So Nichol has been looking way too comfortable riding around Lake Hodges as of late so it was time bring on something a little more challenging for the after work rides.
Nichol meet Daley Ranch. Just for the record the top section of the East Ridge Trail was the only time she hike-a-biked any section of the first ride out here. I have a feeling it is just a matter of time before I’m chasing her up the hills.
We were chasing daylight on our first outing so we did Creek Crossing to Sage to the Jack Meadow Loop. After the loop we took the East Ridge trail back to the Creek Crossing trail and back the trailhead. It was only 9 miles and change but was more elevation change than the 18 mile loop we last did at Lake Hodges.
Our second after-work ride at Daley this week started out the same but at the top of the Jack Meadow Loop we took the Hidden Springs trail (aka “The Wall”) up onto the western ridge where we rode the Engelman Oak and the Cougar Ridge trails (fire roads) over the Crest trail. The trail is holding pretty well considering that we have been way short on rain for a long time. After the Crest trail we took the ranch access road back to the trail. This was only a mile longer than the previous outing but added about 500 feet of additional climbing. This is a good time of year to be riding out here with mild temps and greenery all around.