"Whoever invented the bicycle deserves the thanks of humanity.” - Lord Charles Beresford
Early settlers in San Diego didn't let the simple fact that it was a barren desert deter them from setting up camp and starting what would eventually become one of the largest cities in Southern California. Even though there is a major water shortage every year, and mass amounts of H2O has to be imported to satiate the huge population, people still flock here for the warm, dry climate. Some people complain about the heat and lack of rain, but for mountain bikers, riding in San Diego is a dream come true!
Nothing compares to the sensory-overload that is initiated by simply hopping on a mountain bike and navigating dirt trails while the sun shines overhead and a gentle ocean breeze cools the sweat beads on my body. Simply riding down a flat concrete boardwalk fills me with positive vibrations and brings a smile to my face. When rock-filled dirt trails with hills and valleys are added to the mix, the result is an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and camaraderie with nature. The struggles of life disappear and my only thoughts consist of dealing with what is happening at that very moment!
San Diego has a virtual cornucopia of coveted mountain biking trails that run the gambit from easy to intermediate to extremely difficult! If you don't have time to drive sixty miles to a biking destination, then I suggest riding San Clemente Park and/or Mission Trails Regional Park. Both locations are less than ten miles from downtown SD and offer beginner to intermediate trails as well as ample parking. In fact, both are ideal spots for anyone wishing to squeeze in an enjoyable ride before a busy day of work. San Clemente Park is large, but Mission Trails Regional Park offers a 5700-acre urban biking playground and also has some very challenging peaks to climb.
Los Penasquitos is located near the I-5 and I-805 interchange and offers easy but extremely scenic trails that cross streams and end at a beautiful waterfall. Thousands of flowers come into bloom after heavy rain, but the park is closed when it's too wet so I suggest waiting a couple of days after the rainfall stops. Also, make sure to pay attention to the signs indicating closed trails. It's possible to change trails near Black Mountain Road and end up on the San Diego Sea to Sea Trail, which culminates at the Pacific Ocean. Where else can you start riding from a gorgeous waterfall and end up watching the sunset over the ocean?
Fifty miles east of San Diego is the Cuyamaca to Noble Canyon Trail that has been deemed an 'epic ride' by the International Mountain Biking Association. Bikers can enjoy completely different scenery than what is found in most of San Diego. Composed mostly of fire roads and single track, this beautiful route features sprawling pine forests as well as high peaks and low valleys along the Santa Rosa Mountains. There are even occasional patches of snow in the winter! Only experts should attempt this thirty-mile ride that ends in the small town of Julian. Be sure to sample some of Julian's famous homemade pies topped with homemade cinnamon ice cream! Be careful though, as you may not want to leave this peaceful community.
Mountain biking is huge in San Diego, so it's not surprising that there are several organizations and groups ready to offer everything from tips to trail suggestions to biking get-togethers! One of the largest is the San Diego Mountain Biking Association (SDMBA.com). This dedicated group of bikers will even go out and clear trails using homemade 'tools' to help make biking safer and more enjoyable! Another useful website is MountainBikingSanDiego.com, which provides similar information as SDMBA and promotes riding with others.
Whether you're new to mountain biking or a seasoned pro, planning ahead is necessary for safety and security. Be sure to carry plenty of water, even on cool days, and take extra water for long rides and/or sunny weather. It's also a good idea to have a fully charged cell phone on hand for emergencies and to avoid getting lost. This year, Google Maps has added the option to filter and display bike trails in major cities, and this can help in planning routes or finding your way out of a new area. Also, make sure you wear appropriate biking gear (especially a helmet) and look out for snakes on all trails and even mountain lions around the inland ones. Lastly, taking simple precautions, like carrying tools and tube patches can make the difference between a great time and walking your bike for miles.
