2strok4fun assists Placelast to Conquer Balinger

[placelast]

2srok4fun (Chris) wanted to do Ballinger, so we met there today. It had rained a few days ago, and we expected the conditions to be epic, and they were - but what we didn't expect was to have to test our mud riding skills.

We looped around the north acres first, he on his fine 250 e/xc and me on the loaner RMX. He's riding just as fast as always. Views were spectacular and we rode most of the day without seing many other on the trails. We found the canyon of doom - the one where you had to duck under a tree, but that was not the most remarkable part - it was the bike and man eating mud bogs! Usually I don't scope a spot for traversing (me too tough, old, and confident), but this time the sheer presence of the standing water with unknown depth and mud intimidated me to park and seek out a line on foot. After throwing some sticks in a few spots, Chris grabs second and motors on thru, clinging mud up 10'. Then it was my turn. As I was going thru, I could see and feel the mud globs (a la Blackwater 100 viedos) raining on me. Did I say elsewhere it was tacky and traction was surperb? And there was no dust? Or that the temperatures were perfectly on the cool side?

We crossed over to the south side and then up along the knife-edge ridge. But before getting there we jumped the water bars, and at the next rest spot saw oil coming down from my fork and flowing over the caliper like hot chocolate on a banana split. Dang! That's two for two (seals, that is). I know one had gone from the pre-existing nick, but now the other. I wonder if my bike's front end ('97) will fit OK in place of this '94's? With much less suspension and a mushy brake I had no choice but to slow my pace to accomodate a moderate trial ride, encouraging Chris to lead.

Once at the other fallen tree, I explain to Chris this is where I met my fate a few weeks earlier, and he-man mcassle saved my arse with a tow back to camp. The good news is I conquered that trail today. Done. I got the dominion. Me-master. Trail #49: you unda mah foot!

Chris suggests we head back to camp for a break, and afterwards decide to wind in and out of the remaining dirt bike-only trails. On a blind corner Chris and a Yamaha guy kissed front fenders; the latter lost his for good. Then we gain more elevation and criss-cross all what's left - none of the trails were losers; all were just fine and waiting for the rest of the SoCa Wrecking Crew to experience...

 

[MCassle]

He-man, LMAO -- sounds like a great ride John, wish I could of made it up there, as an additional ride can only help me for conditioning for next weekends event ... but alas, I was busting my hump at work :(

Glad to hear that you conquered the RMX eater (#49) -- that was a sweet trail, at least the section that I got to ride ;)

Matt

 

[placelast]

(#49) -- that was a sweet trail, at least the section that I got to ride ;)

Say, the other trails in that area, esp. in the 50's series, are even better, way better and less whooped out, less sandy, and are the railing, twisty type with firm berms winding around the scrub oaks and pines. We'll *have* to do those next time. (Right Chris?) Perhaps I can get some of the SoCa Wrecking Crew to come out.

 

[Ol'89r]

Originally posted by placelast


Perhaps I can get some of the SoCa Wrecking Crew to come out.

:thumb: Just say the word. :yeehaw: :yeehaw:

 

[2strok4fun]

As for the trails in the 50's, my wrist is still smarting from a get off due to the lack of attention. As the day wore on my attention span was waning, a scrub oak branch whipped me in the only un-protected area, the neck. Being a wimp the stinging neck was enough for me to loose concentration and I give the sandy trail a big hug bending my wrist the wrong way :whiner:

The traction was very good, like stated, and even riding some 40+ feet behind John, I still consumed fair amounts of roost. Dust was non existant.

On the second loop, a floppy fork did little to slow John down, but he let me lead to clear the trail of oncoming traffic, a job the KTM is apparently good at as it has survived 2 head-ons recently with minimal damage (except to my riding confidence and the opposing bikes and riders)

Although the area is not expansive, we managed to do 52.09 miles without much repeat, with the elevation ranging from 3200 to 4850. John knows how I like to keep some "specs" :)

The drive for me wasnt too bad, from eastern Orange County, it took me 2 1/2 hrs to get there and 2 3/4 to get home.

Ill drive up again, preferably carpool, and only if it isnt dry.