Mere Mortals Mountain Biking http://mere-mortals.org/ en Copyright 2009 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:16:39 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss White Socks

He was a great friend who was always providing us with laughs and helped keep everything going last year when I broke my wrist and was out of commission for months. He will be missed.

There will be two small white socks on both new jersey designs and a note in memory of Rodney and we had a memorial ride at his Russian Ridge ride, which was his passion.

]]> http://mere-mortals.org/2009/12/white_socks.html http://mere-mortals.org/2009/12/white_socks.html White Socks Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:16:39 -0800 Advanced Trails Advanced Trails

For Mere Mortals, the advanced trails usually involve two things: steepness and technical riding. With the exception on Santa Teresa, these trails are also fairly remote. It doesn't mean they're not fun, but it means make sure you have your wits about you when riding these areas.

Also, make sure you're well prepared with water. Coe is one of those places you cannot take enough water. Depending on your comfort level with the technical terrain, you may want to take arm and legs guards with you as well.

In places such as Coe, there may be a significant amount of hike-a-bike.
Trail Aerobic Techincal Trailhead Description
Santa Teresa Fortini Rd or Bernal Rd Technical mix of singletrack and fireroad. Stiles Ranch and Rocky Ridge are the more popular technical rides. Very steep up Hidden Springs to Rocky Ridge.
Skeggs/ECdM Skeggs Vista Point Very steep and technical riding, but short loops can be done at a high intermediate level. 30+ miles of trails available, and provides the most variety locally.
Soquel Demonstration Forest Main Demo lot Plenty of downhill routes plus stunts, but just as much climbing. Routes tend to be at least 15 miles long. If Highland way is closed, you may need to come around from Aptos, or bike out 1 mile or so to the trailhead.
Henry Coe State Park Headquarters or Hunting Hollow Local epic riding! Make sure you have a compass, a map, and even a GPS to keep from getting lost here. Very steep, very technical, and very beautiful.
]]> http://mere-mortals.org/2009/11/advanced_trails.html http://mere-mortals.org/2009/11/advanced_trails.html Advanced Trails Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:23 -0800 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails Trails in the Bay Area and Northern California tend to be relatively steep. Most of the trails involve climbing, and various levels of technical riding. If you're bored on the beginner rides, this is the next place to go.

Note that if you do multiple laps in some cases or longer routes, these trails could be considered advanced. Mere Mortals considers anything 20 miles or more an epic ride.

Intermediate level rides can vary depending on steepness and technical riding. Some places are steep but not very technical and vice versa. Others may involve both climbing and technical iding, but not the steepness.

Trail Aerobic Techincal Trailhead Description
Russian Ridge One mile North of Page Mill Rd on Skyline Blvd or Page Mill Rd and Skyline Blvd Short, but steep open terrain and some singletrack mixed in with fireroad riding. Some ledges and technical sections, but everything is ridable.
Saratoga Gap/Long Ridge Hwy 9 and 35 or Grizzly Flat Parking Rolling technical singletrack that is usually connected with Long Ridge/Peter's Creek via Long Ridge fireroad.
China Camp China Camp VillageLong flowy singletrack, some technical sections, lots of switchbacks. Beginner option with Shoreline trail only, advanced options with multiple loops.
Ft. Ord Creekside Terrace Over 50 mile network of trails, with widely varying terrain and conditions, our wet winter riding grounds.
Kennedy Kennedy Trailhead Long and steep fireroad many folks use for climbing training
Wilder Ranch Main Lot off Hwy 1Good network of singletrack and fireroad, some extensive climbs.
St. Joseph's Hill St Joseph's Hill @ Jones Street Fairly steep singletrack and fireroad trail system near Los Gatos
Sierra Azul Hicks Rd and Woods Rd Rocky and steep fireroads, can be joined with other area trails to make epic rides
Waterdog Carlmont Dr Short and steep singletrack with some technical features
]]> http://mere-mortals.org/2009/11/intermediate_trails.html http://mere-mortals.org/2009/11/intermediate_trails.html Intermediate Trails Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:11:23 -0800 Beginner Trails Beginner Trails Note! Some trails have more advanced options! Make sure you either stick with the trail name listed in italics in that case so you don't go over your head. Note that none of these trails are very technical, but the lower in the list they are, the more elevation change is involved (e.g. climbing and descending).

If you're a regular mountain biker, these can be really, really boring. If you have to introduce someone to mountain biking on the dirt, these are the best local places in the Bay Area. They are listed in order of perceived difficulty. If these are too easy, check out the intermediate and advanced rides.

Most of these trails are not only ridable by all, but also walkable and do not require much climbing.

Beginner Trails

Trail Aerobic Techincal Trailhead Description
Baylands Terminal Rd and San Antonio, Palo Alto Easiest trail in the South Bay. Very flat, some minimal climbing, and a bowl area to work on technical skills.
Wilder Ranch
Ohlone Bluff Trail		 Main Lot off Hwy 1Ohlone Bluff Trail, flat fireroad along the beach with gorgeous views.
China Camp
Shoreline Trail		 China Camp VillageShoreline trail involves the most singletrack with the least amount of climbing. Small technical sections, some switchbacks.
Arastradero Arastradero Rd or the Page Mill Park and Ride Good mix of terrain, jump section, minimal elevation change.
Quicksilver Hacienda Rd or Mockingbird Rd..Long fireroad options. Extended climbs, but lots of history and not technical.
Fremont Older Prospect Rd. LotNon-technical singletrack, but has a significant amount of climbing.
]]> http://mere-mortals.org/2009/11/beginner_trails.html http://mere-mortals.org/2009/11/beginner_trails.html Beginner Trails Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:37:58 -0800 Local Trails Northern California Trail Ratings, Mere Mortals Style

This is a map and a description of the trails we ride. All trails are rated, and they vary from beginner, intermediate, and advanced. All maps are available at our map guide on Google Maps. Note that the trails are grouped three ways:

  • Overall rating
  • Aerobic Difficulty
  • Technical Difficulty

Green is easy, blue is intermediate, and black is advanced. Double black diamond is above anything someone called Mere Mortals is most likely doing.

So for our breakdown plus a description, click on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.

]]> http://mere-mortals.org/2009/11/local_trails.html http://mere-mortals.org/2009/11/local_trails.html Local Trails Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:35:17 -0800 Contact

People are listed multiple times, but it's more to help you get the right answer faster than to fill up space here.

The Chainrings

Big Ring Stripes, stripes at mere-mortals dot org
Middle Ring Julie, jkanagy at mere-mortals dot org
Granny Gear Chucko, chucko at mere-mortals dot org

Coordinators

XC/Cross Country Julie, jkanagy at mere-mortals dot org
Epics (20+ miles or anything at Coe) Chucko, chucko at mere-mortals dot org
Trailwork Anne-Marie, anniejumeau at gmail dot com
Mailing List and Calendar Coordinator: Tony, jerzdude at yahoo dot com
Social Networking: Julie, jkanagy at mere-mortals dot org
Webmaster: Gary, gary at tcomeng dot com
NMBP Coordinator and IMBA Contact: Chucko, chucko at mere-mortals dot org
NMBP Co-coordinator: Aussie Bob, aussiebob2 at comcast dot net
]]> http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/contact.html http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/contact.html Contact Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:54:51 -0800 Photo Gallery Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer ]]> http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/photo_gallery.html http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/photo_gallery.html Photo Gallery Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:55:45 -0800 Mailing List

If you are interested on getting on the Mere Mortals Mountain Biking List, you can use this form to subscribe or unsubscribe. It's a great place to get information on what's going on with Mere Mortals Mountain Biking. There's no charge to join, and feel free to follow the list and ride something where you feel comfortable. We won't give your email out to anyone, EVER.

We do support other local mountain bike groups and bike shops who do have a right to post on our sites because they help keep Mere Mortals going.

How the list works:

  • Weekly rides and general announcements are sent out once or twice a week
  • Ride changes and cancellations are set out as necessary
  • Events from other local groups and bike shops are set out as deemed ok

If you have anything you want sent out to the mailing list, email Tony at jerzdude at yahoo dot com.

Only a few people can post, so please respond to the individual poster if you have something to contribute. Do not reply to the mailing list, please. It only emails the mailing list administrators.

Please note: By subscribing to the mailing list, you are agreeing to the our terms and will comply with our ride requirements.

Subscribing is easy.. type your email in the textbox below and click the Subscribe button. This will subscribe you for our Google Groups mailing list. You can always check the calendar too.

Subscribe to Mere Mortals Ride Announcements at Google Groups
Email:

If you have any problems subscribing, please contact Tony at jerzdude at yahoo dot com.

]]> http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/mailing_list.html http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/mailing_list.html Mailing List Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:46:43 -0800 National Mountain Bike Patrol

Mountain Bike Patrol is for mountain bikers who serve the outdoor recreation community with information, first aid, and minor bike repairs. As a trail patroller, you will provide first aid for both bikes and humans, CPR, and safety for the safe enjoyment of our local trails.

IMBA put together a list of patroller duties that covers what we do.

If you're interested in helping other trail users while riding and get some volunteer time in for the mountain bike community, you can join our mountain bike patrol group.

Our current territory consists of any Mid Peninsula Open Space Preserve mountain bike accessible trails and Santa Clara County Parks bike accessible trails. We are working with other land managers to assist with patrols in their areas as well. Other Patrols for Northern California are listed at the bottom of the page.

patrol2.jpg

In order to join the Mere Mortals Mountain Bike patrol group, you need to be First Aid and CPR certified, a member of IMBA's NMBP, and trained by the land manager you plan to work with. As a group, Mere Mortals is affiliated with IMBA's NMBP, and we receive a lot of benefits by working with them (including free tubes, clif bars, and access to their patrol forums).

NMBP members get free membership to Mere Mortals! All you have to do is include a copy of your NMBP card with the membership form and send it in.

What is required from me to patrol?

You need to be current on First Aid and CPR certification, be a member of IMBA's NMBP, attend the land manager's training, and let Chuck or Aussie Bob know that you want to do patrol with us.

patrol1.jpg

If you need First Aid and CPR certification, Mere Mortals holds an occasional First Aid/CPR clinic done by Anne Aerobic. Otherwise, there are plenty of other First Aid and CPR trainers and resources. You can also get your Wilderness First Aid (WFA) instead of the First Aid certification, but it's up to you.

There is no hourly requirement currently, but on patrol we do require you carry the recommended tools and recommended first aid kit. We also require you wear something identifying you as a patroller. IMBA has Patrol jerseys that are quite comfy that work for both MidPenn and SCCP.

If you are interested in patrol information, please email Chuck at chucko at chucko dot com or Aussie Bob at aussiebob2 at comcast dot net.

NMBP for other Northern California land management areas. Please contact them directly, as we list their pages as a courtesy for all NMBP patrollers.

]]> http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/national_mountain_bike_patrol.html http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/national_mountain_bike_patrol.html Mountain Bike Patrol Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:59:25 -0800 Ride Calendar Wanna lead a ride? Read our ride requirements here and our disclaimer.
You also need to print out a copy of our liability form for your ride participants to sign. If you need to contact our ride coordinator directly, please email Tony at jerzdude at yahoo dot com.

]]> http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/upcoming_events.html http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/upcoming_events.html Ride Calendar Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:50:48 -0800 About Mere Mortals About Mere Mortals / FAQ Mere Mortals Mountain Biking is a San Francisco Bay Area mountain biking group ride with no drops, no pressure, and no egos.

The idea is provide everyone of all levels a relaxing ride pace, but still allow those to expand their riding skills without feeling the need to hammer all the time. There are many riders who are advanced and need to ride at a slower pace.

No Drop means no rider gets left behind. Ride leaders endeavor to accompany the slowest rider(s) in your group, so the slower riders do not feel abandoned. No one gets abandoned.

No Pressure means that all rides are fun, relaxed trail rides. If you feel the need to walk a section of trail because you're not ready for it, no one will force you or make you feel inadequate for not riding above your level.

No Ego means every rider is treated as an equal, no matter what their level. All riders, new and active members, newbies and experts, represent Mere Mortals on that ride. This enables other members to ride in a non-threatening way.

Mere Mortals Mountain Biking exists to give people a positive environment and relaxed pace, and it doesn't matter how long you've been riding or what you're skill set is. We offer rides for all levels, but at a relaxing pace. Mere Mortals Mountain Biking provides you a positive environment to ride in because the trail can be intimidating enough.

Our group is free to ride with, and we are very active throughout the year. We do not charge for membership, but we do accept donations to help offset the costs (IMBA, NMBP, insurance). During the spring and summer you'll usually find us in most of the local trails from Santa Cruz to Marin. When it's wet and rainy out, we're usually at Ft. Ord.

We do require helmets, water, and a working bike for each ride. There's a list of other things you can carry with you, as things can happen when you're miles away from the trailhead. Remember, flats and mechanicals can happen during a ride, but we don't want to encourage them! ]]> http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/about_mere_mortals.html http://mere-mortals.org/2009/10/about_mere_mortals.html About Us Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:08:22 -0800