Sunday, November 29th, 2009

MTB: A Short Coe Ride with Three Candies

Three Candies? I’m referring to the three climbs: Lyman Willson, Anza-Jackson, and Serpentine. I envisioned the elevation profile will show three distinct peaks, but it does not. Oh well, those were the three interesting climbs on the ride; hence, three candies.

It was a beautiful day. (Of course, we are in California!) While dropping down Hwy 84, I saw trucks full of mountain bikes coming up. For a moment, I felt silly for foregoing the popular MTB destination — Skeggs, which is only 10 miles from our house — and driving 73 miles to Henry Coe, but I drove on.

It was a short ride because I didn’t get to Hunting Hollow until noon and I promised Erik (on call again) that I would not get too far from the car. I did plan the route to maximize riding on dirt, maximize singletrack, and maximize the ascent/mileage ratio. Well, I tried at least. Here is the route:

Hunting Hollow Road -> L: Lyman Willson -> L: Bowl Trail -> R: Middle Steer Ridge Trail -> L: Steer Ridge Road -> R: Spike Jones Trail -> L: Timm Trail (no sign) -> R: Coit Road -> R: Anza Trail -> R: Jackson Trail -> L: Elderberry Spring Trail -> L: Jackson Road -> R: Wasno Road -> R: Dexter Trail -> L: Grizzly Gulch Trail -> R: Serpentine Trail -> R: Steer Ridge Road -> R: Middle Steer Ridge Trail -> R: Hunting Hollow Road (20.2 miles / 5106′ ascent)

I didn’t make many stops, so there were not many photos from my ride. They are in my gallery.

Bones on Grizzly Gulch Trail by Tulle Pond.

I had the urge to do something.

2 Responses

  1. # Patrick Herlihyon 30 Nov 2009 at 1:58 pm

    That’s a unique route 🙂 If you get the chance, try descending Jackson-Anza. It’s surprisingly fun and gives a completely different appreciation of that trail combo!

    Like I said in the MTBR thread, it’s awesome to see you back on your bike(s). You should never give a thought to driving 73 miles to Henry Coe – it’s worth it!

  2. # mudwormon 30 Nov 2009 at 3:04 pm

    You know, the thought did cross my mind — descending Jackson-Anza. I’ll have to come up with another “unique” route.