MUPing It in Ojai

I decided to change things up a little today. I loaded up my Ford Escape and took a 45 minute drive to Ventura to cruise the Ventura River Trail (VRT) and the Ojai Valley Trail (OVT). The two trails make up a continuous MUP (multi-use path) up into Ojai. The two trails contrast each other dramatically.

Loaded and ready to go.

 Unloaded in Ventura and ready to ride.

The views along the VRT reflects the industrial nature of the area with a long history in oil. This is a clean, well used trail. It's unique in it's post apocalyptic feel along many it's sections. It's only five miles long starting close to the beach before becoming the OVT. Bring a camera for some interesting pics.

Leaving the VRT and entering the OVT for the ride into Ojai.

Entering Foster Park which marks the transition from the VRT to the OVT.

Libbey Park In the town of Ojai. 

Stop at Libbey Park for a picnic before heading back.

 Post apocalypse...not, just a last pic from the VRT on my way back.

 That's all folks!

Ride with Byron in Ventura

My son Byron and I drove out to Ventura to catch the beginning of the Ventura River Trail and head up to Ojai along the Ojai Valley Trail. The marine layer cleared just as we began our ride and it made for a great day. The ride didn't go as planned but...just look at the pictures.

Although the Ventura River Trail (VRT) parallels the Ventura River the predominant view is of an industrial nature. At one time this area was home to a substantial oil field. Old straight drilled pumps dot the area. Some are still pumping but slowly. Riding along on this old rail road bed next to worn out tanks, oil pumps, trucking, industrial fabricaters and so on provide an interesting glimpse into the past history of this area. The ride along this area in the cool ocean air can at times seem surreal. Why does Mad Max come to mind?

The Ojai Valley Trail was closed. Come on folks you didn't post this on your Ventura County Parks Facebook page. With the VRT behind us I was ready for  a nice ride under the trees to Ojai. Think, think...let's go to the beach and have a picnic.

Making our way back down the VRT to the beach.

Wow!! This ain't so bad. A day at the beach with my son, a picnic lunch...

...and a Long Board competition to entertain us.

Beautiful day.

Time to pack up and head home. Some of the best times in life are a result of a detour.

There's Always the Beach

Went to Foster Park to start a 20 mile round trip ride up to Ojai and enjoy a picnic lunch. After1-1/2 miles I found out that all the rain from last week was still having it's way with the creek crossing. Yep the path was closed. The creek was flowing over the bike path into the Ventura River.

DARN!!

What should I do?

I know,

turn around and take the bike path to the beach.

Managed to get a nice 18 mile ride on this excellent California day.

Thats me. I had my picnic lunch at a beachside campground.

I was the only one there!