I’m from East of LA. San Gabriel Valley. A town called Duarte, or Durock if you’re a gangbanger. I am not, but I do know how to throw signs up. I spent twenty years in the area and yet I don’t feel much attachment to the area. Things change every couple of years, and for the most part, the area I once knew no longer exists. Many businesses that were a part of my growing up have since closed, but the haze still lingers.
So that’s a bit of a downer way to start a post right? Is there anything good to say about the trip south? The title of this post makes it seem like it.
Well here we go then.
Riding in Southern California is different than riding in Oregon. While we are known for our wet roots, my experiences down south usually involve poison oak, sharp rocks, haze, and yet some pleasant flowy trails. The options for riding seem to be less, but the quality is still pretty good. We’re not talking Oakridge here, but I’ll take what I can get.
Santa Monica Mountains. When we arrived at the trailhead, the area was socked in with fog. At the top of the trail it had finally started to lift.
Most of the trails I’ve ridden in this area are out-and-backs, and this one was no exception. Luckily it was up up up and then down down down. I didn’t bring the Kona with me on this trip and opted to give a geared bike a try. This was a Niner-something that was a blast to ride. I might have to add a geared bike to the stable…
A trip home is never over until we make it to East LA. My friend Dave is living in the house his grandparents bought in the fifties. He’s doing all the repairs by himself, living the dream.
The Fourth of July in El Sereno is amazing. Professional fireworks are cool and all, but watching a two hour illegal fireworks war from the roof of Dave’s house was better than anything I’ve ever seen.
The next morning, after waking up in El Sereno we headed back toward the hotel. I was getting picked up by my brother-in-law for one last day of mountain biking for the trip.
Marshall Canyon near La Verne. This trail is shared by runners and horses. On a holiday this trail is extremely busy, and this one was no exception. Another out and back with some nice little kickers all the way down. Again on the Niner, which has no problems boosting over logs and spending a few seconds in the air. Good stuff.
It’s always nice to experience riding in different areas. It’s also nice to get back to local trails, and as of this posting I’m headed out in two days. Preferably somewhere a little cooler than Portland. Damn it’s hot.