Southern California - Fullerton loop on a cyclocross bike

Has anyone done it? Is it possible? I've only ridden it once, and I was by myself and totally lost, so I can't really judge it.

Has anyone done it? Is it possible? I've only ridden it once, and I was by myself and totally lost, so I can't really judge it.

Its totally possible on a cyclecross bike... Ive done the loop for a few years(Not on a cross though!) But I have seen a few guys haul butt on the loop on a cross bike...

Yeah the loop is tricky.... there are different shortcuts as well as extra credit sections you can take.

I've actually seen it done on a road bike!!! Wonders never cease. I think the Loop is perfect for a cross bike. There are lots of paved sections and the trails are generally hard packed, not loose or soft. I mean can't you ride cross anywhere a mountain bike can go???

I mean can't you ride cross anything a mountain bike can go???

To a point... id say you can do anything a XC bike can but not ride a DH course on a cross bike!!! It does have its limits!!

Fullerton Loop is totally doable on a cross bike. I had a friend who rode with me on his cyclocross fixie and he had a blast on that trail.

I wanna ride the loop again!! I haven't ridden there since I moved back to HB last June

I'd totally ride with you Brian, but I'm on crutches for 3 weeks :( I miss riding the loop too!

I'd totally ride with you Brian, but I'm on crutches for 3 weeks :( I miss riding the loop too!

Damn! What ya do??? :(

Yup. I rode it with a bunch of folks who were training for cyclocross racing last year.

I'd *love* to have a CX bike.

Had a lovely knee surgery yesterday- repaired a tear in the medial meniscus and then a bunch of other stuff that probably wouldn't interest you :)

First time I went . . . . I got lost.


Second time I went . . . . I got leg cramps.

Third time . . . . I don't want to know what's going to happen :D

Had a lovely knee surgery yesterday- repaired a tear in the medial meniscus and then a bunch of other stuff that probably wouldn't interest you :)


Female stuff?? heheh ;)

Anybody have a Google Maps link for this loop? I just got a CX bike and i need to find somewhere nice to try it out other than commuting with it... :D

Yep, and in fact I'd say it is one of the best local trails for a CX. I sold mine years ago but did it quite a few times on mine and it was great, far more enjoyable then Whiting or Aliso.

As for a map or routeslip, I used to have one that showed the main loop (but not all the small options and side-trails). I'll see if I can dig it up.

Here's a link to a non Google map, but there's usually someone on the trail you can follow.

Fullerton Loop Map (http://www.socalmtb.com/socal/trails/maps/fullert1.htm)

go here and click on page 2 and there is a photo sequence of the loop you can study and see if you can piece it together...

http://www.3fbc.com/gallery/index.cfm

I've actually seen it done on a road bike!!! Wonders never cease.You probably saw Chris (bitingduck)......:D

If one were to do this on a road bike with beefier tires, would one be better off putting on MTB pedals for this ride?

go here and click on page 2 and there is a photo sequence of the loop you can study and see if you can piece it together...

http://www.3fbc.com/gallery/index.cfm

That photo sequence does a pretty good job of showing the main route. None of the numerous little side routes are shown, but if you were to go on a weekend morning you should easily be able to follow other riders and learn the little details.

I did the trail for many years without knowing the entire thing simply because I never followed anyone that knew the route in detail. I just went out by myself on a busy weekend and followed someone whenever I lost site of the trail. Between the topo map and these pics, you should be fine.

Found the routeslips:

http://www.routeslip.com/routes/6518

http://www.routeslip.com/routes/12680

:D

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n207/chimivee/th_MVI_1186.jpg (http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n207/chimivee/?action=view&current=MVI_1186.flv)

^^^

That's it, i'm going out there next weekend alone if i have to... I think my CX bike is getting tired of commuter duty. :lol:

^^^

That's it, i'm going out there next weekend alone if i have to... I think my CX bike is getting tired of commuter duty. :lol: Cool! Couple things about the Fullerton Loop (that you may already know)...

It's not a particularly spectacular ride, by any means. What makes it popular is that it's smack in the middle of suburban Fullerton, so for many it's easily accessible. It's got a variety of terrain, but overall is fairly tame, when compared to "real" MTB trails, so it gets riders of all levers (and CX-ers). Not that it's bad... It's a lot of fun.

Also, as others have mentioned, the route is not easy (impossible?) to follow if you've never done it. I suppose, you might figure it out with a route slip, but there is no signage indicating that you are on the "Fullerton Loop," since technically there is not such trail. It's a series of trails, with an occassional bit of road connecting them. It took my dumb ass a couple of times with someone who knew the route, before I got it down. :o

If you end up going this weekend, post here, and you'll probably get some takers! :D

There are groups that usually ride the Loop Tuesday and Thursday night. I think they meet and leave at 6starting at the Courthouse back parking lot (I think the street bane is Berkely - like the college? I know that's not spelled right). If you are unsure, try meeting up with one of the groups (all riders are welcome) and follow them around the course.

There are groups that usually ride the Loop Tuesday and Thursday night. I think they meet and leave at 6starting at the Courthouse back parking lot (I think the street bane is Berkely - like the college? I know that's not spelled right). If you are unsure, try meeting up with one of the groups (all riders are welcome) and follow them around the course.

I can vouch for the Thursday night crowd Pam as I am out there at that time, though I don't ride with 'the group'. The street is Berkeley, just off Harbor and yep, most everyone parks in the parking lot of the courthouse as that is also the start of the trail.

I usually start riding at about 5:30 and at that time, there are already people returning from their ride so it should be easy for the OP to follow someone.

BTW: I saw two CX riders out this past Thursday.

Well I'm probably going to start riding it on Tuesday nights with my group so if you ever want a slow cruisey ride (did I say slow... I mean slllooooowwwwww) to check out the course you are welcome to join us. Right now we are all recovering from some surgery or injury or something. Not certain if I can do the entire Loop right now - may not do the Golfcourse.

HRC - is the golf course all muddy and messed up still? I haven't ridden it since last year.

is the golf course all muddy and messed up still? I haven't ridden it since last year.
Nope, dry.