San Juan Trail
Strong Intermediate and Advanced Riders
Peak elevation 3,200 feet. It will be cold and we might get a little rain. Mike Maio will ride rain or shine. If we get rain I'll be the guy wearing a garbage bag.
For VERY strong climbers, you will be going up the trail. The rest of us will be shuttling. Even with the shuttle, this is NOT for downhillers, there is still a lot of climbing.
Many of you guys have been itching for a nice shuttle ride and others a good hard climb, the San Juan trail is one the best in Southern California. Located in Southern Orange County in national forest land, we'll meet at the lower trailhead and shuttle up to the campground for some awesome XC, All-Mountain fun. For those of you who want to climb, another group will be climbing from the trailhead, both groups will meet at Lunch Rock. The climb is long, arduous and only for the true XC hardcore climber.
For the people shuttling, part of the ride has some climbing and the downhill sections are not rough, therefore DH bikes are NOT recommended. An 'all-mountain' bike would be perfect. The trail is fast, steep and loose in some sections next to open cliffs. Total ride from the top is roughly 11-12 miles with maybe a couple hundred feet of combined climbing and 2,700' of decent.
NOTE: THIS TRAIL IS DANGEROUS WITH STEEP DROP-OFFS TO THE SIDES and HAS NARROW SWITCHBACKS. PLEASE ONLY STRONG INTERMEDIATES AND ADVANCED RIDERS.
Check some pics from a previous ride.
What to bring:
• Helmet – No helmet, no ride.
• Gloves.
• Shin and elbow guards are a good idea.
• Water.
• Food.
• Prepped Bike. Lube the chain and check your tires
• Prayer
Directions to San Juan:
Drive south on I 5, exit on Ortega Highway (74). Travel east about 12.5 miles. Turn left on the dirt road just before the Ranger station. The Trailhead will be on your right in about one mile. Parking is near the grove of trees, look for the RockMTB banner.
Carpool – Aero and 15, McDonalds Parking lot leave at 7:30 / Try to call or email if you plan on car pooling
