wanna ride MTBs in Santa Monica this weekend?
Thread started by
richbell at 09.4.09 - 4:17 pm
I wanna go for a ride in the SM mountains on either saturday or monday. Morning probably before it gets too hot. Maybe 1-2 hours, ~10-20 miles? I'm intermediate at best and need more offroad skills......
Or will it be too smoky? I dunno, I wanna just explore the mountains by my house....
I have a few ride routes randomly taken from the net (like from Matt's blog No Whip), but if anyone has better ride ideas or goes out there regularly, I'm lookin for ideas and riding buddies.
I live in Venice but usually ride offroad down in Irvine where I work. Whiting ranch, Laguna beach, etc....
text me:
three one oh - nine nine five - four five eight five
reply
Richbell,
use this site.. its really great.
http://www.geoladders.com/routes.php
If you can cover 20 miles in under 2 hours then youre a pretty good rider.
Id suggest looking up Will Rogers trail (local to you?)...
Other than that... depending on the style of terrain you enjoy, you can just fool around on the fireroads (yawn)...
Singletrack -- Backbone/ Will Rogers. You can venture west/north to Chesebro... If you need help with unedrstanding the Will Rogers track I can help a bit, but its pretty clear once you note when to start looking for Backbone trail.
md209.4.09 - 5:04 pm
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Try Sycamore Canyon up in Ventura County. It's near the ocean with a lot of different types of trails so there shouldn't be too much smoke or heat.
mk4524 responding to a
comment by md2
09.4.09 - 5:25 pm
reply
I'd be totally down with my dirt jumper n full face XXXXL helmet but I have never hit the mountains. So I may slow u down. I'll just ride the streets in the valley to hit H&S bike shop instead. put my 20miles in the streets playing car, LOL!
madmelo09.4.09 - 9:49 pm
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thanks for the tips....I ended up riding to Will Roger's and doing a bit of the backbone trail. Super cool views!
I took about 3 1/2 hours, but ~2 hours of that was riding from Venice to the park. Then I meandered around the park looking for the trailhead. I got as far as that cool bridge after the first climb on backbone, and turned around. Next time, I'll go for more..
Fun trail, not too many hikers....
richbell09.5.09 - 7:10 pm
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yes, that trail is nice. it's even nicer coming from mulholland. i ride a mountain bike, i'd be very sown to do a ride soon
superblueman3 responding to a
comment by richbell
09.5.09 - 9:15 pm
reply
I just so happened to check out the ride calendar and saw your posts....
Im planning on riding Will Rogers early (early!) tomorrow morning... ideally i just want to ride up will rogers and come down it. But im partial to parking at mandeville and sunset, and riding up westridge to mulholland.
If anyone is interested Ill check the site again when i return from dinner.
If not, maybe next time
md2 responding to a
comment by superblueman3
09.5.09 - 9:19 pm
reply
I'm going to ride the valley side this monday, any one want ot roll with us? Perhaps we could meet in the middle of the backbone, the valley side and the west siders?
rev106 responding to a
comment by md2
09.6.09 - 6:29 am
reply
reading this, with all the coffee and wake and bake going on, man i'm getting the itch! packing up for a morning ride at this fabled will rogers place right now, coming from hollywood + procrastination means i'll be there around 10:30~11ish, way last moment but here's my number in case anyone sees and wants to go, three two three four eight one two seven six four, i answer by nate or what's up
natefrogg09.6.09 - 9:31 am
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How do you get from Mandeville to Mulholland/Backbone?
Yesterday, I took 26th/Allenford to Sunset to Will Roger's and next time I'd love to avoid riding on the fast/curvy section of Sunset between Allenford/26th and Evans. It's way scarier on a wide/slow mountain bike than my road bike!
Anyway, I'm busy today and tomorrow, but I think I can ride next Sunday (9/13) morning ~7-8am start?
richbell responding to a
comment by md2
09.6.09 - 9:44 am
reply
Lol I didn't know it was cash only...found an atm and just parked..rolling out in 15 minutes wheeee!
natefrogg09.6.09 - 11:04 am
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This is long... but I finished riding, and Im just relaxing.. if you care read it... and hopefully it helps. easier: just get a geoladders account (as mentioned above) and look for great directions.
Heres my post/directions (now that Sullivan Cyn is closed). I will post pics also from the Geoladder site to help
From Mandeville and Sunset.
This is what I do...
Park at the 1st side street (on your right) as you go up Mandeville. Directly across from your parking spot is Westrigde. Take Westridge all the way up (all the way)... until you hit Madeville Fireroad. Ride the fireroad and all its blah-ness (unless you want to journey on the parallel pieces of Singletrack)...
Ok,... now once you reach the Nike Silo (benches/bathroom)... rest (if you want), FILL UP ON WATER...last chance.
Wrap around the bathrooms (if you go straight you'll basically run into the viewing tower which is cool too if you incorporate it into your short break)... anyhow after you wrap around the bathrooms.. make a left on Mulholland fireroad (cross the metal gate)<---lets call that GATE 1... Stay on Mulholland... if you just follow it, you'll be fine,
Ignore the 2nd metal gate/trial you will see on your left (that led to Sullivan Canyon)... it is the 3rd metal gate that matters. PAY ATTENTION.
This gate is easy (if its your first time, to bypass)... But you should cross it and on to Temescal Fireroad. If you go to your right, then you'll ride the Reseda trail (wrong way)
Now just take that Fireroad all the way to the HUB (there will be a big map and trash can)... another rest point (if you want)... I like to stop here to let air pressure out of my tires, because Backbone is near.
From there the best I can describe is to keep going straight from the path you came from before reaching the hub (dont go right -- you'll end up in Topanga Canyon or somewhere else)..
ONCE YOU REACH THE HUB --- The worst of the ride is over, and the FUN begins.
PAY ATTENTION.
You will continue past the Hub sign, and keep an eye out for a small sign on your left (it will indicate "Backbone Trail"). Take this singletrack trail (BEAUTIFUL -- now youre in your own world)... this will hit an intersection -- continue right.
Just go as fast as you want, there are a few uphill bursts, but its a fun, sometimes rocky singletrack, let the brakes go and just absorb some of those rocks (better than trying to brake all the time--trust me!)
I guess for the most part, once all this singletrack (stay right), the only time you'll make a left is when you pass the bridge... but if you go straight, you'll just hit a bunch of brush... well its almost over...
You get to the bottom... where a bunch of trails meet. Just go left and head back down to WIll Rogers park where you will ride back to sunset and head East back to your car....
During this portion of street riding expect feelings of disappointment and happiness... you want more singletrack... but its over (for now)... you want more time to take in all the beautiful views, to again escape from the city -- just you and the mountain... well and a few other cyclist here and there-- but mostly your alone on Will Rogers-- and its wonderful.
Ill add photos of directions points after... heres a pic of my bike at the Hub (awe, i added a photo... in the spirit of knowing me)... I dont carry a camera really..and the ride is fun, so if youre stopping to take photos on Will Rogers, then youre not riding it right. If youre stopping to take photos before, then youre wasting time...
Have Fun... maybe we'll ride together... but its really hard for me to make riding plans on weekends. I might be interested in an after work ride. Whatever...
Peace.
md2 responding to a
comment by richbell
09.6.09 - 2:12 pm
reply
Temescal Fireroad (making your way to the hub)
**These directions photos are not my photos a la Kuang Lee
md209.6.09 - 2:14 pm
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This is the hub... following the path parallel with the sign (dont go right)
(should have noted on the previous post -- Cross the Gate)
md209.6.09 - 2:15 pm
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Sign for Backbone Trail...
The fun begins.
**again, not my photos** but that should get you home...
peace
md209.6.09 - 2:16 pm
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yeah... i went to the park first, to ride up Will Rogers... but they raised the fee to $12 (CASH)
Im poor, what the fuck am i gonna pay $12 to park for.. why would I have $12 cash on me? There are side streets you can park at.. and then just ride to will rogers parking lot and on and on...
md2 responding to a
comment by natefrogg
09.6.09 - 2:28 pm
reply
yeah that was lame, support the parks though, blah blah, haha, i'll park on a side street next time ;)
the ride you describe above sounds awesome, i just did the loop at will rogers, it was pretty quick but fun and you get going pretty quick, just have to slow it down around people and their kids, all good
it's beautiful up there =)
natefrogg responding to a
comment by md2
09.6.09 - 2:45 pm
reply
to be honest, if by "loop" you meant, you rode up will rogers and back down, then you did the more awesome ride.
But I have feeling you missed the trail... if you ran into kids and such...
Where did you go?
md2 responding to a
comment by natefrogg
09.6.09 - 2:54 pm
reply
i went up the trail that goes by the grassy area and the will rogers house on the left, that dirt hill was so steep! i wound up in my highest gear, the last 1/8 of the hill i just couldn't do it and had to hike up, lol fail
i went up to a spot called inspiration point i think, kicked it there enjoying the view as i sip on some water, i went back down from there and went down a bunch of hills, that is where i saw people slowly hiking up, some kids, one dad was carrying his baby, i could've went much quicker but just wanted to be careful with people hiking up around so many corners
the downhill trail spit me out by the green grassy area again, coming down from the opposite side that i had come up from, packed the bike up in the car and headed off for some bomb tacos =)
natefrogg responding to a
comment by md2
09.6.09 - 8:42 pm
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The Backbone is the shit.
rev106 responding to a
comment by natefrogg
09.7.09 - 7:35 am
reply
the "backbone" trail is a trail that starts directly behind inspiration point (down the hill) and goes miles up into the mountains eventually hitting temescal and then mulhuolland. you only stayed in will rogers state park, inspiration point is pretty much the end of it. once you get on the backbone trail the trails get MUCH thinner and rockier
superblueman3 responding to a
comment by natefrogg
09.7.09 - 12:57 pm
reply
md2 - thanks for the route! I printed it out and I'm doing that next time for sure. I think it means slightly fewer road miles for me.
Nice pics too; what gear to you run?
I'll post up a ride if I can go next sunday (9/13) but I can take a while to get packed and going so I don't really like to make it a set time.....whatevers, maybe we can all just meet on the trail....
richbell09.8.09 - 11:10 am
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I forgot to mention you can bypass riding across sunset to mandeville (if/when you exits will rogers park) if you start on the Paseo Miramar trail to the hub.
That climb is a little more intense (training ride for a lot of local riders)... I can explain more... but are you riding to the trailhead or driving (if you go on 9-13)?
Also I just run a pretty standard 2:1 ratio (32:16). Once the freewheel goes to shit, im going to try to run a (40:20 or 40:18), if I can get a 40t chainring to fit on the mid section of the crank.
Do you ride SS?
Anyhow, if i can ride sunday, ill try to meet up... but i cant commit at this point... too many things come up and MTB rides are usually hard to fit in with all the time needed to get the ride done. But Im up for it...
I have a couple of co-workers that might want to ride this weekend, but one is older so a bit slow... the other is a pretty strong rider... ill post if anything comes of it... youre more than welcome to join.
thanks
md2 responding to a
comment by richbell
09.8.09 - 1:47 pm
reply
The best loop out there is parking at Sunset/Amalfi and ride the sullivan fire road up to Mul, then over to the hub, then take backbone from there down to Will Rogers. Then once out of Will rogers ride a small bit of road back to your car. Nice loop, good mileage, and you get Backbone going the best direction, IMHO
0gravity09.8.09 - 2:21 pm
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Richbell (or others),
Are you still interested in riding on sunday?
Looks like a couple of us are going
Like 0gravity mentioned... Sunset/Amalfi is a good starting point.
Thats where I'll start / meet, plus it gives a little bit of a warmup before hitting Westridge climb (nothing crazy but steep at the end)...
Anyhow...
Im giving Sunday a 3.5 hour time frame from when we jump on the bikes (7 or 8am).
Meet 7or 8am? We're still undecided.
End (at Sunset/ Amalfi) at 10:30/11:30 the latest if all things work out smoothly.
Ill update/comment more, if there is any interest from here.
Let me know
md2 responding to a
comment by richbell
09.9.09 - 3:09 pm
reply
Should have noted
by a couple of us, I meant a couple of my friends... not anyone on the MR site.
md209.9.09 - 3:13 pm
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I can be at Sunset/Amalfi and 7 or 8 this Sunday. Sounds cool.
I prefer earlier because I work at 1 that day, but either would work.
No SS for me - I'm not manly enough!
richbell responding to a
comment by md2
09.10.09 - 9:12 am
reply
we're aiming for 7:30am; to be on our bikes riding.
Another (older) rider will probably start earlier, and then we'll probably catch up. So far I think its only myself and another rider starting at 7:30. About 3 total (4 including you). Should be cool-- the two guys going have either never been on Backbone or only rode it once, so its more or less a first time thing for everyone going.
I have to be done within 3.5hours from starting, which should be plenty of time.
I'll let you know if anything changes, but if not, Ill look forward to riding.
Im the only person riding SS. If you ride fairly regular, you'll be fine. The first climb is the worst, and its not that bad.
Peace
md2 responding to a
comment by richbell
09.10.09 - 4:19 pm
reply
sounds like a plan formulating, i'm going to do everything i can to make it and run into you guys early in the morning, this sounds awesome! =)
natefrogg09.10.09 - 4:41 pm
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hah...
feel free to join... and Im all about MR's rule: no rider left behind
BUT
I follow another overriding rule: My Kid Can Be Left Behind.
I have to pick up the lil terror squad.
**what follows is under the assumption anyone has a hard time keeping up with us...but trust me, we're not that good. The ride is fairly strenuous at times, but what hurts most is the heat... bring a lot of water and some snacks (trust me)***
Brief Idea of the ride plan, semi-just go at your own pace/ do what you want:
Meet, start riding...
I will stop briefly at the end of the Westridge street, just to make sure everyone is cool (if anyone is behind me), if you beat me to it... just continue to the Nike Silo (1st stop for everyone to chill for a minute).
We'll ride together I imagine from there because it is fairly easy. I'll wait again at the Temescal gate just so were on the same path.
From there.. just ride to the hub, for the second stop (pretty much the last one) to regroup. We'll ride to the Backbone entrance, and from there we'll just ride til it ends...
And regroup on last time at the end of the singletrack, so you guys know where to go. But Ill print directions incase...
I tend to wait for people if Im ahead, but I have to stipulate, that I cannot wait if the ride is going too long. I have to be done in a certain amount of time. This does not mean, if you crash, or your bike breaks, I will ditch anyone. Im not an asshole (or that much of one).
If this all seems cool, then lets do it. Im more than happy to meet new/more riders.
So try to make it
md2 responding to a
comment by natefrogg
09.10.09 - 6:23 pm
reply
tomorrow morn...
just watch the Big Adventure at the cemetery... Im sooo motivated to ride my bike now...
7:30am
md209.12.09 - 11:05 pm
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have fun guys! i went to ojai and got destroyed on the gridley trail yesterday, need to take it easy today lest i die, lol
natefrogg09.13.09 - 9:36 am
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i just built my first mountainbike! the only things im worried about are that it has a road derailleur, which has less vertical clearance than a mtb derailleur. does anyone know if this is going to be a problem for these trails?
tortuga_veloce09.13.09 - 11:46 am
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can you measure how high the derailer is from the ground at it's lowest point?
natefrogg responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
09.13.09 - 12:21 pm
reply
I just went to check this out on my bikes and noticed that my mountain derailleur has less ground clearance than my road derailleur when it's on the smallest cog.
You might check Sheldon Brown but I think the main difference in rear derailleurs has to do with the size cassette your using. Mountain cassettes generally have bigger cogs so you need a derailleur with a longer arm. I thought of putting a mountain cassette on my road bike for those long steep climbs but if I did that, I'd have to put on a mountain derailleur with an arm that can handle it.
32 teeth is pretty common for a mountain cassette. The max a Shimano road derailleur can handle is maybe 27 or 28 teeth on the big cog.
mk4524 responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
09.13.09 - 12:39 pm
reply
Hey, kudos for taking on Gridley, you gotta pretty hot to try that one.
mk4524 responding to a
comment by natefrogg
09.13.09 - 12:49 pm
reply
dude the first part of that dirt trail seems impossible to ride up to me! just huge rocks all over the place, carrying your bike hiking up that business, the newcastle i pounded right before the trail helped, jeez just the gridley road alone to get to the trail is a killer...my booty is thoroughly kicked
p.s. i really need to buy a helmet
natefrogg responding to a
comment by mk4524
09.13.09 - 12:57 pm
reply
It's supposed to be a tough ride. I ride with a group in Ventura and on a scale of 5, it's rated as 5 on endurance and 4.5 on technical. Here's their description of the ride:
This is a beautiful out and back ride on 85% singletrack that affords some spectacular views along the way. The ride begins with a fairly technical and difficult climb up a short connector trail. The first half of the main trail is a moderate climb and passes through several avocado groves. The second half of the main trail narrows and steepens a bit with many switchbacks. At the top of the saddle we’ll cutoff onto a fairly short but very steep fireroad that leads to an old fire lookout tower. The views from the top make the climb up worth the effort. Since this is an out and back ride, those who tire can turn back at any time and coast back to the cars.
I admire you for trying.
mk4524 responding to a
comment by natefrogg
09.13.09 - 1:04 pm
reply
As I said, I ride with a Ventura mountain biking group and no one is ever allowed to ride without a helmet and gloves.
mk452409.13.09 - 1:07 pm
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you're right
i'm just getting back into bikes, when i was younger i had this DGAF attitude, now that i'm older i need to ditch that and just cover my ass instead
do you have any recommendations? something that would be alright for trails and the city maybe? i live in los angeles and ride on the street with the cars a lot, but still hit a trail a couple times a month so something dual purpose would be awesome
also, ignorant question probably, but why the glove requirement? i've been working hard getting these callouses on my hands, what advantage do gloves give you?
thanks!!
natefrogg responding to a
comment by mk4524
09.13.09 - 1:52 pm
reply
the derailleur is 7 inches from the ground. i figure that should be fine unless my rear wheel is really digging into the dirt. when are you guys going up again?
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by natefrogg
09.13.09 - 3:41 pm
reply
dont worry about the derailleur. mtbs use long range units on most bikes.... a road der, will have plenty clearance. The issue is road derailleurs do not alow 30+ sized cogs... so your rear cassette will limit the ease of your climbing gears... but cyclocross bikes use the same setup... overall not a problem. Why do you need those gears anyway? (j/k)
dont know when we'll go again as of now.
Richbell knows the route now for the above ride, so if you want to keep the thread going ill update when I know im riding... or maybe just note when you want to ride, and we can try to meet.
If you're just starting MTB... there are some important things to note:
1. Wear a helmet
2. Some may disagree, but I think MTB is a different set of skills than road riding. Its more like BMX, but mainly its own entity. I mainly point this out just to suggest, if you can ride your road bike dope, it doesnt mean those same skills will transfer over... the strength and stamina will... but... anyhow... just ride and have fun
3. Wear a helmet.
4. Bring water (no liquor store in the MT).
5. I think it is very important and even more important that group rides (MR, Road rides).... to makes sure your bike can take a trail beating. Make sure its in order, you have spare equipment, and the like.... you can always hike back to the beginning... but on longer rides... you want to make sure your bike is in good working order (no buses on the trail and you cant call mom or dad to pick you up). Again, just have fun
md2 responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
09.13.09 - 4:12 pm
reply
"do you have any recommendations? something that would be alright for trails and the city maybe? i live in los angeles and ride on the street with the cars a lot, but still hit a trail a couple times a month so something dual purpose would be awesome"
Any will do as long as its a good helmet (helpful?)...
Jenson has some skate/bmx helmets for like $10. Just measure around your head with a measuring tape and youre set. Search through their deals... they have some great stuff on sale.
Lots of coverage and ventilation is good.
City use... you see all types of stuff... no need for anything light and race orientated. Some of the best helmets (safety) are the least expensive. Once you get into ventilation/ light weight and such they try to take your money. No need for a full face helmet... thats about it
it would have been cool if you rode today... next time... but I would have encouraged you NOT to ride the single track w/o a helmet... plus you would get a number of riders talking shit (all we need is a head cracked open on Backbone from not wearing a helmet)..
md2 responding to a
comment by natefrogg
09.13.09 - 4:51 pm
reply
I wear gloves because your hands are sitting out there exposed a lot and it just gives a little more protection, especially when you crash. I wear the same helmet for both road and trail. I've cracked two helmets on the trail so I've gotten religion on that one. It's either I crack my head or my helmet. The helmet is cheaper. On the trail, it's not a question of whether or not you're going to crash, it's really a question of when you crash.
Tortuga, I don't think I've ever had a problem with ground clearance on my derailleur. When you get down to it, even your pedal gets in the way. I've hit rocks with my pedals a few times. I went with cleats because when I wore toe clips but didn't want to be clipped in, the clips would catch on something.
mk4524 responding to a
comment by natefrogg
09.13.09 - 6:56 pm
reply
sounds awesome. i'm going to get a $10 bell skate helmet so i don't fuck up my nice one. im also bringing a sandwich, an extra tube, pump, levers and wrench. do you recommend anything else?
for safety, ive heard having a camelback water bag will actually protect your spine. it will also hold about a gallon and a half of water, and i recommend them to everyone.
im free fridays and saturdays. not looking to do anything to technical my first time out, but i'll be checking this thread. hope to see you all soon!
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by mk4524
09.13.09 - 7:18 pm
reply
I don't know about the Camelbak as impact protection, it's just a small backpack with a plastic bag in it....plus you'll more likely hit your shins, knees, elbows, forearms, etc. They have pads for those; SixSixOne or Fox if you wanna go fancy, or big five soccer shin guards and volleyball pads if you wanna look like a knucklehead.
Anyway, my girlfriend is a novice as well (ridden MTB twice ever, but daily on the road) andI think most of the trail we did yesterday would be doable for her. Maybe next ride can be an easy/beginner ride? Stick to the fire roads, try some easy climbs and singletrack? It's all fun anyway.
Speaking of which - big thanks to MD2 - your route was awesome! I had so much fun. I'm pumped to do it again anytime!
oh, except for this coming saturday (9/19) because of this:
http://www.socalcross.org/calendar/flyers/RaceFlyerSCPS1CXC.jpg
It'll be my first cross race, anyone wanna come? Mountain bikes are totally welcome, and I think they have loaner bikes.
richbell responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
09.14.09 - 9:54 am
reply
roger that
not if, but when.....lol, that's what i would tell people about skateboarding and crashing ;)
i'm just going to get one of those cheap skateboard style bell helmets then, sounds like it would be just fine
the glove thing i'm kinda' meh about, do you guys truly not allow people to ride with your group if they don't have gloves? the helmet makes sense, the glove bit seems super nit picky, i guess i'm just prideful of my callouses that i've worked so hard on getting hehe
natefrogg responding to a
comment by mk4524
09.14.09 - 9:55 am
reply
i dont think i read about anyone turning away a rider over gloves.
I wear gloves because it gets hot out there and your hands will sweat.... can make trying to grip your bars a hassle-- constantly whipping your hands on your clothes or something.
The Bell helmet is enough.
In my mind almost every singletrack in Los Angeles is doable even if you havent ridden much (not counting DH routes). You can take most trails as slow and safely as you desire. In time you'll develop better skills.... but if you can handle a couple hours in the saddle going uphill and such... then the rest is easy.
Obviously this all depends on how much you want to explore. So guys are out there riding 50+ miles...
If you're like most, a little 10 mile route every now and then is no biggie, but can be tremendous fun.
md2 responding to a
comment by natefrogg
09.14.09 - 10:11 am
reply
mk4524 said it, here's a quote "As I said, I ride with a Ventura mountain biking group and no one is ever allowed to ride without a helmet and gloves."
the sweat is annoying, but it seems kind of crazy from my n00b perspective to not allow someone to ride with you due to no gloves.
helmet makes logical sense in my brain, but the gloves are like wtf?!?
natefrogg responding to a
comment by md2
09.14.09 - 10:27 am
reply
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