Michigan Bar is a dirt road leading from Highway 16 in Rancho Murrieta,
CA out to Latrobe Road. Cars are allowed on this road but its still a
blast for the out of shape biker or someone who needs an intro to
mountain biking. I've taken a long break from biking and I'm
working on getting my bike legs back. I'm also recently moved from
the Bay Area and I'm picking the easiest possible trail on my way
home from work.
I park on Michigan Bar, avoiding the trek down Highway 16 suggested in
the trail guides. Its my second ride this year and I want to make it a
little further than I did last time. The road starts out super easy,
all downhill on the paved section then past a farm house and over a
neat bridge. From there on out its dirt and several moderate but short
climbs. There is just enough climbing sections with a few rests in
between for getting my jello legs back into shape.
Everything is great, I got my mp3 player going, I'm getting up the
hills, feeling pretty good when I get to the next farmhouse. This is
where I made it last time and I took one look at the next hill and rode
back the way I came. I take a drink, rest a bit and start for the next
hill. That's about when my mp3 runs out of batteries. No problem, I
can make it without tunes. Next, a truck comes along and passes me.
No problem, now I am tuneless, dirty and breathing dust. I still make
it, gasping for air... only to see another fuggin hill around the next
bend. Fine. I'll make it next time. I turn around and start
cruising back down the trail. Now it's the fun part. There are
several ruts in the road, just enough for some excitement on the way
down and a little downhill practice. Woooo hooooooooooooo. A few more
rides out here and I'll be ready to go explore some better trails.