Super Bowl Sunday: Wilderness Style

What started out as a quick ride before the Super Bowl, turned into a slightly longer than anticipated trek due to the perfect weather and the “let’s just see where this goes” curiosity. We were able to string together a few of our favorite trails starting from home, and, after 1 gallon of water, 2 trips down into the canyon, 2 climbs out of the canyon, 3 creek crossings, 4 miles of sand and rock trail, we ended up in Live Oak Canyon 10 miles later. This is officially the new ‘favorite’ bike ride.

There were only about 10 people on the trails today, giving us the chance to really enjoy being out in nature. I have decided that I am absolutely addicted to oak trees. They are usually hidden by the sycamores but, because the sycamores’ leaves are still gone, the oak trees cannot be missed. The spring grasses and hints of wildflowers are starting to come up. I also believe I saw new ‘leaves of three’ so I let them be.

The ride: At Oso and Antonio Parkway, get on the dirt path behind the Las Flores apartments, head down into the Tijeras Creek Wilderness area, at the “T”, turn east on Arroyo Trabuco Creek trail, stay on the main trail and, when you can, get off the pavement trail and onto the dirt trail. The dirt trail will take you under Santa Margarita Parkway and the 241, into O’Neill Park.

Did I mention my legs are going to be sore tomorrow?