Mountain Biking Southern California

The Santa Susanna Mountains

Right outside our door in Simi Valley are the Santa Susanna Mountains on the north and the Simi Hills on the east and south, home to some of the best year-round mountain biking trails in the world.

This is where I currently like to go on my mountain bike rides. The terrain is not easy and can be very rocky due to the predominant sandstone and limestone, but the joy of being away from traffic and the hustle and bustle of the city more than makes up for the physically strenuous riding that you occasionally encounter. There are a great number of canyons and ridges that run throughout the range. From Chatsworth and Porter Ranch in the east to the Fillmore and Santa Paula on the North, Calabasas on the south and Moorpark in the west, these mountains contain some of the best fireroads and single-track in the world.

There are a number of good places to get information on the Santa Susanna Mountains and Simi Hills. Since you are online, I am assuming that your first choice would be online resources such as Single Track Mind or Ventura County Trails. Please remember to be courteous on your trips and always follow the IMBA Rules of the Trail. Please remember that each of us is responsible for ensuring that trails remain open to mountain biking. Please make sure that none of your actions give hikers, equestrians and others cause to hate mountain bikers and try to take away our access to these wonderful Southern California resources.

If you are interested in some of my most recent rides, click some of the below links:

Yosemite - Las Llajas - Rocky Peak Fireroad - Chumash Trail Mini Epic (May 26, 2008)
(Zoomed View)
Yosemite - Las Llajas - Rocky Peak Fireroad - Chumash Trail Mini Epic (May 10,2008)
Old Santa Susana Pass Rd - Rocky Peak - Hummingbird Trail (Oct 14, 2007)
Corriganville - Rocky Peak - Chumash Trail Mini Epic (Oct 07, 2007)

Equipment Selection

So, you think that you want to start mountain biking?

Well, the first thing that you need to start mountain biking is, obviously, a mountain bike. However, I would not just go out to Walmart and buy yourself just any mountain bike to start mountain biking. You will want to do some research and put a little bit of money into your purchase to ensure that your bike will grow with you as you get better and try something new. I would say that if you are not sure whether you will stick with mountain biking or not, you might want to look into the possibility of renting a demo bike from a good bike shop. Most of the most reputable shops have a demo fleet that you can rent for $30-$50/day. This rental charge is very often applicable to the purchase of a new bike at that same shop. Don't be afraid to ask questions about this possibility at your local reputable bike shop.

Where should I start mountain biking?

The most important thing to remember when you are new to mountain biking is that you are out there riding to have fun. In the interest of this first goal, I would recommend pacing yourself at the beginning. Don't get sucked into the "monster climb" that your buddies have been doing for the last couple of years, at least not at the beginning. Stick with a few less strenuous rides to slowly work up your endurance and fitness. Before you know if you may be dropping your more experienced friends on those long climbs! But remember, don't burn yourself out in the beginning and sour your experience in the beginning. Once you work your way up to the larger hills, you will be rewarded with beautiful, sweeping views of the surrounding areas. Some of the local rides in the Simi area will slowly work their way onto this page above.

What do I need to get started?

The only things that you really need to get started are a mountain bike, bought, borrowed or rented, a helmet, an extra inner tube, tire change tool and a water bottle. The rest of the equipment you can pick up later as your experience and wanderlust increase.