Winter Desert Riding -- Get Yourself Some
Luchador Brewing Company
The mountains-to-desert landscape in and around the Coachella Valley has become a regular winter weekend getaway for me. From riding up in the pines of the Santa Rosa Mountains to all of the various desert nooks and crannies below, I find it to be one of the best “off-the-radar” mountain biking spots in Southern California. Distant snow-capped mountains enhance the allure.
There’s a new brewery in the area. Luchador Brewing Company on the main drag in Cathedral City is the perfect spot for post-ride beer and food, especially after you complete the Palm Canyon Epic, as it’s less than 10 minutes down the road from Vons.
Walking in, I knew I was going to settle in and eat a good bit. Baja ceviche, 2 tacos (carnitas and barbacoa) and a side beans, along with a couple beers, put me a mellow mood. I wished I had more room in my stomach to try some of the other food items, as everything I ate tasted great.
In walked a crew of mountain bikers. Over there was a gathering of friends, couples with their babies, which were not more than a few months old. Out on the patio, passers-through, or maybe snowbirds, perched in the sunshine.
If you haven’t completed the Palm Canyon Epic, put it on your list. It’s a spectacular ride through seemingly countless eco-zones. While out there, make an effort to include the Art Smith Trail on your itinerary, even if you have to ride/hike-a-bike up the first section. Once up on top, you’ll be happy. Plus, you get to go back down.
Luchador Brewing Company — get yourself some!
Winter desert riding — get yourself some!
