Mountain Biking - Moving to SoCal- local mtb routes?

Hi, two-part question here:
I just found out I'll be moving to Laguna Beach soon and wanted to get some info on good mtb riding down there- where to go, what the trails are like, etc.

Also, I have a full suspension 26er Specialized Safire now, but I demo'd a hardtail Specialized Fate 29er yesterday, and that thing was just awesome. Now I'm wondering if I should buy one and take it down there with me. For those of you who ride down there, is a hardtail 29er a good bike to have, or should I just stick with the Safire?

Laguna Beach you say? Ask this dude!

http://vimeo.com/37122608

Nice! I didn't realize Brian Lopes lived there. Those look like some awesome trails.

I think some of those trails are "illegal". Anyways, you will be near El Moro, Laguna coast wilderness, and Aliso/Wood cyn.

http://www.mountainbikebill.com/
www.socaltrailriders.org

Fun Vidmeo, Too Legit, my ring tone! Enjoy that CA sunshine and be sure to pay them taxes, Jerry is hungry!

http://www.mountainbikebill.com/ is an excellent source of information

I have been riding mountain bikes for 30 years in the Pacific NW and Baja California - always on a hardtail. I started doing a lot of fairly serious riding in the San Diego area about 18 months ago. I finally broke down and bought a Trance X2 FS bike six weeks ago. I love the ride and the full suspension is a big help in most of the technical single track I've seen in San Diego.

My hardtail 26 works in a few places in San Diego but in most places I prefer the FS Trance.

check out socaltrailriders.org; the local So Cal Mountain Bike forum and 3fbc.com for local trail information. Several great area right next to Laguna Beach - Laguna Coast Wilderness; El Moro; Aliso Woods; San Clemente singletracks. Alittle farther north - Bommer Canyon; Limestone Canyon; Santa Ana Mountains; Santiago Oaks/Irvine Park; Whiting Ranch, O'Neill/Trabuco/Arroyo/Las Tijeras, etc. And father north I love Chino Hills. Worth the drive up the 57...

Also check out irlandmarks.org for organized rides in Orange County Park/Wilderness areas.


I ride both a hardtail and a full suspension. Both are fine on any of the trails. As you know it just takes different skills. A full suspension bike takes alot of the technical out of a trail. I'm alittle old school and don't get why people want 29ers (unless the rider is over 6' 2") but its all personal choice.

also check out trailangels.com

Well it just depends on if you want the supension or not. The hardtail you will get up the hills a little faster but it wouldnt be as smooth as a FS. I would look at a 29er though. You will be happy with one of them.