I received the call from the Marines to set an appointment to pick up my Stowe Trail permit. I did so, getting it late last week. This morning, I rode Stowe Trail from Fanita/Ganley in Santee all the way up through to Goodan Ranch/Sycamore, continuing up to Martha’s and then back through.
Things to know:
You cannot get off trail. Signs are everywhere. Don’t try to fool anyone. You’ll be the fool, losing your permit and likely your bike.
Yes, some sweet single track is gone. Some is still part of the trail. A lot of it is double track. It is currently, likely due to this winter’s rains, quite sandy and rocky. Fat bikes and plus-size tires/bikes will roll it all just fine. It is not smooth, “flow-ey,” glory trail riding. It’s work.
It needs lots of tires rolling on it to break it in. Get out there and ride once your permit comes in.
At Fanita/Ganley, the entrance looks like this:
Take a look at this map. It makes it very challenging to connect to the Mel Brooks trails. I suggest not deviating from the Stowe Trail, if you are not familiar with the area. Stay on the Stowe Trail.
Monday morning, and I saw not another human being. No Marines were on patrol.
It was great to ride Martha’s again…been a long time. I never made the drive around and wasn’t into hopping fences, etc. Martha’s is riding a little on the burly side right now! Sure was fun!
A lot of people are to thank for making this happen. I’m a mountain biker, so I thank SDMBA!