[FortOrdMTB]

Heading to the southern part of the central coast Thanksgiving week. I’ve done my research on mtb project and trail forks so I have an idea of where to ride but curious from those who have been there. What say you?

Gaviota Peak is the closest. Is that good riding or is it worth the drive to go elsewhere? (Note: if I’m gone all day I’m in the doghouse.)

 

[EatsDirt]

You might want to check Tequipis. I think it’s the closest good trail, if the SB locals recommendations hold true.

The tech/chunk around front country SB is really fun if that’s your cup o’ tea and still fairly close.

 

[norcalbike]

Just drive to MDO

 

[jmallory]

Just drive to MDO

I would go to Santa Barbara instead of MDO

 

[EatsDirt]

I would go to Santa Barbara instead of MDO

Agreed. Also, if I was going to SLO, MDO would not be at the top of my list.

Different strokes though... if someone wanted to ride easy trails with nice views, MDO does fit the bill.

 

[norcalbike]

I guess if you’re looking for enduro style chunk, then yeah. I was thinking XC for some reason. I do think that the hazards to east boundary loop is one of the best in the area

 

[norcalbike]

Maybe some of the commenters here could help me out. In terms of routes that are east to ride a loop from the car without a shuttle in the area, MDO and Irish in SLO come to mind, as well as Ehlings Park and Jesusita in SB. Are there others that I’m missing?

 

[norcalbike]

Maybe some of the commenters here could help me out. In terms of routes that are east to ride a loop from the car without a shuttle in the area, MDO and Irish in SLO come to mind, as well as Ehlings Park and Jesusita in SB. Are there others that I’m missing?

I guess I could add the quarry in Morro Bay and riding up Poly Canyon to the Eucs and Stenner to that list

 

[EatsDirt]

Maybe some of the commenters here could help me out. In terms of routes that are east to ride a loop from the car without a shuttle in the area, MDO and Irish in SLO come to mind, as well as Ehlings Park and Jesusita in SB. Are there others that I’m missing?

Can you define easy [east]? Terrain or logistics? No out/back?

Disclaimer: I'm no SB expert so maybe someone can elaborate/correct

You can do various loops based on the Romero climb. I like Romero to Cold Spring, but it requires a little (pleasant) road riding to start if you park at the bottom of CS. Not necessarily an easy ride, but it's great IMO.

Romero FR to ST, Romero to San Ysidro, etc. I believe there are numerous shorter loops that connect to the lower parts of these trails among others. Edison trail comes to mind. I'd imagine there are a few loop options around Jesusita/Tunnel but I'm not very familiar with that area.

I believe the backcountry SB trails are now open/rideable after fires, so something like a Santa Cruz trail might be an option.

I'm a big fan of Cuesta loops starting at Stenner.

 

[norcalbike]

Can you define easy [east]? Terrain or logistics? No out/back?

Sorry I meant easy in the sense of - not busting out 3k feet of climbing mostly or all at once, and in terms of technicality, not somewhere that would be unsafe to ride alone in the event of a crash. ie - someone will find you or most features are rollable/not risking life and limb and getting eaten by vultures way the hell out in Los Padres. I definitely wouldn't want to try and ride up and down a trail like Firebreak without a friend or two for that reason.

 

[jmallory]

Sorry I meant easy in the sense of - not busting out 3k feet of climbing mostly or all at once, and in terms of technicality, not somewhere that would be unsafe to ride alone in the event of a crash. ie - someone will find you or most features are rollable/not risking life and limb and getting eaten by vultures way the hell out in Los Padres. I definitely wouldn't want to try and ride up and down a trail like Firebreak without a friend or two for that reason.

Cerro San Luis (Madonna Mtn.) is a fantastic easy loop. You can do multiple trails and loops to get as much elevation as you want. Plus it's right in the middle of town. I'd ride Madonna over Irish Hills everyday of the week. Just be careful on the weekends as hikers will be everywhere

 

[murlsquirl]

Heading to the southern part of the central coast Thanksgiving week. I’ve done my research on mtb project and trail forks so I have an idea of where to ride but curious from those who have been there. What say you?

Gaviota Peak is the closest. Is that good riding or is it worth the drive to go elsewhere? (Note: if I’m gone all day I’m in the doghouse.)

I'm on the base. Shoot me a PM and I'll give you my number...you have tons of options within an hour of the base.

 

[fourarm]

Maybe some of the commenters here could help me out. In terms of routes that are east to ride a loop from the car without a shuttle in the area, MDO and Irish in SLO come to mind, as well as Ehlings Park and Jesusita in SB. Are there others that I’m missing?

I would suggest Camuesa Connector as an option, not as far as driving to SB. Options (Matias or Arroyo Burro) to add on as well if that isn't enough.

 

[Menso]

Listen to murlsquirl - there are a bunch of off the radar options nearby. There's a small Ord-like area in Orcutt if you only have a an hour or two, and if you want chunk Santa Barbara is only an hour drive away. Also about an hour away is the near-back county riding. Camuesa Connector, Matias Trail, and 19 Oaks are riding great right now, as is Santa Cruz Trail if you want to do a more epic ride.

There's also a fun little bike park right in Lompoc.

FYI, Tequipis and West Camino Cielo are closed right now due to the Alisal Fire a few months ago. I live in SB - let me know if you have any questions.

some stravas
Orcutt trails Jumps with the kids - Menso de Jong's 10.0 mi bike ride
Camuesa and 19 Oaks Camuesa with the lazy kids, then some solo ripping - Menso de Jong's 24.1 mi mountain bike ride

 

[EatsDirt]

Listen to murlsquirl -

Also definately listen to Menso. There’s prob very few that have as much trail intel in both SB and SLO...

 

[cassieno]

Camuesa and 19 Oaks Camuesa with the lazy kids, then some solo ripping - Menso de Jong's 24.1 mi mountain bike ride

What's Camuesa like? I have mostly only done shuttles in SB and got tired of that. Looking for loops the next time I head down (Christmas).

 

[murlsquirl]

What's Camuesa like? I have mostly only done shuttles in SB and got tired of that. Looking for loops the next time I head down (Christmas).

Fire road climb that is steep in sections and then a lot of up and down once you get to the top. The downs are great, but the ups in between suck....in my opinion. It's not really my jam.

Arroyo Burro is one of my favorites and right up the road. 2,100ft fire road climb, but the the DH is straight down and it's awesome. If you're up for it, you can climb back up about halfway and hit Matias, which you'll pass going to AB.

 

[cassieno]

Is AB frontside worth it?

 

[murlsquirl]

Is AB frontside worth it?

If by frontside you mean the side that drops you down onto Paradise Rd, hell yes.

 

[OldSchoolMBer]

I'm a big fan of Cuesta loops starting at Stenner.

I know the Stenner area pretty well but haven't lived there in 20 yrs...what are Cuesta loops?