Fall Virtual Ride Series: Week Four

Welcome back to the Path Bike Shop’s 6-week Fall Virtual Ride Series, we’re excited to kick off week 4.  

This round we’re going to be riding in another popular coastal area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park!

To see the routes, follow the links below, or head over to Trailforks.com / the app, and search for:

Path Ride Series Laguna Intermediate

Path Ride Series Laguna Advanced

Choose whichever route you feel comfortable with, and save it to My Wishlist, download the track to your Garmin, save it to your favorites, or scan the QR code with your phone camera to open it in the Trailforks app. 

The routes are also posted on Strava, on our Path Bike Shop Club page and corresponding event: 

https://www.strava.com/clubs/7365/group_events/820143?new=true

(Note that we are unable to post multiple routes to the event, unfortunately. Find the link to the intermediate route on Strava in the event comments). 

When you get to the trailhead at Coastal Peak Park, open the saved route, and use Trailforks or your Garmin to navigate if you're unfamiliar with the trails. On Trailforks, be sure to check out the points of interest along the way to see photos, and more info about features, intersections and other helpful tips!

Ride the route on your own schedule, at your own pace within seven days. You'll have until 11:00 am on Monday, October 26th to complete Ride #4. 

About Laguna Coast Wilderness Park:

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is another fun riding location closer to the beach in Orange County, much like Aliso which you might remember from week 2. In fact, you are even able to get to these Laguna trails from Aliso park if you go up and over the fireroad. These trails in Laguna are known for being flowy, gnarly, and super fun. Be aware, there are a lot of illegal trails here so be sure to stay on the path and follow the routes listed. If you want to try out a different trail, be sure to check apps such as Trailforks or Mountain Bike Project to make sure those are ones you are allowed to be on. These trails are also open to horses and hikers so be cautious as you ride that you yield to them if you see them on your ride. It can get a bit humid being a coastal riding spot but if you are able to make it out when there is still a marine layer, you’re in for a cool and fun ride.  

For More Info Go to: https://www.ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/

 

How the Path Fall Virtual Ride Series works:

We will post the routes on Monday on social media, here on our website and on Trailforks. There will be an easier and a more difficult option to choose from, so you can do whichever you think best suits your riding style. 

The routes will be available on Trailforks.com / the app and will include Points of Interest for any direction changes, features that may be a little techy, and other helpful information. Be sure to look at these before you ride so you know what to expect. 

Once the ride is posted on Monday, you will have one week to complete the route. Be sure to take pictures and post on Strava or social media using the hashtag #PathRideSeries2020 and tagging @thepathbikeshop so we know you did it! Alternatively, send us an email with a photo and a note about your ride.  

If you ride with us every week and post it (or email us) a photo, you will automatically be entered into an end-of-series raffle where you can win some Path merch and other fun prizes! Everyone who participates in each ride of this series will receive something from us at the end as well, as a thank you for riding with us. Be sure to join our Strava Club and follow us on social media so you don’t miss the weekly route announcement. Look for a ride event on Strava each week as well. 

We want you to have fun with it, no matter which route option you choose. Scope any lines you want, and go around any features you don’t feel ready for. Also, please be safe and ride within your abilities, getting off to walk when you see a feature you don’t think you can handle. And, since we’re still in the middle of a pandemic, we also ask that you take precautions if you do the ride with a friend. 

 

Trail etiquette and riding tips:

Please ride safely, and be courteous to others on the trail. Remember to yield to other cyclists and hikers as this is a heavily trafficked park. Hikers have the right of way, and the downhill rider should yield to anyone riding uphill.

There are no options to fill water along the route, so carry lots with you. Be sure to check the weather before you go. There is a place to fill water in Canyon View park if you happen to run out near that area. It is located on the right if you are riding up towards the neighborhoods just before the gate. 

Also be sure to keep an eye out for features and ways to get around them if you're not ready to hit it this time. We just want to make sure everyone has fun and uses this as a time to see new trails or by the end of the series go back and feel confident to hit a new section on a trail.

Feel free to add or take away from the routes that we have made. Go at your pace, whenever you want during the week, and enjoy the ride. Don’t forget to post for the week so we know you did the ride.

Stay safe, stay cool, and have fun!