Steve's Mountain Bike Page
Turlock, California

Red Hills

September 4, 2000

Two days ago (September 2) we went to the Red Hills Area of Critical Environmental Concern and Neil broke his chain about an hour into the ride. Today we finished what we started in near perfect conditions. We took the Old Sage trail (6), Soaproot Ridge trail (7), small unmarked overlook trail off of (7), Overlook Loop trail (4), Verbena Loop trail (3), and Red Hills Loop (2) back to the trail head. Here is a map of the route. The trails were very rocky, very narrow, through thick brush, with many steep descents and climbs. We stuck to what we leaned the last time, speeding up and going over obstacles is much easier than slowing down and trying to negotiate around them. We actually got a little bit cocky and tried to jump a 12 inch log. Neil made it, I didn't. Unlike previous rides, this one contained no poison oak, thanks to the serpentine soil. The last ride Neil fell on his elbow so he decided to try some Rollerblade pads. They were relatively comfortable and gave him a sense of security. We consider this to be our most challenging and rewarding ride to date. We really felt like mountain bikers!

New carrier plastic wood	Where is the trail?	Disappearing trail	The trails await us	Alternative to rocky trail
Steep, long, rocky climb	Neil chugging	My first 12 inch log	I'm OK	"If you fall  off a horse"
Neil	Descending	Staying focused	Scenery	"The Beast"

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