Big Sycamore Canyon from Thousand Oaks to Point Mugu State Beach Park

Hot Weekend again – So Bring enough water for a long ride.

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Welcome to our Meetup page for Shepherd Sports MTB Club!
We have rides scheduled every weekend unless otherwise noted. Visit our Shepherd Sports website here: Shepherd Sports Mountain Biking Home (http://www.shepherdsports.org/clubs/mountain-biking-1)

All riders on Shepherd Cycling rides are asked to complete a waiver for the church. If you haven't yet completed a waiver, you can find the form under the "More/Files" section of our http://meetup.com page... or click this link: 2015_MountainBiking_­reg-wav. (http://files.meetup.com/10768692/2015_MountainBiking_reg-wav.pdf)Bring your signed waiver form with you to the ride or one will be provided for you to sign before the ride.

Directions:

4128 Potrero Rd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

Take the 101 Freeway North towards Ventura to the Wendy Drive Off-ramp. Stay left on the off-ramp and turn left onto Wendy Drive. Proceed south toward the ocean. Take Wendy Drive through the residential neighborhood all the way until it dead-ends into Portrero Rd. Park in the dirt lot by the fence. You should find Shepherd Riders there.

Ride Description:

Level: Beginner to Intermediate to Advanced

Ride Duration: About 3 hours moving time / Total ride time approximately 4 hours with breaks

Miles/Roundtrip: 18.6 miles or less for those who turn back earlier on the routes.

Bathrooms at Trail: Yes there is a facility at the first part of the trail and also a Porta-Potty further into the ride.

Tree/Shade Coverage: Yes, there is some coverage along the route, but the routes are mostly exposed to the sun, since the vegetation hasn't come all the way back after recent fires. So Bring Sunblock and Chapstick and alot of water and snacks to keep you going.

This ride starts at a scenic part of the trail and heads to a paved road, then down a steeper paved road know as "Black Betty", among other names. Then we are on the Big Sycamore Canyon trail. From there we have a few options to choose from:

Intermediate to Advanced Level Option: Take Sin Nombre to Two Foxes to Guadalasco to Backbone or Overlook trail, then back up Big Sycamore and back UP "Black Betty". (18.6mi - >2000ft elevation gain). Strava Map: https://www.strava.com/activities/258078051

Beginners Level Option: Take Sin Nombre and Two Foxes to Wood Canyon then Go straight to the Beach via Big Sycamore Canyon and back, then back UP "Black Betty". (approx 18mi - >1000ft elevation gain). Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/162041255

This Strava link shows you the area, the mileage, and the elevation gain for the Intermediate to Advanced Ride. Note: if you have a Strava account you can login to see more detailed information. https://www.strava.com/activities/258078051

IMPORTANT: Although some posted rides are considered intermediate to advanced level a strong beginner-level rider should be able to make it.
This ride is LONG in mileage and so requires alot of endurance therefore beginners are encouraged to stick to the Beginner Level Option for that reason.
As always, all riders should be aware that mountain biking can be extremely physically demanding. Each rider should be conscious of their own limitations. It is encouraged to walk any sections of the trail you are not comfortable riding. Don’t be surprised if you are not able to keep up with the group your first time out. Don’t get discouraged. It will take some newcomers a few rides before they can build up their leg strength, cardio and overall technique before feeling at home on a mountain bike trail. be encouraged– We will have volunteers that will help you along the way and stay with you at your pace.

– See more Newcomer Recommendations at the bottom of this post.

What to Bring:

• Helmet (mandatory)

• Water (in bike cage and/or in your back pack)

• Snacks for energy

• Extra bike tube and patch kit

• Bike Pump

• Apparel appropriate for trail riding

• Protective eye ware

• Sun screen lotion

• Multi-tools, etc. for mechanical issues

• 2-way radio if you have one (will select channel before ride)

– Please post comments or contact the ride hosts if you have any other questions or concerns about this ride.

Newcomer Recommendations (cont.):

• Continue training throughout the week in order to build up strength and riding skills.

• Attend the CORBA (The Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association) Free Mountain Bike Skills Clinics, held the 1st Saturday of each month;

http://www.corbamtb.com/programs/skills.shtml

"Although the Shepherd Church MTB Club in not affiliated with CORBA some or our riders have benefited immensely from the free training they provide. You can visit the CORBA website here: http:// http://corbamtb.com/ and join their MeetUp Group Here: http:// https://www.meetup.com/CORBAmtb/

"Happy Trails…"