Tag: Canada Larga Rd

Ponies Make Everything Better

Today was a slow starting day for the Co-pilot, sleep has been rough lately with the teeth in the rear starting to make their appearance.  After yesterday’s long ride I thought we could go out on the river trail for a bit and see how long things hold up.  Once again the fog was pretty thick.

Things were going well at mile 6, but the fog was making everything damp.  I decided to pass on the playground and detour out along Canada Larga Rd.  I was thinking that some ponies and cows might make the morning a little more interesting.

It helped wake her up a bit, but like I sad we were slow starting….

after a couple hundred feet of altitude gain on the back roads the motor was feeling the slow start too, and decided it was time to point things back down hill.

The cows and bunnies were just OK, but scarring up a flock of birds was almost like a cup of coffee,

And then we were back to the ponies!!!!

Pure stoke!  just enough to keep her from falling asleep on the way home.  All in all we squeezed in about 14 miles in an hour an 15 minutes, not too bad for a loaded down xtracycle.

Country ramble

Today was supposed to ba a bit of exploring, and a grocery run.  Most of the explorations ended up in dead ends, I headed out Canada Larga Rd for a bit, and then had to head home before Getting the food.  The fog is still in tight through the mornings, and the flowers are getting thicker every day.

At least I finished off the fun parts, now to figure out when I am getting the groceries.

Canada Larga Road – Spoiled?

I will admit we are pretty spoiled here with the mountains and ocean back to back. Topping it off you can get into open ranch country just a few miles out-of-town. This morning I made the quick ride out to Canada Larga Rd. Only 7 miles from the house and I can be on empty country roads,

Right after this shot a coyote crossed the road, by the time had grabbed my other camera it had joined the rest of the pack on the hill,

Then the climbing begins, nothing terrible, but fun steady rollers perfect for a quick workout.

This is an amazing natural resource made accessible by a county road.  Paving conditions are terrible, but the views make up for it, it is also a good reason to ride fatter tires.

Access extends back almost 4 miles.  The region is very popular with birders, as many uncommon species migrate and nest here.  I have been privileged on more than one chilly morning to see pairs of raptors hunting.  Time was tight this morning and I only made it a couple of miles back before turning around.

Then the payoff for the climbing begins, spinning 50×13 the whole way back to the river trail.

While open and somewhat wild for the moment, this land is becoming an economic and environmental battle ground.  The valley and over 800 acres of land that is currently part of the  County of Ventura is possibly going to be annexed into the city and re-zoned for the development of mini mansions (equestrian ranches and executive homes).  The most recent vote by the city council pushed this out further, spending more money to determine if this makes any sence.  Bringing this region into the city will incur the burden of police and fire protection as well as all other city services.  It is sad to see the city bowing to the allure of quick money, hopefully common sense will prevail.  You can read more  about the last council meeting here, Ventua Hillside Preservation Blog.

I hope that by sharing my pictures and video to expose the natural beauty of the valley that it may help in bringing attention to the preservation of one of this regions more butifal and accessible open areas.

Cool and clear this morning in the mid to upper 30’s and snow-capped mountains in the distance.  I do something close to this ride almost once a week or more.  As you head out the river trail past the old agri-hydro-cracker wasteland the graffiti is always entertaining.  Seems like there are always subtle changes.

The Bridge is almost to the right turn out in to the valleys.  This creek crossing always shows you just how much a steel frame can flex if you beat it up just right.

Once off of the path it turns into a few miles of county bliss.  And then the fence jumper in the road, yes it is no wonder California cows are happy cows.

Then the message to the phone that daddy duty is starting early today, good motivation to make the most of the tailwinds an downhills home,

What a great way to start the morning.