By Eddie Rea
Eddie, a friend and good neighbor of mine, asked me to write my column for this week. It’s worth a look. RC
A few of my best friends and I met up for a mountain bike ride on a recent trip back to California. After hugs and handshakes, we agreed to ride a remote trail together and set off on our adventure. It was a great ride. There were a lot of single track, a moderate fire road climb, some hike-a-bike and anxiety about limited water supply. Fresh bear tracks and single-tracks were all part of the adventure. The downhill had me tucked in my seat and one foot out as I skied it.
John was asking me which trail in Washington was my favorite. I was just going along and he asked me what I preferred. After pondering for a while, my attention was on the rocks ahead and I replied, « Neither. » They are both cool, but they are different. The next day, I boarded a plane bound for Seattle. On my return flight I began to wonder if I prefer Washington riding over California. As the plane rose, I thought about it and became absorbed in the details of all the trails that I’ve ridden over the years. I then compared the two regions head-to-head.
Rain vs. Smog I remember the trails that I rode in Southern California. Cal. which I found on my own: Whittier Hills and Sam Merril Trail. Glendora Mountain Road. They were found by me driving on the freeway, looking up at the lines that zigzagged up the hillside. It’s very easy. Follow the line down to the bottom. You might be able to spot a trail like this in the Seattle region. Too many trees? Good luck! The NW landscape’s white drapes are far more appealing than the white haze that often creeps up into the valleys and canyons around the LA Basin. Seattle- 1 LA-0
Poison Oak and Blackberries I moved to Western Washington from California in the late spring. Just in time to see the Blackberry super-growth. It was immediately apparent why everyone was wearing tights and long sleeves when it was 70 degrees outside. Blackberry vines are prolific and can be seen draping across many local trails. These vines can inflict severe injuries on the arms, legs, and faces of their victims. The good news is that the vines are usually cut back by the local equestrian clubs in early June. This gives them the opportunity to grab a quick snack. This is not ideal because the vines can cover the trail, so extra tubes are required. Maybe there is an Equestrian website that complains about Mountain Bikers in NW not helping with maintenance.
Poison oak, which is found along some of my favorite trails in California, can be deadly. The poison oak that litters the trailside on some of my favorite trails in California is a little more lethal than a vine scratch. It takes about a week for the effects to start to show. My first encounter with Poison oak is still fresh in my mind. After being warned on a San Gabriel Mountain trail about Poison Oak, I stopped to get a snack and asked Billy, « Hey, what’s Poison oak like? » He smiled slyly and replied, « See where you’re standing? » That is all Poison Oak. ?
Seattle is given the nod again based on the fact that a Blackberry tastes better then a Cortisone shot.
Frogs vs. Snakes Western Washington has no poisonous snakes! At least, that’s what I was told. I’ve had close encounters with rattlesnakes in California. One time I was even able to catch one. Even though it is the main focus of my worst date, a rattlesnake is also a focal point. That’s quite a story. However, I find it much more enjoyable to dodge frogs along my secret trail. I have confidence that any snake I come across will be less scared of me than of them.
It’s a win for Seattle once again.
It is clear that my comparisons of Western Washington to Southern California are somewhat biased. ?Unfair comparison,? Some may cry, and I can sympathize with them. Seattle won because I wanted to prove a point. Simply put, I’d rather ride in Mountain Bike paradise alone than endure the smog, poison oak, and rattlesnakes that come with riding with my best friends. In spirit, I will ride with my California friends until my next visit.
