Mountain biking has gained a large degree of popularity along the Palos Verdes trails, which attract bikers looking for challenging terrain and beautiful scenery.

Troy Braswell, an avid mountain biker and member of the Palos Verdes chapter of Concerned Off Road Bicyclists Association (CORBA PV), has been biking the Palos Verdes trails for more than four decades. He has provided some tips and some good routes for mountain bikers looking to hit the trails around the Peninsula.

Q: What trails are most popular among mountain bikers in the Palos Verdes Preserve areas?

“Starting at Del Cerro Park the ride down Burma Road is the backbone of the trail system. Ishibashi is a popular route that provides a bit of single-track riding. It rejoins Burma.”

Q: Since trails around Palos Verdes are popular among mountain bikers, what tips should they keep in mind while hitting the trails?

“Obey the trail etiquette rules. Mountain biking here is a privilege, not a right. You set the example.”

Q: Are there any trails in particular that bikers should be wary of? Are there any trails you can point to for beginners, intermediate, and expert bikers?

“Beginners may want stay on Burma Road. It drops 700 feet so the climb back up can be tough for the novice. Be sure to divert to Eagles Nest for fantastic coastal views.

“Intermediate riders can take Burma Road to Ishibashi to Toyan to Pepper Tree. That takes you all the way down to Palos Verdes Drive South. It's over 1,000 feet of climbing to get back to Del Cerro.

“Advanced riders will like Rattlesnake Trail to Zote's Cutacross to McBride Trail. Technically demanding and lots of climbing.”

Q: Given weather conditions and recent land movement in the area, are there any issues mountain bikers should be aware of?

“Obey all posted trail closures. Never ride when the trails are wet. It's against the rules and your tires will become caked with the mud from hell.”

Megan Barnes, public information officer for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, also added some further advice for those looking to bike on trails in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve areas. She notes that not all trails in the preserves allow for mountain biking — some are specifically for pedestrians or pedestrians and equestrian activity. She encourages bikers to check for regulations and to learn and adhere to trail etiquette, such as yielding to pedestrians and equestrians, while riding to ensure the best trail experience for all.

Barnes also says that some of the most popular mountain biking areas in Palos Verdes, such as the Portuguese Bend Reserve, are in active land movement areas, so trail closures might be in place. Bikers can check the Rancho Palos Verdes city website for updates on trail closures.

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