(And occasionally crashes. Here is a picture of Bill's collarbone after the first Amateur Cup race at Big Bear last year.
Trail Report February 1997
This winter's gentle rains have turned dusty local trails into tacky packed down dirt that begs to be ridden!
Sycamore Canyon is in good shape. Lots of water crossings, especially on Wood Canyon trail. The Singletrack (Wood Canyon View Trail) is nicely buffed, thanks to work parties from CVC, CORBA and others. The Guadalasca Trail, expanded last year, provides more options to get to the top of Hell Hill, Overlook Trail, and The Singletrack
Mountain biking in Ireland? No, just Jim Draves on the Guadalasca Trail on a green winter day in Sycamore Canyon near Malibu, CA.
Chesebro Canyon: Chesebro/Palo Comado Canyon is in excellent shape, with minimal rain ruts and super traction. Note that there are areas of mud, but mostly avoidable. Worst section is at Shepherds' Flat. Less water than Sycamore. Try the trail built last year by the CCC from west end of Shepherd's Flat to Palo Comado This trail is very well built and a blast to ride, especially from Palo to Shepherds (mostly downhill). It is not too bad to climb and by far the best way to access Palo Comado. WARNING: The National Park Service is stepping up enforcement of requirements to ride only on fireroads and "designated singletrack" even though this is not marked. Penalty can include fine and bike impound. Be sure to get a map and make sure you are riding on legal trails. Also write the NPS in Agoura Hills and ask them to be more considerate of mountain bikers who are the majority users of Chesebro but get the short end of the stick from the Park Service. Address:
Superintendent Art Eck
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
30401 Agoura Road Suite 100
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
photo by Tina Gerson
Ed and Heidi's Jake rides the Los Robles Trails
The Switchbacks (better known as the Los Robles Trail)
The section of this trial from Ventu Road to the Wendy Walk In at Potrero Road is a good choice after rains as it tends to dry out before other spots. Trails are in generally good shape this year. Look for lots of wildflowers in another month.
If you haven't tried mountain bike riding, Contact Gary Frost at (805) 241-6116.
The Conejo Park and Rec Dept. also sponsors beginner mountain bike classes. We are blessed with some great riding minutes away. Smell the flowers, see red tailed hawks, bob cats, roadrunners, deer - and you don't have to worry about getting t-boned by a drunk driver! Soon to come will be the wildflower season, when Sycamore and sections of the Los Robles Trail are a natural flower garden.