We will meet at or NEAR the parking lot across from the Kumeyaay Campground in Mission Trails Regional Park in Santee.
There will be TWO groups - that is why we call this a Beginnermediate ride! We'll both start out at the same time but the beginners will remain on Spring Trail. This trail crosses the grasslands, goes under 52 and then continues north up beautiful Spring Canyon. 90% of the ride is singletrack and the elevation is gradual. This is a PERFECT ride for people just starting out and families. The trail DOES have some rough spots but they are minor and only add to the fun. This is and out and back - we turnaround and then BLAST back (it's a downhill grade going back)! The beginners will meet up with the intermediates at the bottom of 'Slant' for the devo.
The intermediates will be keeping a fairly brisk pace. This is NOT a ride for new riders. The trail gets STEEP in several places and the terrain is truly intermediate. While it is only ten miles, it is a workout and a lot of fun. I ride this once a week before work - what a way to start the day. After we exit the grasslands and go under 52 we take singletrack on the west side of Spring. This is fun and follows the contours, climbing and descending into branch canyons. About two miles in are the rusty barrels - we'll go West from here - climbing up singletrack which towards the end is a lung-buster (save lungs and legs for the fire-road!). At the fireroad we drop down onto Mr. Toads - tight, technical, steep singletrack which drops into Oak Canyon. We go north up Oak and shortly hook a right going East up Bracelet (aka Tractor Tread). Towards the top are the FOUR hardest switchbacks - can you make them (I STILL hate that Agave!). Once again at the fireroad we drop down to 'Slant'. This is some newer steep, technical singletrack dropping us down to an awesome, tight fast canyon run. We'll meet up with the other riders where this trail meets up with Spring.
What to bring:1. Helmet
2. Gloves
3. Water, though not much will be needed
4. Prayer
Directions:
Click here to view the parking lot in Google Maps.
We are parking right across from the Mission Trails Regional Park Kumeyaay Campground on the corner of Father Junipero Serra Trail Road and Bushy Hill Drive. There are MANY ways to access this location - I suggest using Google Maps.
