Upper Wilder / UCSC Sessions (INT / 16 miles / 1600 ft / C pace)

You’re flowing through the UCSC redwoods when a feature looms ahead. At speed, it looks intimidating, so you instinctively take the ride-around. As you glance back, you realize: I could have hit that. But the crew is moving, so you pedal on, leaving behind a sigh and the sting of a missed opportunity.

Sound familiar? This is the ride for you.

This outing is all about "sessioning" - hitting those interesting features multiple times until the "I should have" becomes "I’m glad I did." We’ll keep the trails mellow at Upper Wilder and UCSC to focus on the fun stuff.

Ride within your limit. We are here to practice, but remember: taking on a feature at UCSC should be a confirmation of your skills, not a gamble. If you aren't feeling it, there is zero shame in the ride-around. We session to build confidence, not to take unnecessary risks.

The Logistics

• Meet: 9:20 AM @ Twin Gates
• Roll: 9:30 AM Sharp
• Parking: Road-side on Empire Grade (North of Twin Gates).
• Pro Tip: Cell signal is non-existent at the gates. Send your "running late" texts before you hit the grade!

The Route

• From Twin Gates, ride towards UC tanks along a metal tube hugging Chinquapin fire road, and back up.
• Continue on to another trail with giant wooden rollers (as shown in picture), with an optional short DH with fast up-n-downs and turns.
• Take a steeper DesCent down to woodcUtter's trail which we will climb uP.
• Bonus loop down either a jump or flow trail alongside Long Meadow fire road and climb back up.

Difficulty & Pace

• Level: Intermediate. Expect several rooty and steep sections and drops around 1ft tall without ride-arounds. All the bigger features are optional.
• Pace: C (Social). We’ll regroup at every intersection and keep the climbs easy. We will stop and session some interesting features.

What to Bring

• Steed: A well-maintained mountain bike.
• Protection: Helmet, knee/elbow pads highly recommended.
• Essentials: Water, snacks, and trailside repair tools.

The Fine Print

• Attendance: We are keeping the group small for easier navigation. Priority goes to consistent attendees. Please only RSVP if you are 100% committed. Last-minute drops prevent others from joining!
• WCMB Members Only: For liability reasons, no guest riders. If you have a friend who wants to come, please have them join the group first!

NOW THE NITTY GRITTY...
West Coast Mountain Bikers is a group riding community. We don't encourage individuals to come out to our rides that want to do their own ride five minutes after starting with us. We start together and stick together.

If you are new to our group, please take a moment to read our Ride Rating Guide, available at the link below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eml9bs3b9aPik-XF9EuazGouBVefExveQXBc58Nkl9o/edit?usp=sharing

All of our rides require a helmet and properly maintained mountain bike.
Riders should be sure to read the description of the ride fully prior to their RSVP. Rides will vary by location and organizer, so be sure to sign up for rides that are appropriate for your skill and fitness level. If unsure if an event is appropriate, contact the event host prior to the event. If you have an existing medical condition please consult your doctor prior to joining an event.

Meetup.com and West Coast Mountain Bikers do not allow minors to attend events. We will occasionally make exceptions, so long as the parent is also in attendance.

The event host and organizers ultimately have the last call on who can and cannot attend a particular event. When a members safety is concerned we will always err on the side of caution.

Release of Liability:By joining this event, you hereby RELEASE and DISCHARGE it's owners, principals, affiliates, presenters, organizer, assistant organizer, hosts and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for injuries, damages, death and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice or information contained herein. You further agree that if you or someone under your supervision uses the information on this website you assume all risks of injury, damage, and economic loss, without limitation, and release providers from all liability.