Easy, scenic, ride in SOCAL

[fdpen]

Taking the kid out sunday for 3rd ride. I need to find some trails within 90 miles of LA, that are not boring (i.e. desert), for me, but easy enuff for her. THANKS

[Sunshine]

I'm looking for the same info! Not too boring for hubby but something to get my feet wet on. I'm experienced in street riding and have some feel for dirt form my mountain biking days, but with a motor and more speed, I'm sure it's different!

[zoohoot393]

I would strongly suggest El Mirage. I think there is a link to it in here. It is a desert are with a good mix of very easy cruising trails, a huge dry lakebed to open it up a bit and some hill climbs for those that are interested. You can camp onsite as well.

[Roostman]

I would go to Gorman. Plenty of easy to as hard as you want trails there. In fact, I wouldnt mind going in the not too distant future. El Mirage is ok too like Zoo suggested but pretty much bland and boring (to me anyway)whereas Gorman offers up some scenery and challenges to those that desire.

[Sunshine]

Thanks, I'll check out both, perhaps El Mirage then Gorman since one is easier then the other. I wanted to go to Randsburg anyway, so maybe I can combine them. Where would I get a map or find out where it's cool to ride in Gorman?

[PBMAXX]

Here's a few links. Hungry Valley is nice (and close by.)
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

[Roostman]

Ocotillo is a GREAT spot to go for all levels of riding..... thanks for throwin that one out PB. I left it out cause I kinda thought they were looking for something pretty close by, but I absolutely love Ocotillla.

As for riding in Gorman (aka Hungry Valley), its a very easy place to navigate for beginners and also very enjoyable for any skill level. Theres also a cool place called Jawbone Canyon but its just a little on the soft sandy side which may or may not be your favorite as a beginner. I learned how to ride in deep sand so for me, I think its great spot to learn to ride at (soft sand doesnt hurt as bad as hard dirt when you crash like you do as a beginner). Jawbone is a legendary spot though off the 395 above Mojave. I still am dying to go to Kennedy Meadows and camp by the stream for some MX and trout fishing.

[Sunshine]

Thanks for the Hungry Valley link PB...and Rooserman, I was in the Octiollo areal last weekend. Stayed mostly on the road, went up to Anza Borrego and Julian but went in the dirt a little. I discovered soft sand.....did pretty well for awhile. The book that came with my bike says to keep it steady in deep sand, so I did, but it got too much and one point and I dumped it! It was soft tho, so hey! My hubby says to keep it steady but a little faster speed to get through it....sounds reasonable I guess. Any opinions on that?

Thanks for all the info!

[zoohoot393]

Gorman is a great suggestion. Plus, there is a track there if anyone in the family prefers that. And I agree...much more scenic.

Soft sand...I am by NO MEANS an expert, but DBD gave me a tip a long time ago to sit further back on the seat and pull up on the bars a bit to keep the front tire from digging in. Seems to work, on straights and sandy whoops anyways.

[Sunshine]

That sounds reasonable! thanks

[PBMAXX]

Soft deep sand is my nemesis. It sees me coming and laughs Since it isn't something I normally seek out. (If it were I'd buy a paddle tire!) I've found that for me the answer is POWER POWER POWER! Keep the front wheel light with lotsa' throttle, lean back a bit and steer with your butt! After a few seconds I'm back on the trail and life is good

[zoohoot393]

That's is true as well, you slow down and it is all over.

[CRF_Tom]

The nice part about Ocotillo wells is, you can take the dirt roads to some of the places on the map. It's kind of cool to ride along on one of the roads and see signs at intersections. Kind of keeps you on track, so to speak. I know a few dualsport riders and they go there all the time. Also you might want to try superstition mountain.

[camaro80r]

Ocotillo wells is the best! its good for beginners, experts, vets...everybody..hardly every crowded, HUGEEEEEEE AREA! ive been going there every weekend for 3 year and everytime i go i see things i didnt see the last time. its totally great, oh and BTW, the Randsburg ride is actually pretty damn difficult....its about a 70 mile ride both ways and its gets gnarly...i was on a 80 two stroke and it was pure hell, a matter of fact, i blew my top end on that ride but if u got like a trail bike, then its cool

[nappers]

I just got back from a weekend at Ocotillo Wells and it was awesome, no wind, hardly anybody out there, around 75 degrees, and lots of riding! We rode out to Pumpkin Patch and Gas dome, two places I hadn't made it to yet, so it was a fun change

The best part about Ocotillo is that you can either ride the easy trails and washes, or you can get crazy and try to conquer Devil's Slide or the other many obstacles that can be found at the well known landmarks......luv it!