Potrero Ridge in Newbury Park, a Gentler Hike

This week we'll hike along some of the http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/4/d/event_40262381.jpeg newer trails in Thousand Oaks, on Potrero Ridge in Newbury Park and bordering on Dos Vientos. The newest segment was just built in March 2011, and some Meetup hikers, including a few Gentler Trailblazers, helped build it! (You can see the event and photo gallery of us working (https://www.meetup.com/The-Weekday-Trailblazers/events/16982105/)!) This will be our first hike along this new segment, then we'll continue on to the Oak Ridge Trail that was built in the past couple of years. (This trail used to be known as the Mountain Creek Trail, but in the last six weeks was christened with it's official name.)

Our route will include some broad fireroad, firm and smooth singletrack, ridgeline views, and a number of oak trees to provide shade.

Start Time: Note that we'll start at 9:30 am this week!

Statistics: About 4.8 miles with 1100 feet of climbing.

Pace: This is a gentler hike. We will go at a more moderate pace than a regular Trailblazer hike, and we'll take more breaks. The purpose is to give novice and intermediate hikers who may feel they're not up to a regular hike a chance to get out and experience our beautiful trails. Faster hikers are welcome to join us so long as they are willing to hike at the slower pace of the group. However, this hike is probably too difficult for someone who is new to hiking, or hasn't been hiking in a long time. We typically finish about 12:30 pm, but could be delayed for any number of reasons. If you are looking for a fast-paced hike, or have to finish by a specific time, this hike is probably not for you.

Directions: Park in the paved lot on the west side of Wendy Drive, between Peppermint and Felton Streets. From the 101 Freeway, exit at Wendy and drive south for 1.7 miles. The parking area will be at the top of the hill on the right side of the road.

Map: http://tinyurl.com/4w9e39h

Lunch: We usually, although not always, go somewhere for lunch after the hike. This is completely optional and is considered to be in addition to this event, not part of it.