[skatetokil]

I am a college student in LA county and I'm just getting into the gravity powered end of riding, but now they tell me that big bear is closed. What do I do? where do I go ride? I dont mind pedaling, but if I'm ever going to the point where I am glad to have travel under my ass and a bike that weighs 40#, I'm going to have to spend a lot more time going downhill than up. Stupid california with its geographically disparate riding spots! Any suggestions for me? If I had to, I could probably work out a shuttle with some of my buddies, but the less complicated the better. Nothing that's going to get me killed please. . . we're talking angry armed ranchers, park rangers, or large unexpected rock drops.

 

[bullcrew]

Try cajon pass!!

 

[bullcrew]

or in SD I think it's called truckers pass out past poway!!!

 

[ChrisRobin]

Move to Canada

 

[MMike]

Cut it off and float socal out to sea......

 

[Zark]

Try posting in the So-cal forum, it isn't populated with bitter Canadians. Have fun in the snow Peckerwood, its 70 degrees here buddy

The Fontana races are still happening and there are many places still to shuttle. So-Cal isn't dead yet.

 

[Acadian]

And honestly the riding in the bay area is not much better.

I've been thinking about moving to Seattle. I’m literally getting ulcers trying to decide if I want to move or not. I know the summer riding there is awesome. Only 2 hours from the Shore, 4 from Whistler. And I hear there are some epics rides in Seattle. Plus Cypress Mountain will have chairlift assisted runs this year. The riding up there will definitely be MUCH better than here. The closest riding here is flippin' over 3.5 hours away (North Star).

My only concern is the RAIN. I'm sure I'll adapt - but I still fear that it will make me somewhat miserable. Maybe I should just give it a try anyway and see.

 

[DLo]

Why ya say that acadian? We don't have it that bad... there is still stuff to ride, but hopefully it doesn't all get shut down by the end of this year

 

[Acadian]

Why ya say that acadian? We don't have it that bad... there is still stuff to ride, but hopefully it doesn't all get shut down by the end of this year

that is my other fear...stuff is getting closed on a regular basis now.

when I think of all the riding in or near Seattle (XC and DH) - it just doesn't even compare to here.

but again, I got that rain seed planted in my head

 

[jon-boy]

You'll just have to take up snow sports! Oh and then there's the indoor BMX arena's for 4X practice.... it's not that bad!

 

[stiksandstones]

motocross

 

[DLo]

motocross

Such a great idea... but we got this stupid red sticker law in CA

 

[ncrider]

Hey skatetokill take a deep breath and relax. There's DH in socal and if most locals are like us SD boys, then there has been a lot of digging going on. LA is huge and has many Mountains to ride (yeah I said mountains), SB is 2 hours north and SD is 2 hours south, both have some nice DH too.

 

[Freak]

My only concern is the RAIN. I'm sure I'll adapt - but I still fear that it will make me somewhat miserable. Maybe I should just give it a try anyway and see.

Come on up!!! Yes it will be harder to keep your bikes spotless like you do down there....

Some great riding!!!

 

[Acadian]

Such a great idea... but we got this stupid red sticker law in CA

I thought that was only for 2 stoke engins - not for 4 storkes.

 

[Acadian]

Come on up!!! Yes it will be harder to keep your bikes spotless like you do down there....

Some great riding!!!

Oly has assured me that summers are beautiful - that only a few months out of the winter are miserable.

Just the thought of being at driving distance from Van, Whistler, Hood River, OR, etc... Amazing!!

I also remember those exit XX rides being fun…

 

[Nick]

And honestly the riding in the bay area is not much better.

I've been thinking about moving to Seattle. I’m literally getting ulcers trying to decide if I want to move or not. I know the summer riding there is awesome. Only 2 hours from the Shore, 4 from Whistler. And I hear there are some epics rides in Seattle. Plus Cypress Mountain will have chairlift assisted runs this year. The riding up there will definitely be MUCH better than here. The closest riding here is flippin' over 3.5 hours away (North Star).

My only concern is the RAIN. I'm sure I'll adapt - but I still fear that it will make me somewhat miserable. Maybe I should just give it a try anyway and see.

Acadian,

You, being Canadian, can always return to Canada right? Not saying you would want to, but you could, right? I mean you could move to the Vancouver area much more easily than I ever could (IF I ever could) if only you could find a job and have the motherload of freeriding right at your doorstep.

I'm just curious. I don't know your whole story nor do I know what it is like to live in Canada. This just rings in my head as I've been thinking/trying to relocate too. Seattle or Bellingham, being that close to Whistler and close enough for day trips to the Shore, sure would rule.
.

 

[Acadian]

Acadian,

You, being Canadian, can always return to Canada right? Not saying you would want to, but you could, right? I mean you could move to the Vancouver area much more easily than I ever could (IF I ever could) if only you could find a job and have the motherload of freeriding right at your doorstep.

I'm just curious. I don't know your whole story nor do I know what it is like to live in Canada. This just rings in my head as I've been thinking/trying to relocate too. Seattle or Bellingham, being that close to Whistler and close enough for day trips to the Shore, sure would rule.
.

yes I could move to Canada if I wanted to. I have a green card.

A few reasons why I don’t want to move to Canada right away.
1) Work. If I go to Seattle I could work for the same company I’ve been with for the past 8 years. Our office is in Freemont.
2) bike and bike gear is more accessible in the US.
3) Paid in US dollars.
4) If I move to Canada, I’ll probably end up loosing my Green Card after a while.

 

[Nick]

yes I could move to Canada if I wanted to. I have a green card.

A few reasons why I don’t want to move to Canada right away.
1) Work. If I go to Seattle I could work for the same company I’ve been with for the past 8 years. Our office is in Freemont.
2) bike and bike gear is more accessible in the US.
3) Paid in US dollars.
4) If I move to Canada, I’ll probably end up loosing my Green Card after a while.

Dude, go for it. Based on #1 above if nothing else.
You have a secure job lined up. You'll spend the next few crappy months getting settled in anyway, new apartment, new coworkers, new manager, then WHAM! ... Spring & Summer arrive, you are hopefully comfortable and you can ride as much as your schedule allows.

Acadian's new friends: so Luc, what are you doing this weekend?
Acadian: going to the Shore!
Acadian's new friends: um, again?!?


Go for it.

 

[DLo]

I thought that was only for 2 stoke engins - not for 4 storkes.

It is... but still annoying as hell!

 

[MikeD]

LA + Downhill....sorta like Chicago + Bull Riding

Hmmm, funny that LA's got some HUGE friggin' mountains right in the middle; no one seems to realize it...but yeah, with the closure of BB (we'll see if it lasts, or if someone else moves in on the market), the 'race scene' is kinda crappy. There's still Fontana...and there is PLENTY of riding between LA, San Diego, and OC...you just need people to show it to you, and be willing to drive. (if you want to drive further, you've got even more options north in SB/SLO and inland.)

Check the SoCal forum. Hope is not lost around here.

MD

 

[kidwoo]

Loss of lift access is certainly not hand in hand with loss of DH riding.

Bootleg canyon
North Vancouver
Pisgah
Exit something something in Washington
All popular Dh-ish spots with no ski area

I don't even live there but I know there's a plethora of DH shuttle riding in Socal. From the pics I've seen most of it is better terrain than big bear anyway.

 

[MikeD]

I don't even live there but I know there's a plethora of DH shuttle riding in Socal. From the pics I've seen most of it is better terrain than big bear anyway.

Yeah, but MAN did we love our chairlift.

Plus, you never saw pics of the trails we actually rode in BB most of the time.

 

[ncrider]

Plus, you never saw pics of the trails we actually rode in BB most of the time.

Mums the word..."speak no evil".

Oh who am I kidding.

 

[SuperSlow]

And honestly the riding in the bay area is not much better.

I've been thinking about moving to Seattle. I’m literally getting ulcers trying to decide if I want to move or not. I know the summer riding there is awesome. Only 2 hours from the Shore, 4 from Whistler. And I hear there are some epics rides in Seattle. Plus Cypress Mountain will have chairlift assisted runs this year. The riding up there will definitely be MUCH better than here. The closest riding here is flippin' over 3.5 hours away (North Star).

My only concern is the RAIN. I'm sure I'll adapt - but I still fear that it will make me somewhat miserable. Maybe I should just give it a try anyway and see.

Moving to bellingham is the best thing i have ever done. It really doesnt rain all that much, and when it does rain its just a light sprinkle that you can still ride in. There are also alot of good local dh trails in that area. Oh and dont forget post canyon in Oregon.

 

[Acadian]

Moving to bellingham is the best thing i have ever done. It really doesnt rain all that much, and when it does rain its just a light sprinkle that you can still ride in. There are also alot of good local dh trails in that area. Oh and dont forget post canyon in Oregon.

still ... knowing myself and how much I hate rain (as much as JM hates BoXXer) i'm not sure I could deal with it
http://www.beautifulseattle.com/ws02cli.htm
http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/html/weather.htm

 

[Jeremy R]

Loss of lift access is certainly not hand in hand with loss of DH riding.

Bootleg canyon
North Vancouver
Pisgah
Exit something something in Washington
All popular Dh-ish spots with no ski area

I don't even live there but I know there's a plethora of DH shuttle riding in Socal. From the pics I've seen most of it is better terrain than big bear anyway.

No doubt. I am giving up on lifts around here. I am biting the bullet in early spring and buying a truck.
I sincerely hope the So-Cal scene thrives. With all the riders there, and all the companies, it would be terrible for DH riding in general if their scene goes down the drain. From what I have seen of the place, it looks like they have a ton of places to shuttle we well.

 

[Acadian]

No doubt. I am giving up on lifts around here. I am biting the bullet in early spring and buying a truck.
I sincerely hope the So-Cal scene thrives. With all the riders there, and all the companies, it would be terrible for DH riding in general if their scene goes down the drain. From what I have seen of the place, it looks like they have a ton of places to shuttle we well.

yeah SoCal has much better shuttle trails than we do up here in the Bay Area.

I've turned into a lizard since moving to California, and I've came to like riding dust bowls – yeah, that dust that you don’t like Jeremy! :devil:

 

[bullcrew]

Youd be a fool to move here Acadian, I moved up here from s. cal not long ago and I am ready to run. The weather SUCKS!
I was born and raised in woodinville WA. a not to far suburb of seattle.
FROM YEARS OF EXPERIENCE I SAY "DONT GO TO SEATTLE".
It's depressing and limiting the amount of outside activities that can be done in the winter, unless you play dodge the rain drop in which case you will lose badly.

 

[Acadian]

Youd be a fool to move here Acadian, I moved up here from s. cal not long ago and I am ready to run. The weather SUCKS!
I was born and raised in woodinville WA. a not to far suburb of seattle.
FROM YEARS OF EXPERIENCE I SAY "DONT GO TO SEATTLE".
It's depressing and limiting the amount of outside activities that can be done in the winter, unless you play dodge the rain drop in which case you will lose badly.

Thanks Travis. that is also what I've been thinking - it's my biggest fear! Joe Pozer and Kidwoo can attest to how much I like rain. Been trying to brainwash myself into thinking I could get used to it, but I'm not sure I could.

I know this might sound crazy....but honestly, after over a week of riding Whistler late last summer, I was ready to come back to old dusty North Star! and I know...there are more trails there than just the one at the resort.

 

[-BB-]

Seattle 10 day forcast: Rain... Rain... Rain... Rian.. Rain... Rain... Showers... Rain...

http://www.weather.com/activities/other/other/weather/tenday.html?locid=USWA0395

San Diego 10 day forcast: Sunny!! Sunny!! Sunny!! Sunny!! Sunny!! Possible showers.. Sunny!!

http://www.weather.com/activities/other/other/weather/tenday.html?locid=USCA0982&from=search_10day

 

[jon-boy]

I actually enjoy having a climate that gives us seasons. The scenery I find is more stunning with all the trees etc. I also like the challenge of riding trials that might be slick with mud, tacky, completely dry etc. Yeah it rains here, but summer is so good when it arrives.

 

[DHGH]

Tunnel up in SB and Hummingbird down in Slimi Valley.

BTW, I'm from Chicago and we had AWESOME bullfighting dammit!! I take great offense to that.......or something.

 

[-BB-]

I actually enjoy having a climate that gives us seasons. The scenery I find is more stunning with all the trees etc. I also like the challenge of riding trials that might be slick with mud, tacky, completely dry etc. Yeah it rains here, but summer is so good when it arrives.

I don't doubt it.
I would like it too. To me, riding in the rain is an adventure, and I like the solitude it provides. For Luc though, it is a different story. he hates rain and snow, so IMO SoCal is a better choice.

Plus, his company also has San Diego offices.

And the women are hotter down here.

 

[spookydave]

All I know it I plan on a few N Star trips this year. And yes, I'll be getting up to Tunnel (with cow bell) more for sure too.

 

[downhillzeypher]

The whole lift scene was close to 95% of my riding last summer, I don't know what I'll be doing this summer... I'm thinking of working skyline up... jumps, berms, more steep stuff.

 

[Acadian]

I don't doubt it.
I would like it too. To me, riding in the rain is an adventure, and I like the solitude it provides. For Luc though, it is a different story. he hates rain and snow, so IMO SoCal is a better choice.

Plus, his company also has San Diego offices.

And the women are hotter down here.

I hate rain when you are NOT READY for it. But I don't mind doing the occaisional XC ride in the rain. Santa Cruz is fun to ride in the rain. But I LOVE the fact that I know it's going to be HOT and DRY in the summer.

Plus I think I have to stop procrastinating and start exploring more trails. Like sacrifice a weekend of DHing in the summer to hit some epic XC trails in Tahoe, which I’ve never done. Plus I want to do a few SoCal trips this summer.

Over already has possession of all the hot babes in SD

 

[MikeD]

The whole lift scene was close to 95% of my riding last summer.

Heh, I recall you riding DOWN the lift a few times, too...maybe that's why your percentage was so high?

MD

 

[IFL]

Such a great idea... but we got this stupid red sticker law in CA

that hasnt affected my motocross riding! You cant beat 6 and soon to be 7 motocross tracks within an hour! And I have ridden trails in Beaumont, Big Bear, Riverside, Murrieta and Perris, with no trouble from cops or home owners. yeah its illegal, so your not going to do it? I hope you always drive the speed limit and stop at all your stop signs! Haha jk man! SoCal is the best place for moto. period

 

[bizutch]

we go through this drama with Acadian every year. Last year's winter depression rant was over "Why race?". There is something about aJanuary in SoCal that encourages Acadian to test a dramatic makeover of some sort

And Jeremy, I call shotgun on the trip to Snowshoe bro! Get the NISMO!!!