"Flow Trail" in Santa Cruz Is a Must Ride | Mountain Biking Northern California Trail Guide
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 พ.ย. 2018
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The Flow Trail, located in the mountains above Santa Cruz, CA is one of the longest and best flow trails out there at almost four miles long. Ride along with me as we dissect this loop and ride of the most famous loops available on the West Coast of the US.
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#MTB #FlowTrail #SantaCruz - กีฬา
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You people don’t have a clue how good you have it out there. This is what dreams are made of.
So stoked I found this channel! The commentary is informative and the footage entertaining. Also pretty cool that you live in OC and cover all of my local trails! Thanks for the rad videos
Appreciate that! Many more to come! ;)
Another great video / edit with off the wall music mixed in! Love your choices. Perfect balance of trail sounds and music. Don't stray from this format!
After 6 months..... It's finally raining in Santa Cruz today! Goodbye dust and smoke! Can't wait to get out and ride on some 'hero-dirt'!
Thanks again for the videos Tony.
Thank you! Hyped to hear it's finally raining - hopefully we get some of that down here in SoCal soon, as well. Appreciate the feedback every time! ;)
Nisene and the demo forest are my weekly ride and I know from experience that Flow is not an easy trail to shred. You handle yourself well on a bicycle, Sir. Nice job on the video production, too. I look forward to catching up on your vlogs.
Thank you for the kind words. You live in a beautiful place. I can’t wait to get back up there. Welcome to the channel!
i went the first weekend i got my bike i was out of shape and with little mtb experience i almost passed out
Probably not the best ride the first week of mt bike ownership! But kudos for surviving!
I attempted to drag the family on the Flow route about 7 years ago. It was hot and the climb was killing my son, so we had to turn around. (So I was here within the last 20 years, but only very briefly and never even hit the single track!) In hindsight, this was a good thing as the climb back up Hihns Mill Rd. would have killed 'em! (But not today - they're ready for it now, just need to bring 'em back!)
thats why you dont go to demo if your an amateur
@@dudeonbike800 yeah that was 2.5 years ago on my hard tail it’s so much easier now 😂
Been practicing for about 4 weeks. Og bmx rider but being out of shape has no age lol.. I think I’m ready. Stamina getting back up
I've never ridden that but my buddy goes out there all the time and raves about it. I'd love to experience it sometime.
It's a helluva experience. Fully immersed in the woods on some of the best trails you've ever ridden. Highly recommend.
Today was my best ride ever I was able to hit some really sketchy stuff enjoyed it heading to a place tomorrow called Ted Williams mountain bike trail never been there it looks fun any comments please let me know any tips I enjoy following your channel and your Insight as I live in Southern California Oceanside
Always looking for somebody to ride with
@@TheOutsiderMTB That's a great endorsement! Riding through the Redwoods is a pretty awesome experience. Although there are truly amazing trails to ride in the world, no one else can claim the Redwoods! The coast range sandstone and flora are pretty unique; love the smell of the Bay Laurel through the trees!
I'm lucky to say I've been able to ride so much amazing stuff in and around the Bay Area. But as I've posted elsewhere, it's been over 20 years since I've ridden Demo and dammit, it's time to get back! Planning on it next week. Then it's back to Skeggs to show a friend. He's a local too who hasn't sampled that yet. Crazy to live here and NOT hit the really, really good stuff!!!
PS I should add that this area is special to me as my grandmother's large family grew up not far away. She told stories of riding the train "over the hill" from the valley to her home and Santa Cruz; that was well before Hwy 17. There's even a local road that shares the old family name! Kinda cool!
Thank you for including navigation!! It was like having a guide to orient me before I go!
Glad it was helpful!
Love the commentary with yourself
Haha - the bizarro me. Thanks Niccolo. ;)
Just searched Santa Cruz mountain biking and this was the first video. Happen to be watching it exactly 1 year later.
That’s great. Thanks for tuning in. 👊✔️
Trying this one tomorrow for the first time. I'm excited!
Good luck!!
Never been on a trail on mountain bike but I'm intrigued to try out now.
Get out there - it’s amazing. ✔️
That intro song had me head banging lmao
Haha sweet.💥
I remember I went there for the first time! My buddy dint tell me a lot about it! I was getting worried we were getting lost! Super fun ride! In 100 degree weather lol
👏👏👏
It was cool to see you drive past my old house on Branciforte, though you seemed to be going a bit fast 😁
Awesome video. Definitely hitting this up in the future!
Thanks!
Hey, thanks a lot for pointing out Cusack Trail! Ha, wasn't there last time I did this loop (at least I don't think it was there 20 years ago!).
LOVE the sense of humor. The thrash metal was pretty absurd and funny! Good job anticipating future edits and additions to the video. Ha, ha! Funny and nice.
Thanks man!
Amazing trail and ANOTHER great video!
Thanks!
thanks Tony looking forward to hitting it, hopefully its in a little better shape but I'm sure it will be a blast either way...Cheers!!!
It's a helluva experience. Love that place.
Very cool, got to ride that some day.
Definitely.
Rode it today, one of the best trails in northern ca!
👊
I thought it was just me but I'm glad you said it at the end about the ride out being tough. I kept looking at trailforks for the easy way out. There was none.
Nope it's a long dark ride back when all you can think about are snacks and steaks.
@@TheOutsiderMTB how long was the ride back? Afraod just to think about it, i was already trying to think about spmeone towing me back up lol
@@CarolinaBrasilUSA Pretty long. Maybe 30 minutes?
On my Bucket List! Thanks
Good to hear!
Grew up in Santa Cruz! Nisene Marks, Wilder Ranch and DeLaveaga were all my stomping grounds. Kept hearing about the Demo Forest and yet never checked it out. Living in Los Angeles now and seeing this video I'm kicking myself for not riding it when it was pretty much in my back yard!
Gotta make your way back up there for this one man!
I’m SO EXCITED!!! Two weeks to the day and I’m going to be riding this trail with a buddy of mine. He’s been a couple of times but this will be my first run on The Flow Trail! Hope I can do this trail justice.🤘🏽🚵🏽♂️🌲🌊🍻🤘🏽
Ps. I’ve watched this video a bunch of times in a row hoping I might memorize just a little bit of it. 🤣
You’re going to love it Ian! Happy shredding man! 👊🔥👊🔥
Must ride. Thanks for making the video.
Thanks for tuning in!
@@TheOutsiderMTB check my chan in future for this trail with multiple crashes. 🤟🤞🤙🤟
@@TheOutsiderMTB oops, I edited my other post to include a pic of Casalegno's and blitzed your heart 😢
Thanks for visiting my town
My pleasure!
Great video!
Thanks!! 👍🏼
Awesome looking trail!
👊
Great trail tour..!!! gotta get a carbon 29er and flow this ride
Get it! 👍
Can't wait to get back... and mt shasta... cali has some hidden gems... please do 1 of south Tahoe please...
Never mountain bikes before, friend took me here today and I had a blast! I am physically a wreck And the climb back out of the fire trail was horrible, but man was flow trail a terrifying fun time!
Awesome!
I had fun watching you riding the trail, the worst thing is that i used to live in San Jose which is 40 minutes away from where you at *I think* and I never knew about this trail. Now I'm back in Saudi Arabia with either the dessert or flat land or rocky mountains that are hard to ride in :(
Have fun brother and keep those trail riding footages coming!
Thanks! I feel you - just keep pedaling bud!
New sub. Love the vibe of the channel.
Thanks Kat and welcome! 👊🏼
Gonzo Kat forreal amazing
Came to this channel for this video. My distant aunt works at Los Gatos best western and says she can let me come on up next year after I have been working for a while. Now I just need a new bike! Mine is an old hard tail but then again if I come sooner I will rent a bike.
👍✔️
It's an awesome trail, I've ridden it countless times, it's just the braking bumps get a little rough sometimes, but they just repaved the berms, so right now, it's in prime condition, that will last maybe 3 weeks.
Right on!
I like how you just said that “ the ride out is pretty rough” hahaha. Dude it’s like a five mile killer at the end of the most tiring down hill ever. My only words of advice to anyone going is to avoid doing it in a summer time heatwave like I did. You should spend some time riding in San Luis Obispo when you get a chance. Montana de Oro St. Park and Cuesta Grade has some of the best and fastest single track around.
Ha - it’s a haul for sure! Also, I have multiple videos from Montana de Oro. Agreed. Check out the library. 😉
Nice to hear there's some trails close to santa maria 😀 I'm getting my hardtail next week. May not be a full suspension mtb but its all good
I’m going tomorrow
i dont really feel like demo laps are to tiring. I can punch out 2 to 3 in acouple hours. But I would also suggest bear mountain or ucsc for good trail riding.
I went to college in SLO! Agreed!!
Those are my stomping grounds 🤟🏻
✔️👍
You MUST go to Kernville and do Just Outstanding and The Cannelle Plunge. Although you might need to wait till spring, it's probably really cold right now.
It's on my list for sure. I'll have to remember those trail names!
Also, I would argue that death/black metal is much better"Ride through the forest" music. You just gotta pick the right song.
Haha - to each his own. Might depend on the speed and trail too. ;)
What a great video !! My son and I watched it and trying to memorize every single turn. It is now on our bucket list ! What is the best season to ride it ? Thanks !!
Awesome check out my updated vid from here: th-cam.com/video/ymHUktdCatI/w-d-xo.html
I love this trail, you rode it super well, sick vid🤘
Thanks - such a fun trail! Appreciate that Graydon!
Awesome!
👍
This trail goes on flowever!
💨💨💨💨
@@TheOutsiderMTB 😃👌
Looks like you drove right past my old house on Branciforte Dr at the very beginning..?
Gonna try this out soon and I can’t wait! Just not looking forward to that climb at the end 😐
Haha nice!
I went there this summer on rental bikes, it was awesome but ya your hands cramp up from braking on the bumps
I really need to ride this trail, living so close I never got the time
Get out there Jaime! ✔️
Awesome footage, do you know if there's any shuttles to get you up to the top of Soquel? The only one I've found seems to leave 3500 feet of climbing which is still insane.
Yup. Check out my other Santa Cruz vid. I take a shuttle to a similar spot. But you still are going to be climbing.
7:41 LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOO
You are the most underrated MTB TH-camr I have ever seen btw plz clean the camera lenses for a better video quality bye respect for ya
Hey thanks man. Check out my newer vids as well. Cheers. 👊😉
Your channel is legit man! You definitely get around. What is your your hometown?
THANKS - love hearing that! I'm in Orange County. ;)
@@TheOutsiderMTB me too we should go ride sometime man!
Nice!
Holy $**7 that's what I call a downhill.
Never ending - so fun.
Cool 😎
Be ready for the longest climb after that as well lol
Is that Mogwai at the beginning? Great band.
Yessir!
Nice grips! 🐵👍
👊✔️
I need an experience riding parter. I would get loat up there.
Follow my riding links below. 👍
Hey Tony, I was doing some research and ran into your channel, thanks for this video it definitely gives you a good idea on what to expect. I'm planning a MTB trip with the wife to Santa Barbara in couple of weeks, I'm a local here in North Orange County and was wondering if the weather might be too hot out there now, it seems that there is lots of shade and an early start we might beat the heat. Also with this Covid-19 hopefully the trails are open. Any advise? Thanks.
I also live in the OC so I'm not sure about the weather up there right now in Santa Cruz. If that'a where you're asking about. Lots of shade though - I was there in the summer.
@@TheOutsiderMTB Sorry Tony I meant to say Santa Cruz, Braille Flow and Flow trail! Any thoughts? Thanks!
Should be good! It’s a long ride so bring some snacks and extra water.
I want to go to there
I'm going there next week. Getting an idea of the trails from your vids. Any other trails in SC you can recommend.
Have fun! Pipeline was cool just outside of sc. Theres a vid in it I made too.
@@TheOutsiderMTB thanks, I'll check it out.
We'll have to check that out sometime. We're not calling Santa Cruz Norcal now though are we?!?
Haha I guess not.
Love the channel. I’m new to Orange County. How’s the bike? That is Jeffsy 29, correct?
Hi Keith - It's a 27 Jeffsy. It's great so far. Have a look: : th-cam.com/video/dF69e8yjSl8/w-d-xo.html
Awesome vid! What camera are you running? Looks like it needed to deal with the light spots and shadow in this shady section.
Thx! I’m now using the hero 8. 👊✔️
@@TheOutsiderMTB What mount are you using for your GoPro? I have the chesty but i can't get the angles you are
I have the stuntman chesty as well. 👍
@@peuzahnt Stuntman chesty as well.
That rough climb your talking bout at the end. About how many vertical feet would you estimate? I'm what you may call, fitness challenged and would like to gauge my chance of dying on the mountain.
Haha - I'm not sure, but it's a long slow grade climb out. Take a look at my strava below the video if you want to narrow in on that segment. Thanks for watching Jason!
Does not look like a beginner trail but it looks fun.
Rain in the forecast, starting Wed, the same day I am driving up. I guess the bike is staying home this time around. #ofcourse
Damn... Maybe bring it just in case?
i lways park infront of those two trees.
i wish it was still open during this pandemic
Can't wait to get back here man. Same.
I’m going to Santa Cruz in a couple weeks and have never rode there, and recommendations on trails? Il be staying at coltillion gardens campground
Check my library. ✔️ Demo Forest for sure
Where's a good spot to camp or car camp nearby this trail?
I ride there all the time, and it's an incredible trail system (some of the few legal trails in the area). It's pretty rough right now, you'll need to come back and ride it again after the rains/dig/repairs have been done, (usually March/April or later). Also, that little side singletrack you climbed up doesn't officially exist, probably should cut it out of the video.
Thanks for the info Kevin. Appreciate the heads up buddy. And I’ll definitely be back up there come spring. 👌🏼
It's ABSOLUTELY worth it when the trail has been fixed. My first run down the flow trail was in the spring. I happened to follow a group of local pros, and to this day is still one of my fastest times.
@@kevinkaehms4203 I bet - that sounds amazing.
@Kevin kaehms I'm gonna be out on the area for the weekend, my intention was to ride there until I saw rain forecast. I'm still very tempted, how is the draining system in these trails?
It’s great. One of the best.
Vacationing at santa cruz from VA in a couple weeks. This a must ride?
Yessir!
looks like an awesome trail , can you send me a map where to go ?
Check the video description. Cheers!
What bike are you riding?
I'm on a YT Jeffsy CF Pro 2018 - check out my review: th-cam.com/video/dF69e8yjSl8/w-d-xo.html Thanks for tuning in!
Were the fires affecting the air quality? I’m going there this Friday from So Cal
I was there two weeks ago at this point and I wasn't affected at all. I'm unsure about right now, but I'd suggest giving a local shop a call about conditions. Have fun David!
Check the forecast. I am going up from OC Wed-Fri, and it will be raining all 3 days it says. Id say Santa Cruz needs more days to dry out than SoCal. But on the flip side, our local trails down here will be prime this weekend, IF we get the rain.
cawaterpolo12 yeah I saw that. I’m driving up from Tustin in the OC. Planning on riding Saturday, crossing my fingers
That shot at the beginning was fucking awesome. How do you rig that?
Thanks man! I’m using the Rylo 360 camera and barging the arm straight out the window. I use that shot in the beginning of all my vids on the way to the trails. Stick around. 👊😉✔️
@@TheOutsiderMTB First video I watched from your channel! Planning to rip some trails in Santa Cruz tomorrow. Thanks for the route inspiration and the quick reply!
@@VBL- Anytime - have a blast man!
Going there on the 28th...any tips??
Have fun!
What was that song after the metal song the violin folk song called?
It’s been too long I have no idea. Haha.
Can you please tell me some good places for mountain biking in NorCal? I’m half hour south of SF.
How about the video you just watched? Check out trailforks and MTB Projects apps as well.
Some of my favorite trails in the Bay:
1. Demo (Sta Cruz area)
2. UCSC/Wilder Ranch (Sta Cruz)
3. JMP/Redwoods (Oakland)
4. Skyline (Napa)
5. Crockett
6. Rockville (Fairfield)
7. Pacifica
What was the metal song around 7:48
Hmmm...I think it was a Pantera song, but not 100 on that.
Just wondering I'm new to California all new to the side of Mountains mountain biking more of a flatlander was just wondering is there any kind of mountain bike clinics for coaches somebody who can help me out on how fast to ride these trails seems like I'm going brutally slow I just have a lot of questions and nobody to answer them for me figuring it out on my own watch Harry Potter TH-cam on my free time
It really makes a monster difference to have both a nice bike and one that's set up correctly for you.
- One thing I was told when I was beginning to ride was to keep my arse off the saddle as much as possible and definitely when maneuvering tight twisting & technical parts of the trail because it lowers your center of gravity to shift your weight to the pedals instead of letting the saddle support you.
Never go too fast for your skill but trust the bike, it will handle things that will surprise you - so rather than hit the brakes hard and probably have a crash, ride it out and keep it nice and low.
Sometimes it helps to just *POWER THROUGH!*
The more you ride the better your skill and conditioning will become, and which will help you pick up speed,
but remember,
it's not about getting it over with asap so relax and enjoy it while you have breath because one day, all too soon, you'll be old.
Fast forward to 4:20
How hard would this trail be on a bmx bike?
Probably be terrible hahha.
Mistake choosing Flow over Braille. I hate that when I ride with groups, everyone always wants to see flow trail. Ridge is awesome and Braille is the better ride down. Now that Sawpit is back, I would choose that over Flow, as well. Got news for you, the brake bumps are there ear round. Trail is good for 1 day after we do trail work and then all the kooks come out and skid down the who trail.
Stay tuned for the new vids. Flow, Braille, Sawpit. This vid is a couple years old. 👍
Can a hybrid road bike take this trail?
Don’t think so.
How much climbing is the route? I saw one route on trail forks called via bussard that was only 2k feet of climbing and another one that was 3k feet and the routes look identical. Someone help me out?
It’s the ride back to the car that’s long. I have the routes linked in the description.
@@TheOutsiderMTB so do you have any idea how those people are saving the extra 1k feet? I'm looking to buy a new bike and I'm planning to demo the yeti 130 and the 5010 in a few weeks
They aren’t - the loop is the loop. The trails don’t change elevation depending on the ride. Just get at it. 👊✔️
@@TheOutsiderMTB thanks man! Have you riden the new 5010 or sb 130? I'm looking for a good trail bike for the California terrain. I honestly don't think I need a bike with more than 130.
I was just there with my Hightower last weekend,
Such an awesome place, even the N Rodeo Gulch road ride is filled with incredible beauty.
Which road(s) were you driving at the beginning?
Have you ever had coffee at Gina's little store *Casalegno's* at the corner of Soquel & Laurel Glen Rd? She sure makes some excellent coffee.
www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/local/casalegnos/casalegnos-beer-store.jpg
Do you need lots of experience to ride this trail
You need some to get there. And yeah I’d say it’s intermediate.
camera settings?
24fps x 4k Superview with Protune. 👌
Where’s the staging area parking?
Download the trailforks app - its got everything.
I dont know wear the clostest place to park your car is dose anyone know
Check my links under the video.
How bad is the climb and length to the top?
The climb out is the one you have to worry about. The way to the trail is super fun and a bit of a climb, but the end is about 45 minutes back the car.
The Outsider MTB oh lord hahah, going there this Sunday. So you recommend a shuttle instead haha
No no. Just bring snacks. You’re all good man. It’s the best!
The Outsider MTB thanks man, appreciate the quick response, Keep up the good work.
I enjoyed the music but not as much as the sound of the cog/freewheel.
Ha I’ll take it. Thx David. 👊✔️
IS THERE ANY SHUTTLING THERE?
Sure is. Check out my other video from the same trip: th-cam.com/video/kWO4Z5lMEp0/w-d-xo.html We ride down the other side, but this shuttle service drops you off at the top of the benches location. Right where you go into the trail heading to FLOW. We talk about it in the vid. Hope this helps!
@@TheOutsiderMTB thanks for the quick response and info. Much appreciated. I'm enjoying your videos. Keep it up!
Thanks!
I am so amazed at how many people ride without GLOVES!!!! Oh I see now he wears the gloves...,
Who here lives in bc cali
would a hardtail handle this?
Yep!
@@TheOutsiderMTB Thanks!
The bike can but after trying it on a hardtail I would recommend suspension if you have the option.
@@antonychaniotakis8394 Oh ok. Thanks for the help!
@@azxt2188 the trail is awesome, due to potholes and braking bumps the flow trail section would definitely feel more flowy and free rather than bumpy and tiring on a full-sus rather than hardtail.
What is the trail called ?
Flow Trail
I am here in the area today. my bike is here. Going to ride it today.
Which other trails you recommended for a rider that is not beginner in Santa Cruz. I love downieville.
Great bike , rides smooth th-cam.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L I added a bigger spring loaded seat to it . Takes a bit of adjusting cables to get brakes and shifting to perfect . I've owned quite a few bikes in the past that were absolutely uncomfortable to ride and they always ended up as garage wall decor . I'm not seeing that with this one. It's pretty light I've only ridden it a few miles but I like it . As for the pedals falling off in the other reviews , the pedal arms are aluminum along with the pedal studs look to be also . I would not overtighten them. I can see it would be very easy to overtighten them and strip the threads right off . All in all I think it's pretty good quality besides the aluminum pedal thing
* You're
Got me. Haha - Damn...
can you spot other bikers that aren't as fast as you going downhill?
Yeah the sight range is pretty good here.
Who r u, Robert Downey Jr. vlogging about a mountain bike trail? Amazing.
(Its a joke, dont take it too srsly u look like Robert and also gud videos)
Haha