When Winter Hits Snooze, Time to MTB!

Winters in California have always swung between feast and famine. And this year is shaping up to be a slow starter. Sure, a few ski resorts are spinning lifts but here’s the insider scoop: right now is PRIME mountain biking season. Cool temps. Plenty of sunshine. Trails running hero dirt smooth. Nearly everything is good to go. So instead of wishing for storms, why not take advantage of this golden window? It’s the perfect time to book a clinic and explore fresh trails right next door. To help you make the most of it, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite rides located near each of our upcoming clinics.

Let’s dive in and let the good times roll until winter finally decides to show up.

Fairfield

Clinic – Dec 13th

Just west of Fairfield, Rockville Hills Regional Park offers a tight network of more than 20 miles of trails. For a solid challenge, hit the Cave Trail. A fast, open descent that quickly tightens into rock filled switchbacks with off camber features before dropping you into the Vortex area for a short but punchy technical finale. If you’re craving something mellower, you can cruise around the pond with plenty of route options to explore.

Santa Cruz

Core Fundamentals Clinic – January 10th

Intermediate Cornering/Wheel Lifts & MTB Skills Progression Clinic – January 11^th

For both first time visitors and seasoned locals, all singletrack eventually leads to Wilder Ranch State Park. Perched on the bluffs, its trails wind through redwood forest and offer a great mix of terrain for all abilities along with stunning views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Another must ride for any visitor is the Nisene Marks Demo Flow Trail, the shining jewel of the Soquel Demonstration State Forest. This network is considered by many to offer some of the best legal technical and intermediate to advanced riding in the Bay Area.

Marin

Core Fundamentals Clinic – February 7^th

Cornering Switchbacks – February 8^th

Thanks to its soil composition, Marin, Fairfax, and even China Camp are great winter riding options since the trails drain well after rain. A standout in the area is the Camp Tamarancho network managed by the Scouts of America, serving up a mix of well-maintained singletrack from fun flow to technical descents. Whatever you do, be sure to ride Caballo Rojo a trail that took more than a decade to bring to life. Keep in mind that riding in Camp Tamarancho requires a one day permit which costs $5.