Originally Posted by Akak
Oh, man, you're making me miss my roots! I started mountain biking when I lived in Topanga and rode all those trails. I was about 1/4 mile from Dirt Mullholland and all the trails in Topanga State park. Had some great night rides up there as well. I've left SO much blood and sweat in Sullivan Canyon.
Ever ride that long singletrack down near San Juan Capistrano? Can't remember the trail name but it starts with about a 10 mile singletrack climb that has about 20 consecutive tight switchbacks in the first two miles. Fun fun fun.
Waaaa...I miss SoCal (but not the real estate or gas prices!
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The trail you're talking about is simply called "San Juan" and, you're right, it's an awsome trail. It's actually only about 6 miles of singletrack climbing but you gain approximately 3000 feet in elevation over that six miles and it hits you immediately upon entering the trail so it can feel like 10. The backside loop (once you get to "Cocktail Rock") is great too but you have to watch out for the poison oak that lines the trail on both sides.
It's been a couple of months since I've been on San Juan but, based upon the architecture (the drainage sucks) of that particular trail, I'm going to bet that it's in pretty bad shape right now because of the rains.
Where do you live now?