So my gf and I are going to visit her parents in ventura, and we are renting bikes to do some riding out there. I'm from chicago, and have no idea where to ride, but it looks like there are a decent amount of trails according to:
So my questions is, since we have only 3 days to ride, what are the best trails? I don't want to waste my time with something that isn't fun. Any suggestions? Thanks.
I guess to be more descriptive, climbing is ok, nothing too technical though, don't want to drive more than an hour, and probably max length of trail would be 20 miles.
I'm looking for just some good single track that I don't have to be an expert to ride. I'm in decent shape, and would consider myself at an intermediate level of riding.
Los Robles Trail a blast Thousand Oaks
Sycamore Cyn Newbury Park
Wildwood Canyon
All three are incredible with Sycamore be the widest variety
write again if you need details
I agree - these are great choices for the type of riding you describe. Mt. Pinos and Little Pine are more epic than what you seem to want.
I'd probably swap Wildwood Canyon for the Backbone Trail from Kanan to Corral Canyon - that's all singletrack, a bit technical in sections but those are easy to walk, and really nice setting. Just watch out for the poison oak!
And a little bit farther away is the Cheeseboro Canyon area - very popular, lots of different choices for different skill levels. Still only about 45 minutes from Ventura.
1. Sycamore Cyn - can start from Pacific Coast Highway or Newbury Park. Pretty much the same driving distance from Ventura. PCH is the easier option. Newbury Park entrance forces you to climb out of the park on a fairly strenuous incline. Either way, 20 miles is easy to do.
2. Los Robles Trail: start off of Moorpark Rd in Thousand Oaks. It's only about 12-15 miles, depending on whether you add Los Padres Trail, but it's a fun climb followed by a really fun descent.
3. Cheseboro Cyn: park is located in Agoura Hills. Beginner-intermediate technical and cardio. Make sure you take the Sulfur Springs turnoff to hit the singletrack. Plenty of options for 10-20 miles.
1. Sycamore Cyn - can start from Pacific Coast Highway or Newbury Park. Pretty much the same driving distance from Ventura. PCH is the easier option. Newbury Park entrance forces you to climb out of the park on a fairly strenuous incline. Either way, 20 miles is easy to do.
2. Los Robles Trail: start off of Moorpark Rd in Thousand Oaks. It's only about 12-15 miles, depending on whether you add Los Padres Trail, but it's a fun climb followed by a really fun descent.
3. Cheseboro Cyn: park is located in Agoura Hills. Beginner-intermediate technical and cardio. Make sure you take the Sulfur Springs turnoff to hit the singletrack. Plenty of options for 10-20 miles.
Can't argue with any of these, they are all fun. For Cheeseboro, you take the Cheseboro exit off the 101 Freeway, go north for around a mile, and park in the parking lot there. You can go up the trail past Sulphur Springs to Shepherd's Flat and back - there are a couple of fun technical spots you get to try both ways. Or you can do a loop where you go left at Shepherd's Flat over to Palo Comado Canyon, take that to the bottom, then go left over the Modelo trail back to the parking lot. For a first time, that's kinda nice because it's a loop and you see more. You can also do a loop the other way, going right at Shepherd's Flat, then right again at the fire road to do the Baleen Wall trail - more climbing, but nice views over the western San Fernando Valley area and some ripping fire road descents.
I say again Cheseboro ( pronounced cheh-seh-boro but nobody knows that ) because it's kina unique in the dry desert-like conditions and hard to get lost on, and get's it on quick.
My personal fav is the last option you mentioned. Sometimes I'll add Cheseboro Ridge after I make the Baleen Wall descent to Cheseboro Fireroad. Another trail with great views of the valleys on both sides.
zeppman- just let us know if you want/need more detailed instructions.
Actually just returned from CA. We road Rancho del Nido (which was ok) and Gridley/pratt. Had a great time. I'm sure they are not the best trails in the area, but it was my gf's first time out. We had a great time and plan on returning soon. I've taken note of all of your suggestions, and will make sure we try them next time. Thanks!
Actually, the canyon is called Cheeseboro (as in cheese) while the road is Cheseboro Road. Obviously some map-makers mistake that they are not the same, but they are not.
Actually, the canyon is called Cheeseboro (as in cheese) while the road is Cheseboro Road. Obviously some map-makers mistake that they are not the same, but they are not.
Actually, the canyon is called Cheeseboro (as in cheese) while the road is Cheseboro Road. Obviously some map-makers mistake that they are not the same, but they are not.
To further complicate matters, the exit sign on the 101 freeway spells it Chesebro.
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