- Trailhead: Gridley Rd
- Riders: Scott, Ron, Hector- Distance: 12.5 miles
- Time: 2 hrs to the top, 25 min down (approx)
- Weather: clear
- Temp: mid 60's at the bottom, mid 50s at the top
- Trail Conditions: dry and compact (except for some creek crossings)
Juan was a no show to his own farewell ride and Tim couldn't come. Ron felt good enough to show and ride. Like usual, we started the climb from the parking area. Ron was coughing up green stuff so he was tailing. At the start he didn't look too good so we kept a slow but steady pace, but as we progressed he started to feel stronger so we raised the pace. At mile 3, Ron's bike derailleur hanger decided to quit and broke in half. He hiked back down while Scott and I continued to the top. At the top we ate a snack then rode back down stopping a few times to extend and enjoy the awesome down-hill. Ron was already down by the cars. We had the usual chips and Dos-X's and then drove to Ojai for a nice lunch.
Note: For our east coast friends not familiar with this trail, Gridley is probably the best single-track trail in the county and surrounding areas. This trail provides some spectacular views of the Ojai Valley, Channel Islands and the rugged mountains of the Los Padres National Forest. What makes Gridley an awesome trail is the variety of terrain, from exposed to shaded, from firm to loose, crushed rock, rocky, and sometimes rutted technical sections (6.2 miles of pure up-hill and 6.2 miles of pure down-hill). Also is the rollercoaster thrill factor, Gridley traverses (many switchbacks) along the side the mountains starting from an elevation of approx 700ft to 3700ft so at one side you have the mountain and the other side the cliff, which can get to several hundred feet deep, yes a freefall down-hill if you make a mistake. On a serious note, I learned about this trail some years back while watching the news about a rider that went over and got killed. Anyway, you are welcome to come and ride with us...
Hector
One too many rock gardens on Ron's bike....
Post ride beer and derailleur.....
Gridley Track...
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