Jlburgess

My adventure vision for this Monday is Boulder Creek up to Cedar Spur / Eagle Peak rd into Julian then maybe poke around Wynola and Volcan Mtn. Likely back down 79 to Laguna, then Pine Mtn to Descanso. Probably on the road by 9:00 since it could get hot later or maybe T-storm based on clouds popping up this afternoon. Any takers?

Ooh, didn't see that until now. I might be down for this! Fred Canyon is one of my favs! Check your PM's Rory. 👍

Oh that is good news! Thanks for the update. I'm considering doing Coral Canyon on Monday if anyone is interested? Likely an easy loop and big bike friendly. If nobody is in for that one it might turn into a sport bike ride somewhere fun and twisty like Banner Grade east of Julian.

Here's the link for road conditions. It says they are both open. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/cleveland/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5340229

Nope, it famously was blocked by an angry new ranch buyer who has barricaded the link to Fred Canyon. He started with gun play but has backed off to barbed wire and a gate made of iron pipe. I hope he has a heart attack and nobody can get there in time.

No, that is the approach from Pine Valley which is the south end. I suspect both ends are closed now.

That said I was having as good time on Thing Valley rd which had zero other people about. It is now closed just past the little cabins on the left about 3 miles in so no more Fred Canyon loop until someone figures out a bypass! 😉

So Pine Creek rd can't be done regardless of the Cleveland NF roads website status due to the recent fire and this:

Looking at Pine Creek rd this Monday 8/29 since it claims to be open, then up to S1 and over to Coral Canyon. I'll take the easy loop around there and then free form after that. Perhaps down to Campo.... Any players this week?

Yes, I was coming back from Julian on 79 and spotted it. I saw some air support so I think they will get it out. I didn't go down S1 south after spotting the smoke. I suspect that will be it for Pine Creek rd this year until we get some rain. They often close Thing Valley and Fred Canyon as well with elevated fire danger. We will see....

Alas, I have come down with an acute case of employment which may cause a reduced riding schedule, however I was able to negotiate Mondays off so this thread is still somewhat applicable. What say you Monday dual sport riders? Thinking Mt. Laguna area this week or? Update: heading out tomorrow morning at the crack of 9:00 am for Viejas Grade, Boulder Creek, then up Engineer rd to S1, then back via Pine Creek rd and Descanso Junction if you are in. PM for meet up spot.

Next up is an earlier ride by my standards (9 am?) meet up Jamul or RSD? Thinking Barona/Ramona then Old Julian hwy. Then Wynola and Farmer rd if not too hot. Lunch...? Return Pine Hills, Eagle Peak, and Cedar Creek road before it closes for fire season. Epic fun! Finish up down Boulder Creek rd to Viejas grade road at I-8. What say you weekday riders? Day is flexible here.....

All good here! 👍

Off to Descanso/ Boulder Creek Rd to 3 Sisters/ Engineer rd/ S1/ Pine Creek today. Return NLT 3 pm today and will post up.

Thanks for joining in the fun Rory!

I sent an email to Cleveland NF office about the Deer Park closure notice a few months ago noting that it had expired and asked if I could help clear the damaged area to get it opened for safe enjoyment. I never got a response then happened upon the open gate at Pine Creek about 2 weeks ago. I looked for a cut lock (after I rode it 👍) on the way back and no evidence of tampering. It looked like some recent clearing efforts were done, particularly at the area about a mile west of S1. The intermediate gate at the switchbacks was also open. Just guessing but maybe the fire crew detention facility was working on it?

I'm thinking about a mellow ride on Friday down 94 towards Campo and Tecate Mtn. Any interest? I'm a late starter, probably 10 am from Jamul.

All it takes is ProCycle and a credit card! 😄

I only went a short distance on that one. The creek was dry but gate was open. Speaking of open gates I was able to ride 14S02 aka Pine Mtn today. Both lower gates are open and you can make it to S1 around the side for the top one. I encountered a DRZ400 rider and a guy in a 4x4. It's pretty easy except for a little sand and ruts, then a slightly steep part near the top. I could see some fallen trees have been cleared too. It's fairly big bike friendly and cell reception near the top from Cuyamaca. Enjoy it while it lasts!

That was a fun ride although longer than expected since Black Canyon was a slow pace and almost got wrecked by a crazy man driving fast on the inside of the blind corners on a single lane road. If I was in a car he couldn't have avoided me but "got skinny" against the hillside. I'm contemplating a Baja ride now via Tecate' next. Anyone have experience there? Maybe just a day trip to start?

No big trips planned mostly due to gas prices. I can do a day trip for $10 still on the DR though. Shoot me a PM if you are going somewhere. I'm probably doing Nate's grade and Black Canyon area today or Friday.

Well crap, there goes my favorite local easy loop. According to BP today you can't enter Otay Wliderness or Sycamore Canyon anymore from Pio Pico which is now locked. I spotted a sign descending from Doghouse Junction and had to backtrack and exit via Marron Valley which is the only access point left except for a 4' gap in the fence near the BP checkpoint. They said too many accidents on that steep downhill with no guard rails. 🙄

I happened upon a person with local connections a couple months back and was told that the bulldozer guy purchased the property and has threatened a couple of NF rangers with a firearm. They are scared to enforce any easements that may exist so he said. Not sure how accurate that assessment is but I wouldn't be surprised if some armed paranoid freak is going to blast the next hapless rider trying to enjoy the forest.

Looks like we won't be riding in the NF for a bit. I'm guessing that will be extended beyond 9/17 as warranted? https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cleveland/home