All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

What’s a good time of year to ride there? I’m not much for hot weather and I still remember my Mom telling me about a trip she took through Winnemucca in winter when it was WAY below zero.

 

Big movement around here in reducing group size and/or rides all-together. Seems to be alot of toxicity and divisiveness whether to ride or not. What's everyones thoughts?

 

I’m planning to keep riding solo. Just make sure someone knows where your going and making sure you have all your tools etc. I’ll probably bring a couple beers too.

 

Ride solo or with a small group, ride at non peak hours. Me personally I wont be going out as much - i'll do short road rides and trainer rides and sprinkle in a mtb ride if the trails stay open.

 

we can't get away from rain, so can't ride anyways...but I'd ride with no more than 1 other person and maintain distance even when stopped and chatting. this stuff won't slow down if people aren't smart about it...

 

Like now, in the sun its 60 degrees and low of 40 in the daytime, just dress accordingly

 

Been practicing trials skills and wheelies in the park. Trails are just starting to open up after a big snow dump (18"), but I'm not sure they'll stay open long. Sheriff was talking about how trail heads are mobbed with people, parking lots too. People not respecting the 6-10' rule.
I'll probably get in a solo, or with the wife, ride in the early hours when possible. Be super prepared, no-risk riding. There are some very-little known trails around, but it'll take a while to melt out. Might actually do some dirt roads, since those are usually empty and there are hundreds of options here.

 

My Specialized Roubaix with my wife's Trek Navigator 2.0 and my old Schwinn Super Stock 1 making an appearance. The kids' GT Outpost and Trek 7.3 FX are just off screen to the left.

 

Took the new bike out for a quick spin yesterday. Pretty amazing but definitely need to spend some time getting it dialed in a little more.

 

If you had a gravel fetish, now would be your time to shine for sure.

 

Had the place all but to myself this morning. One other person parked at the other end, but im pretty sure they were a runner.

 

My 1up gets here Friday, just in time for my ride on Saturday

 

New carbon wheels show up tomorrow, life without hydras was a life i couldnt handle. I hope the trails are ready for saturday after the snow we are supposed to get up here.

 

I dont like it when I ride my other bikes without hydras.

 

Stoked to have found this thread! Here's my setup... KBVoodoo crossbars with their rear tire tray and Kuat Dirtbag fork mount. Tepui Ayer 2 person tent fits nicely with enough room for bikes on either side. Bike does become a bug magnet on the highway transporting this way though.

 

I'd still ride, but I'd ride solo, not in a group. I'd also avoid riding hard. Any injury that involves EMTs and a trip to the ER is potentially pulling resources from other areas and increasing your risk of exposure.

There have been similar debates here around hiking. I think New York has some of the strictest restrictions in the country for business closings, gatherings, etc, but they also have said it's OK to get outside and hike. Some people have taken that to mean that they can drive across the state to popular hiking areas. The problem is that the state has pulled some forest rangers and sent them elsewhere to administer virus tests (since they are EMTs) on top of the fact that the mountain towns have little to no healthcare infrastructure. The state hasn't changed their message, but some towns have made public statements asking people to stay away and a couple of the larger hiking organizations have asked people to not travel and just go to their local parks.

 

Great advice. Best practice right now seems to be, ride local, ride alone, ride safe. Probably not a good time to try out new routes/trails or going out for personal bests.

 

From a camping/gravel riding trip a couple weeks ago at the Ironwood National Monument in Arizona.







Road got super rocky ~35 miles in which resulted in a triple flat, sliced sidewall and ride back to camp from a local rancher in a ratty old nissan hardbody pickup.

 

A buddy and I are actually gonna go ride up a gravel road then down a 4x4 trail so nobody cares if we come back to the truck muddy as balls.

 

Worth sharing from our local trail group (copy/paste from email so not perfect formatting):

HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF DISEASE ON THE TRAILS

Stay Safe Out There! MBOSC Recommendations for Trail Use Amid COVID-19

At a time of shelter-in-place restrictions and widespread work-from-home practices, trails have become more popular than usual. Whether you’re a casual cruiser or a hardcore enthusiast, now is the time to prioritize safe trail use and interactions above thrill-seeking fun with friends.

As a community of outdoor enthusiasts, we have a tremendous opportunity in front of us -- to help stop a global pandemic and be model trail citizens during this difficult, scary time.

It’s on us to follow CA guidelines, keep rides short and mellow in open public lands, and to remain a safe distance from other riders while out on the trails. Take a peek at our below recommendations for trail use to learn about how you can help keep the outdoors safe and enjoyable for all users.



MBOSC Recommendations:

• Stay home as much as possible!
  • Exercise and sanity are absolutely important, however, we recommend that everyone stay at home as much as possible until this situation passes. Countries that have figured out how to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 have all enacted much stricter social distancing measures than we are experiencing here in California.
• If you do go out, act as if everyone you encounter out on the trails has the virus (even if they don’t!)
  • Give plenty of room (at least 6 feet), wash your hands frequently, and bring hand sanitizer with you on rides just in case you need it.
• Do not drive to a riding location
  • Following California guidelines, only drive across town for the absolute essentials! Car crashes are no joke, and driving to the trailhead is unacceptable right now, as automotive transport facilitates virus spread between communities. Get to know your local park, or explore new areas nearby home.
• Please, do not ride/hike/do anything in large groups, aim for solo activities as much as possible!
  • Gathering in a large group and hitting the trails increases the chance of virus transmission between members of your group as well as transmission to other trail users. As a large group, you create a bigger obstacle for other users and set a bad example for the outdoor community.
    
    
  • Tell your housemates your route, share your location with them on your phone and provide them with an expected return time if you are concerned for your safety when heading out for a solo ride.
• Building on the previous warning, do not shuttle under any circumstances!
  • Gathering together in a car, driving to a new area, and riding in a group is a dangerous and unnecessary risk to put on yourself and the community you are visiting. Maintaining the recommended 6’ between yourself and others is not possible in a car with all your buds.
• In the event that parks shut down, please respect closures
  • If closures do occur, they are for the best of our community’s health. Respect the experts here, and avoid closed areas at all times.
• Pick off-hours to ride, and avoid times of heavy traffic
  • If you do choose to enjoy the outdoors, pick a time when you believe there will be low traffic on the trails.
    
    
  • For example, riding at 4:00 p.m. on a Saturday is likely better than riding at 10:00 a.m.
• Keep rides short and conservative if you do choose to enjoy the trails
  • We know that injuring yourself is never the goal when enjoying the outdoors. That said, stay in your comfort zone and do not put unnecessary pressure on emergency services or our trails.
    
    
  • Our health system cannot support additional emergencies right now, and no one wants to be the one to distract medical resources from an ongoing pandemic.
    
    
  • Keep your rides short and sweet for the time being. Give others ample opportunity to enjoy the trails!
• Use the bathroom before your ride, and avoid snot rockets while on the trail
  • Many public restrooms are closed (they’re a huge vector for disease!), so do your business before hitting the trail.
    
    
  • No one wants to encounter your snot during their park visit, especially if it could cause transmission.
• Keep your dog on a leash
  • Dogs can be a vector for COVID-19, so keep your pup on a leash while enjoying the trails!
• Do not share food or tools
  • This isn’t the time to swap snacks or share gear. Keep your tools to yourself, and if you absolutely must help someone out, sanitize tools before and after use.
• Give people the space and time they need to use the trail safely
  • Slow down more than usual, and give fellow trail users more room than you may normally give should you need to pass.
    
    
  • Now is a time to prioritize the experience of others. Keep trail interactions safe, kind and respectful.
• Speak up if others are not following these recommendations! Share this knowledge.
  • If you encounter a group of folks shuttling or disrespecting social distances, say something to them in a respectful and informative way.
    
    
  • We’re in this together and need to hold one another accountable.

CA State Parks has some great guidelines for park use during this time. Check 'em out!
What’s at risk if trails aren’t respected during this time:

• Access to public spaces
  • Our access to outdoor spaces is a privilege, not a right.
    
    
  • LA and Marin parks have been shut down due to overcrowding, and communities in Santa Cruz and nearby areas could face the same thing if trail use guidelines are not respected.
• The health of you and your loved ones
  • This virus travels in clusters, meaning once one a member of a household is infected, it is likely to infect other members. The best way to stay healthy is to stay home or ride/hike alone.

​

Please remember - your choices have consequences! Any of the choices in the above gif could easily apply to going out for a group ride on our trails.

We know that times are hard right now, but please take the time to slow down and think through the way you use trails and interact with others during this time.

Stay safe,
Team MBOSC
STAY IN TOUCH!



MOUNTAIN BIKERS OF SANTA CRUZ
PO Box 331, Santa Cruz, California 95061

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