Ramona Local Ride
We’ve lived out in Ramona’s Country Estates since just before Christmas. I’ve barely explored the endless trail system in the hills surrounding my neighborhood. I’ve just recently started piecing together some good loops of varying length.
Earlier in the week, I scoped out another trailhead. Today, I talked Sean into exploring with me since he recently moved into the area as well. It was crazy hot again today, so we waited until almost 7PM to beat the heat.
It started off with a few hundred yards of paved climbing. Some of the locals have painted it so it looks like a Tour de France mountain stage. The names ARMSTRONG and LEMOND are painted in huge letters, along with various other symbols.
Pacman in the Pyrenees:
On trail:
Sean plays on a rock formation:
This little rattler did not want to move, so we ended up going around him, off trail:
Awesome scenery (Light was fading fast so I only got a couple pics):
High Meadow:
Sunset:
Cuyamaca Peak in the distance:
Day turned to night and we broke out the lights (yes, we came prepared). We climbed up some switchbacks to the top of a hill and came out on a very well maintained and used dirt road. We saw cars on a highway in the distance and figured it was Hwy 78 going out to Julian. We decided to turn back and just retrace our route instead of taking any chances and I’m REALLY glad we did—
Our turn-around point is at the northeastern-most point. About 2 miles from Witch Creek, which isn’t far from Santa Isabel. That would have been a sucky ride back home. What started as a little exploration ride turned into a 2.5 hour, 14+ mile, 1,800′ of elevation gain ride. Pretty fun for a Sunday evening.
The final wildlife tally:
Day:
1 Rattlesnake
5 Horned Toads
Night:
10 frogs
1 Skunk
5,000 Field Mice (give or take 1 or 2
Again, if there’s a trail you’ve been meaning to explore and you keep putting it off–stop procrastinating and Git ‘er done!! You never know what you may find!!
I’m planning on beating the heat yet again and heading out for an early morning ride at Hodges before work tomorrow on the rigid SS. I’m not sure what the rest of the week will hold, but with good stuff right out my front door, I’m sure something will turn up 
Until next time, seek your bliss.
Ride lots…
