This past Sunday my friend Val and I set our sights on reaching the top of Coal Canyon. We ride this trail often but rarely go all the way to the top. On this ride we were determined to do so. Our trek was planned to start at 6:00 am, however, looking outside my window at 5:30 am, it was still dark and I was not willing to head-up the trail in darkness… wild animals 
We pushed back for 7:00 am.
For our regular readers, you may recall an introduction of Val, back in June 2008 when he took on our sport of mountain biking. In the start he had difficulties and several mishaps, as we all do.
Val three months ago, walking the beginning of Coal.
Crashing on his solo ride.
Three months later Val rode like a seasoned rider! He climbed to the top with energy that I haven’t seen before. Often times I was behind him trying to keep up. The only time we stopped was when we were stuck in sand pits and for a few pictures.
Reaching the top, approximately 4 miles from the trailhead, the morning fog was still lingering. We headed for the huge boulders also known as “Mini Moab”. We rested on top of a boulder and played around for a bit before heading back down.
Topo of Coal Canyon
In the video below, you will notice sporadic clips of our descent. I have a make shift housing for the Flip Mino that I am testing out. As you will see, I haven’t figured out a way to stabilize it therefore majority of our descent was not captured. It would often slide down were it was only focused on my handlebars. Enjoy!
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[...] Go to the author’s original blog: Weekend Ride Report: Top of Coal Canyon – Slick Rocks aka “Mini Moab” [...]
Thank you for all of your help and for posting this Joe, it inspired me more to ride my bike more often. I think I am ready to go back to Santiago Oaks….
That’s a great video. But why were you shoes off?
That’s nothing the first time I went up there I took my shirt and short pants off lying on the rocks, Hubo eh!
Just so we are clear, I wasnt there for his first trip…
Lol. Thank you for clarifying Joe.