Mountainbike to Saddleback mountains
Dec 27, 2005
Since the first morning after moving to California, when I saw the saddleback mountains from our backyard, I always wanted to make it to the top. Today was the day!
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The Holy Grail...
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Today's Ride:
Harding Truck Trail - Main Divide - Joplin Trail - Santiago Trail
Total Distance 24 miles.
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Harding Truck Trail. Start elevation 1380 ft at lower left corner of picture.
Top elevation after turning into Main Divide near Modjeska Peak, 5015 ft.
Bike preparation and pep talk by the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary.
This is where the trail starts up to the left.
Here we met up with fellow riders that parked their cars at Cook's Corner, where the beer will be in the afternoon.
Climbing. 25 minutes in to the ride and we can feel the climb.
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First official rest area.
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About halfway up to the saddle
Quick break and altitude check.
A perfect day for a ride.
The temperature had risen to about 65 and OC lay below us.
Panorama of Main Divide Road. View over Lake Elsinore (covered by fog) in one direction and Orange County in the other.
Click link for full size panorama
Stefan at the high point of the trail.
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Hans relaxing and whistling a tune. The marine layer covering the Pacific in the distance.
Everyone gathered. Lenny's legs were not very happy with their master... Most legs were actually rather upset after more than 3600 ft of climbing.
Santiago Peak with a cover of antennas. Mojeska Peak is to the left. Stefan, Keith, Bruce, Brad.
The highest part of the trail, leading up to Santiago peak. Joplin Trail follows the valley to the left of Santiago Peak.
Click link for full size panorama
Taking Joplin Trail down to Old Camp was a very interesting experience. Some books describe it as the most technical ride in Southern California. At least it is the most challenging trail I've biked (and walked) down. Someone called it an hour of controlled sliding...
Half way down Joplin.
... next time I'll make it!
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Ooops, lost my bike.
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Old Camp. Well deserved rest at the end of Joplin.
A good spot to compare experiences and bruises...
Stefan after a close encounter with a rock.
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