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Noble Canyon
More Information
Overview
If pushing. yourself is part of what is enjoyable about mountain biking, this trip is for you. This is a long day. The ride begins with a grinding and paved, 9 mi service road climb. Embrace the suck and laugh a little; the good stuff is coming. Near the top, adrenaline sets in as the 2-hour plunge looms for a 2,100+ ft descent. Singletrack flow, technical rock gardens, wicked switchbacks, creek crossings, cliffs, and loose shale floor await the daring. For us ocean dwellers, the lungs will feel every bit of the mountain’s 5,500+ ft elevation.
Heavy lungs and heavy legs are inevitable. This ride is appropriately pinned as advance; though strong intermediate riders looking for a challenge will appreciate the experience.
Itinerary
A bucket list ride and considered one of Southern California’s best, San Diego’s Noble Canyon is a mountain biker’s dream ride. Here’s what to expect:
Pre-Ride
- After connecting with your guide at the meet-up location for introductions and gear transfer to our vehicle, we set off for our mid-mountain drive to the trailhead. Anxiety and excitement set in.
Ride
- Upon arrival, you’ll be led through a quick bike check, safety brief, trail etiquette review, and special scenario’s action plan due to the remote nature of the trail. Then, we ride!
- There is so much to take in, your senses may be on overload. Our loop will take 4+ hours to complete before a well deserved post ride gorging.
Post-Ride
- We eat! No floppy sandwiches here. Only the best for the best. Fresh fruits and fresh ingredients for an epic buffet of sandwich and side choices.
Includes
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the session price. This means from the time you get to the meeting point until the end of our time together, all permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, snacks, food, drinks, community items (tables, chairs, and the like), and board/ball games, are included. Additionally, each session includes a mobile first aid and mechanic station.
Excludes
We have put together an excellent trail experience, but we can’t do it all. The following items are not provided during our time together:
- Bicycle riding lessons
- Mountain bike rentals
- Mountain bike maintenance
- Security for personal items
- Coaches gratuity
Gear Requirements
There are some required and recommended items to bring. Take a look at the list below and please come prepared.
Required:
- Mountain bike
- 27.5″ minimum wheel size
- Bike must have disc brakes
- Must be in good working order
- Helmet
- Snug fitting sitting no more than two finger lengths above the brow.
- Straps adjusted so the ear sits in-between the rear/forward strap triangle
- Close-toed shoes
- Athletic apparel
- If wearing pants, should taper at the calf to avoid interference with the chainring
- Hydration Pack
- 3-litre minimum
- Favorite multi-tool
Recommended:
- Gloves – Full fingered
- Sunglasses
- Knee/elbow pads
- Sunscreen
FAQs
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How long is the ride
A little over 4 hours. However, with the 1 hr. drive to the trailhead and back plus the post-ride meal, we’ll be gone half the day. We recommend leaving the day open in case there are unexpected and unforeseen delays due to equipment failure or injury.
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What shops are recommended to get my bike ready?
Our favorite shop:
Show your booking receipt and get a discount on all safety related accessories. Helmets, pads, footwear, gloves, sunglasses, and more.
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What will the weather be like?
Yes.
Summer is hot. Winter is cold. The same ride can include snow on the upper trail with 80º+ temperatures at the bottom. The area can range from freezing mornings to sunny and hot afternoons. Please use this forecast link, or whichever source you prefer, to plan around. Your best bet? Come prepared for all weather conditions. . .within reason.
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How are injuries and emergencies handled?
Our team is trained in basic First Aid and CPR and carries a mobile first aid station for all sessions. In the event an injury is beyond the training of our team, emergency services will be activated utilizing our satellite equipped Garmin inReach Messenger. Additionally, status updates will be sent to emergency contacts throughout the ride to keep them in the loop on the day’s progress.
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What is the technical skill required for this ride?
Using IMBA’s Trail Difficulty Rating System, the trail bounces between More Difficult (Blue Square) and Very Difficult (Black Diamond) for the duration of the ride.
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What fitness level is required?
The ride is hard. It’s a long day in the saddle and is only available for folks in excellent cardio and aerobic condition.
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It’s time to upgrade my ride. Does The Pedal Bike sell bikes?
Yes we do!
We are an exclusive dealer for Haro bikes. They are a San Diego based company and have some amazing mountain bikes that will sweeten your experience on the trail.
Talk to our team during your clinic. Our interest is finding you the best ride for your need and interest; no shady sales here.
Summary
A long, grinding, service road climb to what many consider the best trail in Southern California. The Noble Canyon Trail is Cleveland National Forest’s opus. A 2,200 ft descent through high alpine meadows, riparian creek crossings, and arid desert, this trail has it all. Flow, technical rock gardens, tight and twisty singletrack, and exposed cliffs. Snow and cactus on the same ride. That should say it all.
Highlights
Price
$100
Length
1/2 day
Location
Cleveland National Forest
Distance
20 mi
Ascent
2700 ft
Descent
2100+ft
Skill Level
Advanced
Fitness Level
Advanced
Meal
Post-ride
