Reviewed by: Que vola ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Since I started riding, my dream has always been to have epic rides right out my back door, and the Ord pretty much gets me there. The Ord backcountry is covered in singletrack, and it's totally possible to do 4-hour rides without ever having to backtrack. The area is basically desert; it's too loose and sandy for any big trees to grow, so you get mostly chaparral and sagebrush with a few small forested bits. The northwestern corner of the backcountry, close to the army base and the CSUMB campus, is flatter and sandier than the rest; a good place for newbies. Most of the trails here are unmarked, so keep an eye out from high ground for landmarks. The eastern part of the area (which includes the actual BLM land and Sea Otter) has marked, maintained trails that are generally a lot steeper. Most of the geology in this area is sandstone, so there are some rock gardens here and there if you know where to look. The Ord isn't technically difficult, although some of the climbs can be pretty brutal, it compares to Boggs Mountain or Wilder, sort of. Most of the singletracks are pretty tight and full of blind corners, though, and they're enough to test anybody's XC riding. Fort Ord is definitely worth a day trip from Santa Cruz or the Bay, as long as you've got a local to show you around. On your own, finding your way through the Ord can take a while. Bring plenty of water and Powerbars, and an all-day bike. Anything over 35 pounds will kick your ass out here.

Recommended Route:
There's a copy of the BLM trail map on several different websites. It's pretty hard to read on the computer, but it will at least tell you how to get here. Park on Portola Road off of Reservation and Highway 68 (or if you're lucky like me, ride from your house) and grab a copy of the trail map from the bulletin board just past the gate. Trails worth looking at are #s 39, 41, 43, and 75, as well as all the ones marked as 'singletrack mountain bike trails' on the map. The BLM map is pretty small and confusing, and it doesn't show elevation, and a lot of the trail signs are easy to miss, so count on getting lost a few times. Just keep your bearings, and remember to stay on singletrack; a lot of the fire roads turn into sand pits.

Reviewed by: Bobber ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I just rode Fort Ord for the first time...great place, not too technical (Redrock) but some nice, long, fast singletrack (Goat trail/Couch Canyon) and plenty of stuff in between. The fire roads make the climbs easier and the scenery is great. I hope to go back as soon as I can.

Recommended Route:
Get a Map from one of the bike shops. Redrock is fun but short, Couch canyon, Goat trail for sure, just ride till you can't ride no more!