10-Mile Romp and Stomp

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

A three-mile, easy warm-up and three-mile warm-down (Romp) with about three miles of demanding riding (Stomp) in the middle. Don't ask where the 10th mile is 'cause I don't know.

Watch for wildlife on this ride. Bighorn sheep, swallows, owls, hawks, vultures, snakes, foxes, coyotes. The habitat around the peak is unique and varied, attracting all sorts of critters.

First three miles are cruising along the canal road. There are a few descents and climbs as you ride around the retention basins, adding a bit of interest to an otherwise uneventful leg.

Exit the road, and the next three miles are the Stomp! Demanding, old-school singletrack. The trail here features narrow, steep, short, punchy climbs, often with loose gravel. A few places have exposure on both sides, but there are no big drops or significant technical challenges. Intermediate skills and a level head will get you through.

All the climbs, but one, are manageable by the weekend warrior with good technique and reasonable fitness level. The climb near the mid-point of the ride is only doable by demi-gods.

After beating yourself up around the peak and climbing out of the valley, you get another three-plus miles to recover. The ride back has more interest than the road out and if you want to avoid the gravel-grinding on the way in, you could take Ryan's Trail out and back for a "lollipop" route instead.