RR 4/21. Skegg's, SF Peninsula

**Superstar Punani** · 04-22-2004, 11:59 AM

God I love this place. So many microclimates close to each other. The lower section is lush, green and wet, somewhat reminiscent of Central American rainforests without the funky animals, or the North Shore without the extremo obstacles. Other parts are arid and dusty, there are sandstone sections that test your suspension to the limits, muddy areas, log jumps, vegetation tunnels, technical climbs, gnar DH sections, basically the most variety you can squeeze in one Open Space Preserve known as El Corte De Madera.

Just getting back into it after being out of the SF Bay Area for 2 years. I was remember hitting this up for 15 mile loops after work every day.

Manzanita is a sweet technical DH section that has you picking lines on sandstone, followed by a short firetrail section for pointing it, then into the singletrack down to the "staircase". The staircase is one of my favorite sections- a scene of many endos, lots of rocks, constant wet/muddy terrain on the left. You can either fly down this thing and hope for the best, or take it slowly and pick your lines through the rocks, the almost hairpin turn goes through the last section of babyheads before spitting you out on a firetrail. The buzz you get from sticking it is somewhat similar to the one you get running Once is Enough at Kirkwood.

Climb back up to Skyline. Then my favorite DH section in all the preserve is like a secret spot tucked away. I've never seen anyone in there (plus I did ask the rangers and it's all legal).

It is straight out of any MTB porn video, minus the hucks. twisting, turning singletrack, vegetation tunnels, better than any rollercoaster you can imagine. Fuck up consequences are not too high since you've got a lot of scrub and bush to cushion you when you eat it. Record time is about 90 seconds. I've ridden it 3x so far....2:50, then 2:33, then last night 2:20

A technical climb starts out and you end up on the arterial fire road where you can either climb back up and do it again, or do the second half.

Lower SD trail is just as gnar, with more serious consequences. A fuck up could mean flying off the track 10-15 feet into a creek on the left.

I felt in the zone last night. It was my 4th ride this season and getting my new rig dialed. I hauled ass down. At one point it was a blur....all I remember is an accidental nose wheelie, ass of the saddle, both feet off the pedals in an unintended superman position at top speed.

I thought I was dead.

I regained control and got back in saddle.....then the next right hand turn sent me.....a tree was right in front of me. hit the brakes, back sliding out as I start to jackknife heading for this tree...muscled my way, missed tree by 2 inches, clips by back rim and sends me on a squirrely fishtail amidst babyheads.

Somehow there is a patron saint for all MTB JONGS looking out for us, making sure that we escape grievous bodily harm to live another day.

Nothing comes close to the feeling of speed, being on the border line of in control and completely out of control, and escaping a world of hurt.

I was screaming like a lunatic when I got to the bottom. Nonstop laughing from the adrenaline buzz all the way back to the top.

I can't wait to hit that again after work today.

**bagtagley** · 04-22-2004, 12:41 PM

Originally posted by Punani
Somehow there is a patron saint for all MTB JONGS looking out for us, making sure that we escape grievous bodily harm to live another day.

Without that guy I probably wouldn't be walking.

Sound like a good day of riding, Pun.

**Superstar Punani** · 04-22-2004, 02:29 PM

Another cool part is the mudbath that you get.

At the end of the ride only the skin around my eyes were clean.

The best part is going to a restaurant or fast food joint and seeing people lose their appetite when they see the explosive-diarrhea marks on your shorts

**Telenater** · 04-22-2004, 02:37 PM

What kind of reaction do you get from the hotel staff?

**Tyrone Shoelaces** · 04-23-2004, 06:34 PM

That's awesome...I have to get back over to ride with you.

shiat...I just have to start riding again..

MTB rides for me so far this year -> 0.

**Big Hit77** · 04-24-2004, 08:43 PM

Man that ride sounds amazing. Makes me want to go out right now.

**watersnowdirt** · 05-10-2004, 12:52 PM

bump cuz I just found this thread and I'm LOVING it! DAMN I MISS SKEGGS! Nice TR. Can't wait to ride with ya.

**phUnk** · 05-10-2004, 02:03 PM

Originally posted by Punani
The best part is going to a restaurant or fast food joint and seeing people lose their appetite when they see the explosive-diarrhea marks on your shorts

Story of my life.