Pamestique 

OK for any of you who would like to try trail riding, here's a good ride for you. It's by no means, only for beginner's - there are some climbs with one that has a 6 - 8% pitch for .8 miles. But it is going to be slow paced, on good trails. The trail is behind Irvine Park, on private IRLR land. Here's the information. If you are interested - send an email to irvineranch@tnc.org and sign up.

Note the ride start is in Irvine Park (Lot 3) parking is $5. To save the parking fee park up in the Albertson's parking lot at Jamboree and Chapman and ride in. Lot 3 is around the left or west side, near the trails.

Bike: Slow-paced Ride in Weir Canyon - Saturday, January 20th; 9:00 a.m.
Ride through historic Weir Canyon, home to rolling hills, extensive oak woodlands, and perennial grasslands. The trail is part of the historic trail route that oxen teams traveled in the 1800's taking cow hides to market in San Juan Capistrano. Weir Canyon is also where duckbilled dinosaur fossils and Native American bedrock mortars were found. This is a slow-paced out-and-back ride over moderate terrain through a lovely riparian area. 7 miles, 16 yrs+, Docent-led.

merider1

Well, Pam, for once I got excited since a very sweet member on here gave me an old mountain bike of hers (not really old either and very, very spiffy). This member is a sweetheart and I'm going to figure out a way to repay her, but in the meantime, I need a beginner's ride. However, I'm doing the brevet this coming Saturday as training for Butterfield. I'd love to join on the next one!

Neccros

I may join this ride

summoner12

Sounds fun. I'll have to see if I can make it.

Pamestique 

ME - I'll keep posting the slow pace rides coming up. Hopefully you can make one.

For anyone else interested, get signed up at irvineranch@tnc.org. You can always cancel. This ride does require reservations (so we know the number of docents needed). I did Weir Canyon 2 weeks ago and it's in awesome shape. The rain really helped. On that ride we saw several deer and a big fat rolly polly bobcat - we thought at first he was a furry log - then he moved.

Again this is a slow pace ride but not beginner easy - this is mountain biking. You need a trail ready bike. There is one long hill you can opt not to do. I can't ride it all and usually walk. The view from the top is worth it. Afterwards - we usually (for anyone who is interested) do the trails/singletrack around Irvine Park. A fun way too end the ride.

Jaguar27

Sounds great Pam, I wouldn't mind doing that ride, my new MTB arrived at the LBS today but I won't have time to pick it up untill friday...where IS Irvine Park? I just moved to Irvine last weekend...

By the way, there's a MTB clinic on Jan 27th at my LBS, if anyone's interested you can find it at laderacyclery.com It's in Ladera Ranch....

Pamestique 

Hopefully if you sign up for the ride (and you should do it today or tomorrow at the latest) you will get directions however, I understand the new office help has a learning curve... so just in case:

Irvine Park is located where Jamboree dead ends passed Santiago Blvd. (basically in Orange Park Acres) If you take Jamboree up towards Chapman/Santiago - just keep going the road will go straight into the park. Once you pay your fee, take the first left and travel around to a large open lot - Lot 3 (I think its the 3 or 4th one around). Try and be there before 9:45 am as you need to get checked ina nd sign a waiver.

Many in order to save the parking fee ($5) park at the Albertson's Shopping Center at Chapman and Santiago and then ride down. If you have a County Pass (which costs $55 for the year and gets you into al the county parks like Chino Hills, Irvine, Santiago Oaks, Aliso Woods, etc.,) then use that to get on.

Note: Rain is predicted. If it sprinkles lightly the ride most lightly will still be on. If we get a good rain Thursday or Friday then the ride is cancelled.

If anyone wants it PM me for my cell.

bajaslider

Hi Pam

This sounds like a great ride! I will definitely be there in spirit and look forward to doing this ride soon.

Pictures are always appreciated, have fun!

Ryan

Pamestique 

Hopefully we will have good weather - I will take photos for you all. Weir Canyon is a lovely ride.

Pamestique 

Just an FYI - as there are only two docents available for Saturday's ride, it has been closed at 8 guests. If you didn't make this one I'll keep posting upcoming rides. If any of you are signed up for this ride let me know so I know and can say hi (or let me know when you show up).


EDITED TO ADD: I am trying to get some more docents to fill in this ride so if you are interested, sign up.


Mark your calendar the next beginner ride is:

2/3/2007 10:00 AM Introductory Family Mountain Bike Ride in Limestone Canyon Limestone Canyon Wilderness Area. Distance is 7 - 9 miles. Slight elevation gain out and downhill back. One challenging hill at the turnaround out at the Sinks to Bolero Springs.

If interested the week of (early please) send an email to irvineranch@tnc.org and sign up. I think we can take up to 20 people on this ride.

There's also the Aqua Chinon to Bolero ride on Feb. 28. This is a strenous - immediate to advance ride.

Note Limestone Canyon will be closed from February 15 - May 15 for Raptor Nesting. The last ride we did (2 weeks ago) the raptors (mostly redtails, red shoulder, Coopers, kites, and vultures) were already very active. We had many nice close encounters!!!! Some too close!!!