08.21.05
We had a nice turnout for today's
ride. A dozen riders were on hand to start the ride. We had a rare
appearance from that alien Warner who disappeared midway thru the ride....I
assume he either had the urge to go back and play his new Baby Grand piano
or the mother ship called him back home. And it was great to see Doc SteveA
who got off his road bike long enough to play with us in the dirt. Then
there was Nelson who brought along his son Patrick, presenting a formidable
family duo. Matthew brought along his usual secret stash of apples to
re-fuel and refresh us. Andy, Dean, DavidR, Jamshyd, AaronA, Roger and I
round out the remaining starting riders. But midway thru the ride we were
joined by Ali who, true to form, showed up late but somehow managed to find
us. And even later in the ride we met up with English Dayve who quickly
passed us on his 2nd or 3rd lap of Chesebro.
The route took us up the main canyon
where we took the right fork in order to climb up Baleen Wall/3 Hills.
Some of the group poses at the top of one of the 3 Hills
(From the left: Jamshyd, David, Patrick, Andy, Aaron, Matthew,
Warner, Steve, Dean)
After finishing the 3 Hills, we turned
left and headed to Shepherds Flat and then on to the Palo Comado overlook
via the Connector Trail.
David leading Patrick and Andy
on the Connector Trail
After an apple break and some yentaing
at the Palo Comado overlook, the decision was made to head back to Shepherds
Flat where Aaron left us to head down Sulphur Springs while the rest of us
headed down GasPipe/BrokenSpoke/TacoHill. For me this is one of the mostest
funnest trails around. Of course, it does have its dangers. Steve did an
endo when his front wheel decided to stop abruptly in front of a big rock on
a steep downhill.
Steve displays the crack on the
inside of his helmet.
Steve was a real trooper and shrugged
off the fall. He only appeared to have a slight bruise on his
forehead/temple area and was able to continue the ride. And so the lesson
is.....always wear your helmet, kids!
Steve and David after the fall,
waiting for Ali and friends to fix a flat tire
We then continued on down the
treacherous Gas Pipe ST.
Nelson descends a technical
rocky section
Steve negotiates the same
section
At the bottom of Gas Pipe the group rode
along the Ahmanson/Las Virgenes fireroad to the Little Baleen climb but not
before we had a couple of detours around some murky water crossings.
Andy, Jamshyd and Matthew (or is
that Manny, Moe, and Jack)
work their way thru the
underbrush
The hot climb up Little Baleen brought
us back into Chesebro Canyon for the return to our cars. Several of us then
headed on over to Chuy's for some conversation and to fill our bellies.
Have a great week.
Robco Baggins
