So Cal Group Rides

For The Ride - The Local Ride

"Hey, wanna ride this Saturday?"  For many, the Saturday morning ride is something to look forward to all week - while passing time at work or school.  For others, it is a chance to measure their skills against the strengths and technical skills of the For The Ride professional tour guides.

For those living in, or visiting, the Southern California area, this is a great chance to enjoy some of our favorite rides, learn new trails, and meet the For The Ride guides.  

Don't worry about the pace, we will break into multiple groups with faster riders taking longer routes and shorter less technical routes for others.   For those new to mountain biking, this is a great opportunity to connect with other riders and learn the trails in the area.

These are free group rides.  Our way of giving back and, more importantly, getting a fun group together for a unique ride experience.

The Next Ride:

Details to come . . .

If you have any questions or want to get in on a ride:

Ride History:

August 30, 2008 - Old Trabuco - Tijeras Creek

This ride will take us from the foothills and trails of Trabuco Canyon down Tijeras Creek through amazing old oak forests, before looping back on Belle View Trail.   With relatively short climbs, fun singletrack, and great terrain with natural beauty, this is a great ride for a wide range of riding abilities – don’t worry, you won’t get left behind.   Faster riders will take optional longer loops, including past the old swimming pool, Vista trail, and the east Coto ridge while slower riders cruise on singletrack and gentle grades before heading to Tijeras Creek.

The Details:  The meeting time is 8:00 a.m. in Rancho Santa Margarita at the end of Antonio Parkway.  Bring your bike, helmet, two water bottles or a Camelbak, maybe a friend or two, and be ready to ride.  Come early if you need chain lube or air in your tires.  Our guides will assist with trail side repairs and are also certified in first aid, just in case you get in over your head! Estimated ride length 2-3 hours; 12 - 25 miles.

Directions:   The ride starts in south Orange County.  Depending on where you are coming from, you can take the 241 toll road to Antonio Parkway, turning left on Antonio and going approximately one mile to the end.  Parking is available on both sides of Antonio along the city park.  Alternatively, to avoid the tolls, take the Chapman exit off the 55 freeway, go east toward Saddleback mountain, past Jamboree road where Chapmen becomes Santiago Canyon Road (Santiago Road is also an exit off of the 241 toll road).  Santiago Canyon Road is a great old Orange County road with few lights that eventually turns into El Toro Road.  After going through the canyon, turn left on Live Oak Canyon road (Cooks Corner), drive approximately 4 miles, past the entrance to O’neil Regional Park, up the corkscrew, and follow the road around to the right (this will all make sense when you get there).   Turn right on Santa Margarita Parkway, turn right on Antonio, and park at the end along the city park.  There is plenty of free parking, the tolls are approximately $2.75 - bring some spare change.  Print Map.

At exactly three hours and just under 20 miles of singletrack, rolling fireroads, creek crossings, and even a jungle-like canopy, we had another great ride!  We owe a big thanks to Trek Racing pro Mike Lee for helping lead the "fun group" on a two hour scenic ride down Tijeras Creek.  We look forward to seeing you all again on the trail again soon.

July 19, 2008 - The Orange Coast Local Ride

Summertime is a great time to head to the coast for spectacular views, ocean breezes, challenging singletrack, and plenty of rolling fire roads.  Starting at the top of Newport Coast we traverse the El Moro ridgeline, dropping into the canyons and exploring multiple wilderness preserves (aka mountain bike parks).  This is always a group favorite!   Stronger riders will have the option of climbing to the Top of the World, and learning some great ways to connect the trails in these areas.  Others will take a shorter route, exploring the more gradual terrain and fun singletrack in the canyons leading to the coast.  Even if you have ridden these areas for years, you are sure to experience something new on this ride.  

The Details: The meeting time is 8:00 a.m. at the top of Newport Coast at the end of Ridge Park Road.  Bring your bike, helmet, two water bottles or a Camelbak, maybe a friend or two, and be ready to ride.  Come early if you need chain lube or air in your tires.  Our guides will assist with trail side repairs and are also certified in first aid if you get in over your head!   Estimated ride length 2-3 hours; 12 - 25 miles.

Directions: Take the 405 south or 55 south to the 73 south (toll road), exit Newport Coast Drive and turning right and going up the hill. Near the top of the hill, at the shopping center, turn left on Ridge Park Road and continue to the end just past E. Coastal Peak.   There is plenty of free parking, the toll is approximately $1.25 - bring some spare change.  Print Map.

Thanks to all who came out for the ride.   We look forward to seeing you all again on the trail soon.