Bike hike! Ventura to Ojai

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We're putting a wrinkle into our Ventura to Ojai ride, so pay attention. As always, this is a fun day, not a race.

This is a 20 mile out and back (10 each way), with 1000 feet of elevation gain. The Ventura River Trail follows an old Southern Pacific Railroad line that paralleled the Ventura River. The trains are long gone, leaving a paved ribbon that rises gently up to Ojai in their wake. Increasingly scenic views of the river and the Santa Ana Valley cajole us along the route.

The ride is fairly easy, despite the distance and elevation. The trail is a paved, dedicated biking path most of the way- street bikes as well as mountain bikes will do well. There will be some street crossings, so stay alert. A small section of the trail was unavailable the last time we were there (in January), while they erected what appeared to be a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge (just slightly off scale). We blazed a trail around it last time, and we'll do it again if need be.

Rather than lunch in Ventura afterward as we've been doing, we'll do what we originally intended to do when we began these rides and eat in Ojai at the turnaround point (just like our beach hike). Lunch will be at Boccali's, which is a casual Italian/pizza place, with THE BEST strawberry shortcake you'll ever have. Check them out here:

http://www.boccalis.com/

We'll most likely get to Ojai before Boccali's opens, so we'll putter around in the meantime.

Directions:

Take the 101 North to the 33 North (toward Ojai). Exit toward Casitas Vista Rd. Turn right onto North Ventura Ave. Take the first right onto Casitas Vista Rd.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.