For the rest of this year a $1 fare is in effect (children under 12 ride free). You cannot drive your car between shuttle points for a dollar! Consider parking your car at Peter Strauss Ranch and taking the shuttle to the beach for a nice uphill hike or ride, or any of the other waypoints served by the shuttle. There are two shuttles - one going clockwise and the other counter-clockwise. Check the website (http://www.nps.gov/samo/shuttle) to get the pickup times, map, etc. The first clockwise shuttle departing Malibu Creek State Park is at 8:30 am. Counter-clockwise, the shuttle departs Malibu Creek State Park at 8:00 am. In each direction there is a shuttle departing every hour, with the last shuttles of the day departing Malibu Creek State Park at 3:00 pm clockwise and 3:30 pm counter-clockwise. The schedule is available via downloadable PDF file from the NPS web site. If you are bringing your bike, be prepared to load and unload it from the rack yourself.
Now for the ride...
This ride begins with a very technical single-track that is a rude awakening for those who have not warmed up. A steep gradient with ruts and loose rocks takes you to the top of the Kanan Dume tunnel. Most riders start out riding but end up pushing their bikes up large segments of these first 400 yards. Catch your breath and enjoy the next section of single-track. Cross a paved road and continue up, down and around the mountains until you reach the Latigo Canyon Road.
Take a drink and prepare for some more single-track! There are a couple of steep sections that will test your mettle and plenty of switchbacks, loose sections and one quite rocky and technical section before finally arriving at the Newton Motorway. Be careful on this section as there are plenty of other trail users out there! I counted a half dozen runners, four hikers and more than twenty bike riders on my recent visit in October.
Turn to the left and begin the ascent of Castro Peak. A nice and steep fire road provides plenty of traction and little shade! This segment is less than a mile but would be quite unpleasant in the heat of the day.
Look for the intersection of Mesa Peak fire road. Veer to the right and soon you will be riding downhill to the junction of Bulldog fire road. This segment is just over a half of a mile in length. The Bulldog fire road is quite steep and bumpy and will test your braking system. Enjoy the views before carefully cruising down the fire road to Malibu Creek State Park.
At the bottom of the road go to the right and pass the M.A.S.H. site and a very rocky single track to a bridge crossing the creek. Follow the well worn and wide fire road out to the park entrance for a couple a miles. Look for the deluxe Bus Stop with a nicely finished bench.
As you enjoy the well-earned rest, think about how much more fun it would have been double your mileage and elevation gain riding back up Bulldog fire road and back to the car. After those thoughts have vanished be sure to stretch your leg muscles during your warm down while waiting for your coach to return you safely to your car.
