North Cuyamaca, a "New" Loop
And planning for THE GRAN TOUR
Back on the north end of Cuyamaca, I went in search of a trail I knew was there but hadn’t ridden in a long time. The thought was that with what I learned after the last ride there, I could piece it together to have a new loop of sort up that way. This time around, after exiting Los Caballos at the park road, I turned right and went over to Route 79. There, I turned left, pedaled a minute, and then went off the side of the road onto the CA Riding and Hiking Trail.
For a bit, it was bumpy pedaling on mowed down two-track. Then it wasn’t mowed. You could see a line through the tall grass. Then it was into the techy section I remembered.
Yes! Rocks. Chunk. I once nearly cleaned that craggy/rocky quick uphill but this time around, I hike-a-biked it, telling myself there is no way to clean it on a singlespeed.
It’s steep, loose, and needing some power moves in tight turns to get all the way up it.
I don’t mind getting off the bike. Adventure riding, eh?
Up top, I enjoyed the view. I mental noted: not a single sign of a tire track anywhere.
It’s open to bikes.
I knew there was more tech to come and when it did, I was happy. I cleaned the stretch, enjoying the new-to-me little bridge back in there, too. Then it was mostly pedaling up the gradual slope to what would be the left turn to go up to Azalea Glen and in the backside of the campground.
Zoom in…
From there, I cruised over to Stonewall Peak Trailhead and turned left on Cold Stream, now completing the loop I was hoping to do. Down at the park road, I turned right and then right again at the intersection. Back to Marty Minshall towards the horse camp and then I turned on Stonewall Creek and enjoyed the pedal fest up and then the descent to Cold Spring.
Done.
Now, I have another idea, a kind of stacked loop. After I build up more fitness, and when the temps are in the 50s (I love cool weather riding), so probably this fall, I’m going to put together THE GRAN CUYAMACA TOUR. That’s what I’m calling it. South to north, east to west.
I’m certain no one has done it/pieced it all together. It’ll be a doozy, no doubt.
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