Cyclists Head for the Hills and Get Acquainted

With about 10,000 acres and more than 100 miles of roads and trails, Chino Hills State Park is a favorite spot for mountain bikers, but the sheer size and variety of the park can make it daunting the first time out.

To help the neophyte get acquainted, “Rolling in the New Year” offers an opportunity Sunday to take a few loops through the park--a stretch of unspoiled hill country just north of the convergence of Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

It’s the second go-round for the event, sponsored again by the Chino Hills State Park Bicycle Assistance Unit, a volunteer patrol and maintenance group that operates under state sanction. As many as 500 cyclists will be accepted for the event, which offers two loop trails totaling roughly 20 miles.

Hardy cyclists can take in more than one of the loops--and, in so doing, increase their chances of picking up a nifty prize. A raffle after the ride will offer everything from accessories to bikes. Participants can pick up free tickets at any--or all--of seven stations along the routes.

Loops have been designed for all ability levels. Though registration is limited, organizers say riders should be able to sign up on the day of the ride. Registration and check-in will be from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Riders can start heading out at 9 a.m., and the raffle will be at 1 p.m.

The park has several entrances. Sunday’s event will begin at the equestrian staging area near the main vehicle entrance, off California 71 (Corona Expressway) near Corona. Proceeds from the event will support trail maintenance and other park projects.

For riders wanting to explore the park with others more than once a year, there’s the Thursday night ride organized by Free Wheeling, a shop in Chino Hills.

“We normally meet around 7 or 7:30,” after the shop closes, said employee Ray Arretche.. Generally, about a dozen riders take part, usually sticking to the same basic route but sometimes tackling new terrain (but only by consensus of the group).

The weekly event started as a night ride for road cyclists, but as the mountain-bike boom took hold, the focus changed. It is a fairly informal get-together with a steady core of regulars, but newcomers are welcome.

“Basically, a big group of friends got together and started riding,” Arretche said of the event’s origins. “It’s definitely a group ride. If someone gets to the top of the hill first, they’re going to stop and wait for the rest to catch up.”

As might be expected, riding a mountain bike at night presents certain challenges. Lights are required, and the routes stick to fire roads (rather than trails), but . . .

“Just be prepared to crash, because you don’t have the visibility you have during the day,” Arretche said.

Mountain bikers never let a few scrapes get in the way of a good time.

Rides, which are free, meet at the shop. From the Pomona (60) Freeway, take California 71 south to Pipeline Avenue south. The shop is at Pipeline and Chino Hills Parkway. Information: (909) 393-8855.

* What: “Rolling in the New Year” mountain bike ride.

* When: Sunday, Jan. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration opens at 7:30 a.m.). May be rescheduled if weather is poor.

* Where: Chino Hills State Park, main vehicle entrance.

* Whereabouts: From the Riverside (91) Freeway, take California 71 (the Corona Expressway) north and drive to Pomona-Rincon Road. Turn left, then left on Soquel Canyon Road, left on Elvinar Road and left on Sapphire Road. Turn right at the park entrance, then right at the equestrian staging area.

* Wherewithal: $25 (includes park entry fee, lunch and raffle tickets).

* Where to call: (714) 433-3213.