California Muni Weekend 2019 - Los Angeles

General
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Nov 8-11, 2019

https://www.facebook.com/events/1353753071474501/

California Muni Weekend comes back to LA for 2019! Last minute, but better than skipping it. Lance and I will organize some fun rides over Veteran’s Day weekend, for both advanced and beginner muni riders.

For now, please save the date. More details will be announced soon. What is certain so far is that there will be party at Lance’s place on Saturday, just like last year! Don’t miss it :slight_smile:

In terms of trails, we’ve got enough so that we can do a completely different selection compared to last year. I’m thinking about a day at Chilao, high up in the Angeles National Forest (that’s where the cover photo is from), and one day around Laguna/Aliso Viejo, which we skipped last year. We can also do a Mount Wilson shuttle, but go down the so-called Dark Side (last year, we did Front Side). Also, if there are any trails from last year that you would really like to do again, let me know!

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I might be able to host lunch or dinner at my place if there is a ride in Aliso & Wood Canyons.

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Awesome! PM sent.

I did a bit of recon today and got some great news! The trail we will ride on Friday, Mt Hillyer, can be shuttled! That means we can skip the dirt road climb and get right to business. Also, I realized that the trail has lots of smooth and mellow sections, which makes it suitable for everyone. Of course, some riders will have to walk a few sections, but the speed will be very slow anyway; the area is a huge playground, amazing for sessioning!

The plan is to meet at noon at Chilao Visitor Center.

Then, we will figure out how to carpool to Rosenita Saddle Trailhead and should leave Chilao by 12:30 (is that too early for anyone?? - especially those arriving from far away)

The first trail is Mt Hillyer. After a short uphill, the trail winds through a huge boulder field, which offers plenty of sessioning opportunities. Then, it joins Silver Moccasin Trail at Horse Flats Campground. https://goo.gl/maps/R3RaqFhFiLajHWcw5

Silver Moccasin from that point down to Chilao is quite technical. Less experienced riders have the option to stay with the stronger riders, going all the way down to Chilao, or instead can opt to ride about 1.5 mi on a paved road back to the cars at Rosenita Saddle.

This is pretty much the whole ride:

After the ride, we will drive down the mountains and go for dinner together (TBA, probably somewhere in La Canada or Glendale). Initially, I thought that we could camp up there, but realized that it is not a good option because it will make everything more complicated the next day.

Something to keep in mind: up in the San Gabriel Mountains, there is pretty much no cell coverage. So, if you are late, we won’t receive your message.

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Program overview for now:

Friday afternoon: Chilao---------------

12pm: Chilao Visitor Center

Everyone: Mt Hillyer loop

Dinner in La Canada or Glendale (TBA)

Saturday: Mt Wilson---------------

Advanced: Mt Wilson Trail to Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park


Easy: Mt Wilson Road

Party at Lance’s place

Sunday: Laguna---------------

Advanced: Telonics, Car Wreck, Stair Steps, … (lots of options)
Easy: West Ridge

Chill at the ocean

Monday morning---------------

Casual ride depending on demand

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Details for Saturday:

Another muni weekend in LA, another traditional descent down Mt Wilson. In the past, the descents were actually closer to Mt Lowe (Frontside), but this time, we’re doing our descents from the actual Mt Wilson (Darkside). The terrain is quite different since there are lots of trees on this side of the mountain and it’s mostly shady (hence the name Darkside).

We all meet at 9am at the parking lot of Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park.

First, we organize the shuttles. It’s a bit more complicated since the beginner/advanced rides have different end points. Those who will do the advanced ride will leave their cars at Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park. Then we drive/shuttle to the little parking lot at Henninger Trailhead.

Those who do the easier ride will leave their cars there. Finally, we shuttle everyone to the big Mt Wilson parking lot at Skyline Trailhead.

Advanced riders will do Mt Wilson Trail, which goes from Mt Wilson all the way down to Sierra Madre.

The Mt Wilson Trail is pretty much all downhill (~5000 ft) and there is no sustained climbing. The first half is very technical and the second half is quite smooth and fast. There is a lot of exposure so you always have to be careful. Overall, this ride is less exhausting than the Frontside ride from the last CA muni weekend (not as hot and less climbing).

Less experienced riders will go down Mt Wilson Toll Road. It’s a nice dirt road with lots of history. Closer to the top, there are quite a few rocks lying around from past rockslides. When rocks have only been cleared in a narrow path, it almost feels like single track. Further down, it becomes less rocky and much smoother. Henninger Flats is a nice spot to take a break.

In order to make the Mt Wilson descent possible, we will need shuttle drivers, just like last year. I expect that we are a smaller group this year due to the late announcement, so it should in principle be easier to organize.

If we’re short just a few seats, Uber can easily take care of it. If we need much more support, I can check with the commercial MTB shuttle companies that service Mt Wilson.

After the ride, there will be some time to recover and get fresh again, and then we’ll meet at Lance’s place for a party! The location will be announced at the ride. Regarding the time, I guess we’ll see how long the ride will take and play it by the ear.

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Details for Sunday:

After a day high up in the mountains, and a day going down these very mountains, we’ll officially finish the muni weekend at the best coastal riding spot in SoCal: Laguna.

We’ll meet at 10am at the Aliso Viejo Canyon View Staging Area

There is free street parking, but it can be quite crowded, so please facor in some time to find parking.

Here is an overview of the area with most of the trails:

Everyone will start together, going up Cholla to West Ridge. We’ll follow West Ridge to get to Top of the World. On the way, advanced riders will do Stairsteps as an out-and-back. It’s quite short, but very technical (the name is very appropriate).

At Top of the World, we’ll rest, enjoy the ocean views, and wait until everyone arrives. On the way back, advanced riders will do Car Wreck. This trail has some very fun and extended rock sections. The easy alternative is Mathis. Everyone will regroup in the valley and we’ll take Coyote Run and Wood Canyon back to the cars.

Those who are thirsty for more Laguna gnar will have the chance to do a Telonics shuttle run. It starts at Top of the World:


and ends at this parking lot:

Disclaimer: this is an unsanctioned trail, but it’s one of the most iconic trails of the area - highly recommended.

Great news: Bill Hunker, who lives nearby, has offered to host us for lunch! Huge thanks to him! His address will be announced on site.

We’ll end the day by going to the beach, relaxing, and enjoying the sunset

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Updated program overview:

Friday afternoon: Chilao---------------

12pm: Chilao Visitor Center

Everyone: Mt Hillyer loop

Dinner in La Canada or Glendale (TBA)

Saturday: Mt Wilson---------------

9am: Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park

Advanced: Mt Wilson Trail

Easy: Mt Wilson Road

Party at Lance’s place

Sunday: Laguna---------------

10am: Aliso Viejo Canyon View Staging Area

Everyone: Cholla+West Ridge to Top of the World, then back
Advanced will do Stairsteps and Car Wreck on the way
Bonus shuttle ride: Telonics

Lunch at Bill Hunker’s place
Chill at the ocean

Monday morning---------------

Casual ride depending on demand

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The video is on YouTube:

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