Something different for this month as we head southwest to Turnbull Canyon. Our route will take us over to Powder Canyon utilizing the Schabarum Skyline trail.
We will start and finish at Peck Road Water Conservation Park to give us a gentle bike path warm up before the frankly rude climb up Nike Hill - try to go faster than all the hikers, runners and power walkers who use this as a great workout challenge. This climb is also alongside the Police Academy gun ranges, so the saying "its not a gravel ride until you hear gunshots" will no doubt hold true :)
Once we get to the Nike missile site at the top, the crowds will have dispersed and the views are spectacular and worth the effort, San Gabriels to the north, DTLA to the west, the OC to the south. Moving on and after what feels like a gazillion random switchbacks, some loamy horse trail and dirt paths we will reach Turnbull Canyon. From here we will continue over the road and on to more dirt fire road, mostly rolling with some steep pitches. A couple of sections of sweet singletrack interspersed with tunnels to avoid the main roads will keep us on our toes (care - check before entering tunnels, if access is dubious - cross street, head light recommended for these short sections).
At the SAG (17.5miles) our short route riders will start the return, with longer riders continuing along the Schabarum Trail to the descent down through Powder Canyon to Peter F. Schabarum Regional County Park which marks the furthest point on the long ride. From here we will start heading back along the Purple Sage Trail and Skyline and a short section of the Shabarum trail before returning to the sag.
A short 2 mile road section beffore we return back on the dirt to Turnbull Canyon and long descent down Rattlesnake Ridge for a fast flowing ridgetop rollercoaster. We will then descend through the neighborhood for to Workman Mill Road and the return along the bike path to the finish where lunch will await.
This ride is gravel bike focused:
Dirt: 19miles, primarily graded access road/double track/fire road; singletrack - short sections only; climbs and descents - some steep sections, some rocky sections. Take care where trail uses tunnels and crosses streets.
Balance is asphalt, which includes 10miles of bike path.
(Routes updated 11/6/2023)
Long: 43miles, 4.5k climbing
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44821272
(note - route updated 11/29/2023)
Short: 38miles, 3.6k climbing
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44920431
(note - route updated 11/29/2023)
Start/Finish: Peck Road Water Conservation Park, 5401 Peck Rd, Arcadia, CA 91006
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VZPDPB11g74VeHUk7
SAG - Punta Del Este Dr and Skyline Trail @ 17.5m and 22.5m.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Rz9zBHzEJMWHNo38
Rolling time:
Long route, endurance pace - 7:30am (Ride Leader - Z)
Long route - faster riders - 8am (Ride Leader - Cy)
Short route - 8am (Ride Leader - Evy)
Ride Organizer: Nick Humby
We encourage our CSDR riders to tackle these rides using the "buddy system", ie try to ride in a group of no less than two with no one left behind. This means if someone has a problem there is help on hand should it be needed, and besides its more sociable that way too.
This ride is not weather proof. If it rains in the week before the event we may change the route or cancel, please watch for email should this occur.
Things To Remember:
- All riders should be prepared to do minor repairs on the trail (e.g., fix a flat)
- Due to the challenging nature of most club supported rides, groups will invariably form and split up en route depending on riders levels of fitness, training goals, etc.
- For your safety, a helmet is mandatory on PAA rides. Pads are optional. This ride is not particularly rocky or exposed compared to many socal MTB areas, but trail hazards still exist.
- Check the forum and event page before the ride, in case of inclement weather which may result in a change of the route or cancellation of the event.
- Guests are welcome, but must also RSVP (guest ticket), sign a ride waiver, and make a $20 donation.
- PAA welcomes E-bike riders on the club supported dirt rides, however not all trails allow e-bike access. It is the responsibility of the rider to determine and comply with any access restrictions that may be in force.