San Clemente Single Tracks

Doug was gracious enough to invite me along with him up to San Clemente Single Tracks today. I had never been up there, but it had been on my to do list for the last couple of years, so I was glad to join him for a tour.

After organizing some transportation logistics, I picked Doug up in Fallbrook and we headed for San Clemente. We parked on the side of the road just west of the campground entrance, and after I finally got my equipment settled, were on our way.

It was my first ride since the Oregon trip two weeks ago, and I wondered how I would feel. As it turned out I rode great, and felt strong from start to finish. Maybe the rest served me well.

For two and a half hours Doug led me through the labyrinth that is SCST. Short, steep ups and downs, narrow, weed-lined singletrack and fun, twisty trail was the order of the day. Early on I had some trouble finding the right gear for the steep ups, but as the day wore on I got the hang of it and cleaned all of the makable sections.

My ride leader during a short break:

This place is aptly named. Eight inches was considered wide for this trail:

There were trail maps posted at several junctions, which was neat to see. It was a good thing they were there, too, because I couldn't keep track of all of the names of the trails we did and got disoriented a few times. Doug had been there twice before in the preceding two weeks, so he had a good handle on the route. I would never want to go out there solo without a clear map or a guide though. It wouldn't be dangerous or anything, just confusing, and there's no doubt I would miss stuff if I was on my own.

The trail builders had also built some neat bridges over some of the steeper G-outs and (dry) stream crossings. I did my best to capture Doug riding one fun bridge section in sequence, but was not entirely successful:

Doug then was nice enough to return the favor:

Later I tried to make it under a low hanging branch:

As far as I'm concerned, I made it.

The day was a lot of fun, and I'm glad I finally made it up to ride this trail. The weedpatch scenery was a stark contrast to the lush ferns and cascading waterfalls of Oregon, but enjoyable nonetheless. Thanks to Doug for guiding, and I think I'll make it back up there before too long.

Stats:

Total Distance: 13.99 miles
Total Time: 2:24:03
Elevation gain: 1,689 feet
Elevation loss: 1,681 feet
Average Speed: 5.8 mph
Top Speed: 28.2 mph
Avg HR: 167
Max HR: 197
Bike: Intense Spider XVP

Garmin Training Center Log