There are many cycling stories that closely resemble the hyperbolation* process of fish stories. What started as a two foot drop can easily become five or six in a very short period of time. There are other stories though that can not be expressed by words. No matter how hard you try, the dramatic affect of the experience is lost in translation. The 20lb salmon appears as a minnow to anyone outside. Today was one of those days where my description will not do justice.

Spending the night in Valencia CA meant that for the first time we did not have a long drive before a day of riding. At 8:00am we met up with Ron Koch and Waylen of Bicycling and Mountain Bike Magazines. From here we drove out to the next valley over and rode an awesome technical, rocky singletrack trail called Butterfly. There were some rocky climbs, some fast descents and some spectacular views. This trail is definitely worth riding.

This first ride with the Mountain Bike crew was enough to please even the pickiest of riders. We are spoiled though. Upon completing our ride and heading out for some burritos, I gave Richard Cunningham a quick call at Mountain Bike Action. Richard had lined up what he described as an ‘epic shuttle ride’. Driving a little more than an hour out of town and up a winding road to an elevation of more than 4000ft we dropped into one of the best trails I have ever ridden. with about 3000ft of descending, taking over an hour to complete, it is an understatement saying that we were all smiling from ear to ear the whole way down. Riding here was rocky, fast, hardpacked and loaded with switchbacks. If this is what California has to offer. We will be back. . .  We will be back soon.

Before we start planning our next trip though, two more days await, who knows what they will have to offer?

until tomorrow,

Dustan