Author Topic: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region  (Read 7606 times)

mudworm

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TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« on: May 25, 2008, 07:25:59 PM »
It's a long awaited three-day weekend, so normally we would have taken the opportunity to go somewhere that we otherwise couldn't get to on a regular weekend. However, the weather in the Sierra looks crappy, the traffic in and out of the Bay Area sounds daunting, plus the gas price is rediculous, so a ride near home sounded like a very good idea. And it was Ryan's idea. He proposed a ride that would go through Long Ridge, Skyline, Russian Ridge, Montebello, and Upper Stevens Creek parks -- about 23 miles and precisely 2000'-6000' of climbing.  Derek, Brad, Cory, Erik, and I joined him. (I heard that Jeff F. partied too hard last night to make it.)

We left the parking lot around 10am. It, in my opinion, was the perfect weather for riding. For the most part, Ryan, Erik, and Derek led the way. Erik and Derek would get in a contest from time to time, and sometimes, the contests got so violent that they started elbowing each other while pedaling like mad men. All I could say was, "Be careful, you kids!"  Everyone on the ride was a good downhiller. Often times, when it came to a long downhill section, I would pull aside, let everyone fly by, stare at their fast disappearing behind with envy, and then I would ride at my mudworm's pace through the dust still lingering in the air.  Derek would probably have had gone even faster if he had not crashed after being cheated by a loose rut hidden behind a jump shortly after the start of the ride. Besides the scrapes in his right arm and one knee, His palms were visibly bruised. That had to hurt!  But of course, Derek was not to be deterred by setbacks like this!

After we came down Canyon Trail, Cory decided to split and take Stevens Canyon Road to chill by the reservoir. Was he the smart one! The rest of us suffered the long grinding climb up Table Mountain Trail and Charcoal Road. Ha, think you can always leave me in the dust? Think again!  On this climb, I managed to pass others and snuck up behind Erik making him think it was Derek catching up to him so he must peddle harder. He didn't find out it was me until we were at the top.  ;D

I forgot to turn on my GPS until half way into the ride, so the data is useless. Derek's odometer read 23.92 miles by the end.

Here are some pictures (click for full-size image). For all pictures, please visit the gallery.

Route Map
Derek played with dirt again.
Cory and his new bike.
Guys on bikes look so hot!
Our ride organizer, Ryan. What a nice route he had planned! And we didn't get lost!
Erik is color coordinated.
What is Ryan smiling about?
And Brad is smiling too! Don't they know a climb is waiting around the bend?
Brad enjoying the ride.
Inch by inch, I will get there.

mynameismud

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Re: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2008, 08:08:15 PM »
I was trying to take it easy but Derek kept pushing the pace.  Good fun.  Great weather, great ride. 
Some of my favorite sections:  Peters Creek Tail, the end of Russian Ridge and White Oaks.

Praying for Demo.  Will be a tragedy to loose those old tree's after people fought so hard to save the area.  Looks like a second fight is going on now.

Here's to sweat in your eye

F4?

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Re: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2008, 08:22:24 PM »
Nice ride. Shouldda stopped at Pichettti for some wine and cheese. Then climbed back up Montabello to skyline.

Demo is okay...the fire was more south...hopefully.

Notice how erik is wearing a jersey that matches his helmet?
I'm not worthy.

mynameismud

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Re: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« Reply #3 on: May 26, 2008, 07:32:55 PM »
It ain't how good you look, It's how you look good.
Here's to sweat in your eye

YETITIME

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Re: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« Reply #4 on: May 26, 2008, 07:58:31 PM »
Just wanted to say good times and good fun.  Had a great ride. 

Ryan, thanks for planning the ride and playing tour guide   ;D

Hope to see you all on the trail again soon... :)

mynameismud

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Re: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« Reply #5 on: May 26, 2008, 08:40:09 PM »
Definitely props to Rian for setting up a great tour of Skyline.  I was thinking of bailing but was quite glad I made it.  Had forgotten how fun some of those trails are.
Here's to sweat in your eye

F4?

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Re: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2008, 06:29:59 AM »
Keep hoping about Soquel Demo. Joe confirmed that the fire was around there....
I'm not worthy.

F'ueco

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Re: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« Reply #7 on: May 27, 2008, 09:33:10 AM »
Nice ride. Shouldda stopped at Pichettti for some wine and cheese. Then climbed back up Montabello to skyline.

Demo is okay...the fire was more south...hopefully.

Notice how erik is wearing a jersey that matches his helmet?

 I rode up to Pichetti on Sunday to meet some friends... Man does Montebello suck on a fixed gear bike with a 42-16 gear.  >:D
Live from Boulder, CO...

mynameismud

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Re: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« Reply #8 on: May 27, 2008, 10:23:38 AM »
 Yes, I will stick with my triple, thank you.

We saw a guy at Skegs, with a single speed, doing quite good.  He passed without problems.

Man does Montebello suck on a fixed gear bike with a 42-16 gear.  >:D
Here's to sweat in your eye

squiddo

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Re: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« Reply #9 on: May 27, 2008, 02:41:00 PM »
Fueco.....I rode my Single Speed up Montabello and down Stevens Canyon on Sunday. I swung by to pick up my Picchetti wine....was that your Bianchi fixie I saw in the lot??
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Every climb gets 3 stars from me until I climb it.
-Anonymous spirited climber

F'ueco

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Re: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« Reply #10 on: May 27, 2008, 04:07:20 PM »
Why yes it was...  :)   Small world, eh? And I will try riding the whole hill on that thing at some point...

Depending on when you were there, I was either out hiking or inside trying out some wine.
Live from Boulder, CO...

squiddo

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Re: TR: Mountain Biking South Skyline Region
« Reply #11 on: May 27, 2008, 04:09:04 PM »
Ahh cool. Love that place. Each pick-up I ride in, park, grab my wine (no drinkie for me) and then climb up and ride down Stevens Canyon. 17-31 gearing....phat tires though:-)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Every climb gets 3 stars from me until I climb it.
-Anonymous spirited climber