San Mateo County offers a lot for mountain biking
By Sharael Feist
June 6, 2003
With the April showers having ceased and the May flowers in full bloom, now is a great time to hop on your mountain bike and enjoy the numerous trails that San Mateo County has to offer.
Whether you’re a first-timer or old pro, there are various types of mountain biking trails in the area–from wide, gradual inclines to steep, narrow single track that are bound to be challenging and fun.
Beginners might want to start off at <b>Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve</b>. The 3,117-acre area, which is located near Woodside off Skyline Boulevard between state routes 92 and 84, boasts nearly 22 miles of multi-use trails open to hiking, bikers and equestrians.
There are plenty of fire roads that make the area less technical. However, due to the numerous hikers and equestrians that take advantage of the trails–some winding through shaded groves–bikers must be very cautious when riding in this area.
For those who want more of a challenge, <b>Water Dog Lake Park</b> consists mostly of single-track trails with a few fire roads. However, this 275-acre park, located in Belmont off Ralston Avenue and Lake Road, only has seven miles of trails, which can become a bit monotonous after a while.
Volunteers from ROMP (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers), with assistance from the city of Belmont, have been working on constructing a new single-track trail that is scheduled to open at the end of summer, possibly named “Chaparral.” The new trail should be about 3/4 of a mile long and offer riders new terrain to explore.
ROMP member Berry Stevens has organized the trail building effort as well as trail maintenance work at Water Dog Lake Park.
“We are trying to improve available trail mileage for mountain bikers,” Stevens said. “As well as improve access for the elderly and kids. It’s a positive for the community.”
In addition to mountain biking, the park is also open to hiking, picnicking (although there are no designated spots with tables), and fishing in the three-acre lake (license required).
While on the trail, visitors are likely to get a glimpse of the wildlife that thrives in the area, including rabbits, deers, bobcats and numerous birds–unusual sights considering that the park is lined with houses and condos. The suburban refuge allows for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Steve and June Wilson, mountain bikers who live in the area, find that the park allows them a fun way to get some exercise.
“The location is convenient,” said June Wilson. “And the weekends are less crowded because locals go to bigger places to ride.”
One such place is <b>El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve</b>, better know as Skeggs (due to the parking lot being located at Skeggs Point). This 2,821-acre area, located just down the street from Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve on Skyline Boulevard has over 32 miles of multi-use trails. Most of the mountain bike trails are single track with lots of switch backs making it very technical terrain–best left for the more advanced rider. The trails provide a range of scenery from views of the ocean to riding through redwood canopies. All of the parks listed are open from sunrise to sunset. Night riding is illegal.
For those not wanting togo it alone, Team Wrong Way offers weekly group rides in San Mateo County. They are currently meeting Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Skeggs. The rides are open to the public, but riders must be intermediate or above. There are typically anywhere from six to 20 people that join in on the approximately 15-mile/30-minute adventure, For more information, send an e-mail to nixmtb@aol.com or visit their Web site at http://www.teamwrongway.com.