Kanan 3rd Tunnel

09-11-05

Part I

 

Sunday morning saw 8 men show up for another beautiful southern California day of mountain biking on one of the best singletracks around--the Backbone Trail east of 3rd Tunnel (T1).   As you can see from the photo above, colorful fall leaves undertire covered portions of the trail as summer begins to give way to autumn temperatures. 

 

The initial climb up and over the tunnel was even tougher than usual.  The climb was badly rutted, making it virtually impossible to ride the middle section and so required a fair amount of walking.  But once you reached the top of the tunnel, the heavenly singletrack opened up for some beautiful trail riding under a canopy of oak and sycamore. 

 

After completing the first 2 sections of trail we lost one member to a mechanical problem.  John's brand new Giant's rear Hayes disc brake malfunctioned and so John decided to head back to the bike shop for a fix that, in spite of all of our fumbling efforts, we could not solve on the trail.  Thus it was only 7 of us that completed the 3rd and last section of trail that ended at the Corral Canyon parking lot.

 

The Magnificent Seven--Standing: Matthew, Brian, Aaron, Rob....Sitting: Shah, Rod, David

[Note who is tallest in the photo :o)]

 

After the traditional apple break provided by Matthew, we decided to head back on the singletrack.  Although the weather cooperated by remaining cool, the climb out of the 3rd section was made tougher because of the soft, loose layer of dirt that covered much of the trail, especially on the tight switchbacks.  Only 3 riders decided to ride the middle section of singletrack on the return trip, 4 deciding to take the fireroad and street to meet the 3 at the Latigo Canyon intersection.  Then all 7 of us rode the 1st section back to our cars.  Some photos along the way....

 

Brian carves a line on the trail

 

Matthew clearing a rocky section

 

Rod pedals through the rocks

 

End of Part I