What to do when it rains on SoCal’s most popular epic route? Cash in all the chips and go for broke.

Although the last SART epic http://dirttreaders.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=2609&hilit=SART was my first run at a mega route earlier this year, the ultimate SART adventure was to bag the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and then go to town.

First it entails a bit of climbing,





then some hiking,



some more climbing,



hiking,



climbing,



eh, you get the picture.





Bag the summit,





and back down to warmer altitude



Then pick up some friends



and get on with the ride.











Jump on SART past Heart Bar,



and start spinning off the miles,





because this is going to be a long day.



Grab a quick bite at South Fork,



and on you go.



Briefly climb Middle Control road,



then grind it up behind the Post Office.







Stop to fill the tanks at Bark Flats,



and labor on,









because now is when you need to make up a lot of ground.







The day casts its last rays into Mill Creek Canyon,



but you relentlessly push to Morton Peak.



The sun left 20 minutes ago,



but it’s when you go to town that rides become epic.




Sugarloaf Mountain to Mill Creek
Type: Point-to-point
Ride mileage: 54.5 miles
Non-motorized Trail: 46.0 miles
Climbing: 6,161 feet
Descent: 12,351 feet

Truth be told, summiting Sugarloaf was done on the first scouting day. With all intent of repeating it the next day on the big ride, we got a late start and I made the call to bail on an additional 2 hrs of hike-a-bike. Saturday actuals were 49.6 mi, +4,827', -11,044'.

Either way, that's quite a set of rides.

I can't think of a better epic ride in Socal, plain beautiful TR.
Thanks Sean.

Amazing!

Muchos gratitude for the post!

nice work guys and cool snow photos.

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strava:instagram:activejunky

Great TR! What a beautiful time of year to be in the mountains. I love the snow shots.

Great TR, wish I coulda made it. On the other hand, looks COLD too! Great pics as usual Sean.

SART did look a little damp in spots - how much rain fell up there?

awesome treader report......Evan asked me to tag along, but I'm only allowed one or two Epic rides a year....glad you guys all made it down safely....

Snow! Now I'm jealous. Awesome pics.

That's beeeauteefull!!! Awsome TR! Now I know what SART is and I hope to be able to make it up there one of these years!

Muchos garcias!!!

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When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. - H.G. Wells

Evan, how long were you planning on staying out there? Your "camelbak" looks like backpacking gear.

I think he ski dived to the top

This picture has great potential for next years photo contest. Great TR guys.

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THOSE WHO KNOW, RIDE TURNER

Didn't sean mention, we parachuted in?

He also didn't emphasize how cold it was...25F when we were getting ready to go. It wasn't quite so bad by the time we started riding but I wanted extra room to shed layers as we got lower down. Add lights, food, extra water bottles....

...and the chance we might still be riding at midnight...