California Mountain Biking: a Way of Life

California is associated with many things, a laid-back beach lifestyle, organic living and a creative unique way of living. It makes sense then that there are some amazing mountain biking trails in California. Both Northern and Southern California have mountain biking trails with most mountain biking trails in California centered in Southern California. Los Angeles has an astonishing 116 mountain biking trails alone. The fact is made more astonishing when you consider how much traffic and city living is associated with Los Angeles.

South Bay Area

The Saratoga Gap trail is in the South Bay Area of California mountain biking areas. The trails here are 70% single track and 30% fire roads with plenty of variety in terms of terrain and technical challenges. The trails add up to about 30 or so miles for you to explore and enjoy. The trails bring you in and out through lush forests and high meadows. A shady and beautiful trail to take if you want a good workout with varied challenges.

The Henry Coe bike trails are another great example of California mountain biking. The trails here are challenging and you will find yourself climbing a lot. Ten or twenty miles here will have you tired out as compared to ten or twenty miles in flatter areas. A great way to tone up your legs and butt. This is an ideal trail to take if you enjoy quiet as there are not many people who frequent this area, you will have a chance to take your time and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

North Sierra Nevada

In the North Sierra Nevada you will find the Downieville Big Boulder trail, this is a thrilling trail for experienced riders. Be warned this is no place to start your California mountain biking experience if you are a novice. The trails consist of 15% fire roads and 25% four wheel drive roads with 60% single-track roads. Be very careful when riding here, as there are places where a wrong move could send you over the edge quite literally.

Get a map or trail guide before you start out on this trail and mark your route out carefully. Preparation is key to staying safe and having fun on this trail. Go with a friend and if possible talk to someone who has been on these trails. There are a lot of short steep climbs on this trail and the downhill rides are quite exposed, with drops of more than 50 feet on the sides into rocky terrain. Keep this mind before embarking on a ride down this trail.