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Cycle
San Luis Obispo: Mountain Biking - There are a host of mountain biking opportunities in the San Luis Obispo (SLO) area that include two primary and two secondary rides areas in SLO proper. Outside of the city limits there are serveral options that range from Beach areas to backcountry, all of which are worthly of exploring.
West Cuesta Grade - The largest section of trails that is "mostly" within the Los Padres National Forest. The term "mostly" is used because the trails are comprised of old mining and service roads that can cross into Military and private land if you are not familiar with the turf. This are is accessed through three main points:
- Stenner Creek Road
- Poly Canyon Road (the backside of California Polytechnic State University)
- The top of the Cueata Grade (off Highway 101 - top of the grade - looks like a truck rest stop area)
Depending on your ability you can link together a variety of rides from 8 to 30 plus miles. There is a combination of fire roads, single tracks and sections you might not be able to identify as a trail. Most of this area if within the Los Padres National Forest but there is also private property and military property and you won't be able to tell the difference until you run into one of the locals. Some nicer than others.
To the right of the map there is a brief description of a few of the trails.
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Stenner Creek Road - Intersecting Highway 1 about 1 mile North of San Luis Obispo. 4ish miles of asphalt and fire road ending at a farm house. There is a small bridge with a gate. Once through the gate you can either continue on the fire road up to the train tracks or take a left on a small single track that heads straight up the hill to the train tracks. Welcome to the entry of the lower West Cuesta Grade.
Poly Canyon Road - Accessed through the California Polytechnic State University campus, behind the dorm areas, this is great warm up climb up to the train tracks. You usually have to hop over a few gates that they use to keep the cows in check. All fire road with a few steep pitches. Once you get to the top gate you can go left (North Rim Trail), right (steep pitch up to the tracks), straight fire road that hooks back up with Stenner Creek Road.
Shooters - The trail many people talk about, this is a world class single track that is moderately technical. Traffic is both up and down so watch out as you ride.
Botanicals and Morning Glory - Usually just called Morning Glory (incorrectly) these trails also accessed from the start of TV Tower Road (connecting to the top of the Cuesta Grade) and this is the location of the TV Towers. You can't miss it because there are the towers that include cell, TV and other radioactive assaults. Look downhill and you will see a gate and that is where the trail begins. Follow your nose any you will end up at the bottom of Shooters and can make your way back into SLO through Stenner Creek or by crossing back over to Poly Canyon.
Other trails to note ...
- Elevator Shaft - this connects the bottom of Shooters (area) and he train tracks. An outstanding new trail that includes bridges, banked turns and more all in a short section.
- RedDog - everyone has a different name for some trails but this one connects the bottom of Shooters to the top of Poly Canyon. Take your like in your hands and drop through the Eucalytus trees to head over.
- Burn Line - a newer trail that is seductive at the top (look to the right at the top of Botanicals ... you will find a little treat through the trees and brush). Watch out though. Without 10 inches of travel and some stones you will be porting you bike over some 6'-8' drops ... and there is a climb back out to the bottom of Morning Glory (up Botanicals)
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Madonna - Ok ... not huge but a complete blast to ride. Linking it all together you might get 10-12 miles of riding but well worth it. There are 4 access points of which only one is obvious. Entry is from the Marsh Street on ramp to Hightway 101 off to the righ hand side.
Alternative access is through the Laguna Lake Park, and a few residential areas ... You will want to consult with a local. There is a servie road to the top of the hill, a full perimeter trail and a few add ons. From the top (if you are up for it) you will find Rcck Garden on the North side of the hill. This links back into the Perimimeter Trail.
Enjoy
More descriptions of these trails coming soon.
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