schnauzers.ws

Trying to make the most out of my travel schedule, I managed to sneak a couple of days in San Diego, with my friend Chip. He showed me a couple of his local trails.  Once again, all I have available in CA is my rigid SS.  I don’t know why I psych myself out for failure.  Every time I ride this thing, I am reminded of the simple fun it brings and how it forces me to be just a little stronger.

We did our day one ride at Sycamore Canyon.  He promised there would only be a “little” climbing.  Yeah, right!

Dirt road?  Huh?  Where’s the goods?

“It’s coming”, says Chippy.

After half a climb out of the saddle, which equals a rude morning wake-up, we arrive!

Though I didn’t take pictures of the “bumpy” part, suspension might have been a pain reducer.

Chip and his friends were a great group to ride with.  If I had just two less rear cog teeth, I would have been able to keep up on the DH.  Still, I’d rather have a less painful climb.

I think we did about 18 miles.  I could have gone another round, but the heat was starting to turn up.

Day 2 of riding featured another local trail system, Mission Trails.  This is a very popular systems as evident by the hoards of cars in the parking lot.  Surprisingly, the trail system is large enough to spread out the crowds and provide a ton of fun on expertly built trails.  I’ve ridden quite a few areas in California, and this was the first trail system that seemed to use proper trail construction.  It showed in well contoured and sustainable singletrack.

We start with a very relaxed and well graded climb to the top of the canyon.  These trails were made for a singlespeed.

The the trails are two way, it was clear that some were designed for up and others down.  Mr. Toad was clearly a rumbling downhill, while the Grassy Knoll, a great cruise to the top.

We started early in the morning, but it was a hot day.  Temps were approaching 90 by 10:30.  But, this was just too much fun!