A local landmark in Orange County, Santiago (aka Saddleback) Peak is easily recognized with the plethora (been meaning to use that word all day) of antenna towers on the summit. That summit is appx 1 mile high representing the highest peak in Orange County and also the wettest rainfall weather station at around 30-inches annual rainfall in contrast to OC's typical 14 inches. The elevation traps the clouds coming in off the Pacific. more info at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_Peak

So the other weekend a group of us made a late afternoon run up to the summit. Mornings are a bit too crowded with a zillion 4x4s and 4x4 wannabes trying to navigate what is generally a fairly smooth fire road. Well except for the water berms which make excellent motorcycle launch platforms.

We were on a quest to make certain we could complete the up-and-back before nightfall. So no photo stops other than the top. And no one borough a GoPro either.

But we did have 3 Yamahas, 2 XT225s and 1 XT250 and a Honda CRF250 Rally.



Nam took a sweet calendar ready photo of his XT250



Group at the overlook near the very summit.





Jeff (Rally), Nam (250), David ('06 225), and me ('07 225) on the right, as you view the photo

We had a blast! Learned a lot more about riding downhill at speed, well at least above walking speed.

Ride is on Rever - https://a.rever.co/rides/1894709

Post ride recovery beverage. Went extremely well with the ribs my wife made.



Not likely to make any repeats this weekend. Temps are going to be in the 90's.

JP

Looks like a good time. Been in the 90's with thunderstorms every afternoon here... which is normal for summer, unfortunately.