Part I

Todays ride started at the intersection of Roscoe and Valley Circle Boulevards, just outside of Rod's backdoor.  Ten riders began the steep road climb that led to the dirt.  A couple of miles of singletrack scattered with technical rocky sections, the occasional box spring mattress, abandoned refrigerator, and broken glass (useful background for the title shot) brought us back to the pavement at Woolsey Canyon Road.  Another road climb and we found ourselves at Sage Ranch.  We did the dirt of Sage Ranch twice....once counterclockwise....and a second time clockwise.  Just to keep the universe balanced.

The group looking towards Simi Valley (BrianG, Matthew, DavidR, Rod, Sam, Jamshyd, BrianD, Dennis and Mitch crouching in front)

A composite of 6 photos....descending from the Mini-Moab-like Submarine Rock 

After our tour of Sage Ranch (Mitch had to leave early and so left us at Submarine Rock), the nine remaining riders retraced our steps until we came to Rod's special treat for us....The Rappel.  You might recall that last September, Rod brought along some rope on this ride for a rappel down a steep rock face with a wooden ramp at the bottom (some kids apparently RIDE this drop!!).  We left the rope after last autumns descent, and lo and behold, it was still there today.  Lucky us.

David "catching" a bike being lowered with THE rope

Our leader Rod rappels with ease

End of Part I

Part II

Although BrianG decided against the rappel and headed on back to the cars, the remaining 8 of us decided to continue acting like foolish kids and rappel down the slick face.  Dennis was especially thrilled with his rappel.

Dennis at the top, preparing for the rappel.

Whadya mean it's my turn?

Dennis, hanging on for dear life, descends like a pro

David and Jamshyd anchor the bottom....

Would you want these two guys anchoring your bottom?

The Appleman (delicious green ones today) enjoys his rappel

Leaving the rope behind for yet another day, we continued cycling thru the varied terrain.  Rutted trails, slick rock, and wooden bridges provided us with all sorts of challenges.

After descending a section of slick rock, a wooden bridge provides us with passage back to the dirt

Although the end section of the ride had been bulldozed (new housing?), we put in about 12 miles of varied riding conditions to complete the day.   Several of us then went to a delightful spot for refreshments right across from the parking area.....I think it was called The Real Estate Cafe....where we had coffee beverages, sweet rolls, and smoothies while we enjoyed the delightful decor.

Have a good week.

Robco Baggins