when Reuben showed up early for the 8:15 ride he was to lead for the South Bay Mountain Bike Club from the same location.  Intrigued, David and I decided to wait and ride with them.  Four people from SBMBC trickled in (2 men--Jeff and Brian--and 2 women--Louisa and Miyuki), and apparently under a strong RCY influence, we didn't actually start riding until about 8:45.  

The day was already starting to warm up as 7 of us (5 manly men and 2 womanly women #%?) climbed towards the Hidden Meadow trail head.  The singletrack took us up and over, dropping us into Lang Ranch.

Jeff negotiating a tight corner near the Lang Ranch area

We then pedaled on pavement to the entrance to Albertson Fireroad.   Taking the road that veers to the left off Albertson, we climbed up to the start of the unnamed trail (I'll call it Albertson Singletrack) and took it back down to Albertson Fireroad.

David leading the group down the single track

Miyuki, strong and fearless, descends

The long climb up Albertson was hot and unshaded.  Fortunately a slight breeze kept the conditions tolerable.

The group at the top of the Albertson climb

(from the left: David, Miyuki, Louisa, Reuben, Brian, & Jeff with Robco behind the lens)

At this point we had an RCY/SBMBC joint discussion as to which route to take and the decision was made to head towards Dead Cow with a detour to Simi Peak.   And so on we pedaled, meandering the single track that led to the Simi Peak climb.   Although all of us made the attempt, only Brian was able to ride it all the way to the top, having mastered the line thru the steep, loose rock.

Strong Louisa makes a valiant attempt climbing Simi Peak

Zooming in to show Louisa's intensity

Brian, David, Miyuki, Louisa, and Reuben take in the view from the top of Simi Peak

Reuben turns the camera on Rob

Leaving Simi Peak we pedaled around the maze of singletrack over to China Flats and then up to the top of Dead Cow Trail.  Dead Cow was in great condition and made for a thrilling technical descent.

Brian on his trusty Titus near the bottom of Dead Cow

David flying down Dead Cow

Louisa loving the downhill

Reuben flying down on his hardtail

From the bottom of Dead Cow it was a short street ride back to the cars.   Six of us went to refuel at a local eatery whose name slips my old mind at the moment, but I remember the breakfast burrito I had was great, as was the company of riders, both new and old.

Have a great week.  And remember....next Saturday is Mt. Pinos!

Robco Baggins