Mountain Biking - Trails in Bay Area

Hello. I have a co-worker who is new to the area. He is in to MTB, and leaves around san Jose Area. Any MTB trails for beginners/intermediate riders. I am not really sure his skill level. He asked me if I knew any trails, but I am a roadie. :)
I don't think he knows his way around the area yet, so please be specific with trail descriptions.

Thanks.

Assuming your friend has a car with a bike rack, there are some sweet trails up in the Marin Headlands, and a little closer to you would be the Midpenninsula Open Space Preserves, featuring some very nice trails through very scenic terrain. All skill levels I guess. It's only the tip of the iceburg really, there are whole books about mountain biking in the bay area, but here is a starter:

http://www.gatetrails.com/

Any MTB trails for beginners/intermediate riders. I am not really sure his skill level. He asked me if I knew any trails, but I am a roadie. :)
I don't think he knows his way around the area yet, so please be specific with trail descriptions.Thanks.

There a couple of good areas for beg/intermediate riders on 35 (skyline). My first suggestion would be Saratoga Gap on 9 and 35. The trails is a mix of fireroads and singletrack. It's not too technical and you can tailor to your fitness level, ie, you can do the ride without much climbing.

Another suggestion is Russian Ridge...it's located on Skyline right across from Page Mill. Good trails for intermidiate riders. Nothing too technical...

Santa Cruz.

I lived in SJ for awhile but don't now so can't be that specific on what trails are open for bikes etc. but have your friend check out Almaden Quicksilver Park it's out at the south end of Almaden Expressway...I think it has a website for more exact directions. Also not far from there is Santa Teresa Hills... not far from the junction of Hiway 101 and Hiway 85...this may be also on the site for quicksilver. Those are a couple in San Jose but some of the other suggestions such as Page Mill and up around Palo Alto are probably nicer in part because you're out of the pit they call the Santa Clara Valley.:rolleyes: There's a few ok bike paths in SJ too though, ones that are not along the road but dedicated just for bikes, (and runners etc too) One runs from Campbell and then through Los Gatos and on to Lexington Resevoir and another is over near 101 and runs along Coyote Creek...I think it goes all the way down to Morgan Hill or maybe even Gilroy. 9These last 2 aren't trails but as I mentioned bike paths.)

look under trail reviews
http://www.mtbr.com/

Your friend could ride up Montebello Rd. (paved), go through the gate onto the unpaced section, hang a left a Black Mountain and head over to the Stevens Canyon Trail, and then continue on Stevens Canyon Rd. (by turning left) to return to his starting point.

http://www.ogrehut.com

Skegg's point, el corte de madera open space preserve.

http://www.openspace.org/preserves/maps/el_corte_de_madera_creek_map.pdf

Thanks everyone. I'll pass it along.