By most measures, 2020 was a difficult year. The murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, high levels of unemployment, a global pandemic, a polarizing political dogfight, as well as the stark reminder (for some) of the systemic presence of racial injustice in almost all of America’s systems. It was an exhausting and demoralizing year for most. And I, like most people, have had to dig deep to keep a level head and to maintain a sense of sanity and propriety over the many responsibilities I hold dear. I am a partner, parent, primary caregiver to my mother (who has Alzheimer’s), citizen, homeowner, and colleague. And every one of these responsibilities has the potential to take a toll on the spirit if I don’t keep a watchful eye on my self-care.

If you are on this site, you are likely familiar with one of the ways that I keep my wits about me — photography. But, if not, feel free to explore and come back to this post at your leisure. Another way I relax and renew is to ride bikes.

I’ve lived in the Bay Area (on and off) since 1986, and all of that time I’ve been riding my bike around the many roads and trails that we have cultivated for shared use. I’ve raced in Ft. Ord., done Gran Fondo’s in Lake Tahoe as well as San Mateo, Monterey, Calistoga, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. I’ve ridden my bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money for Arthritis research, and I’ve hucked, jibbed, and shredded just about every gnar trail between Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz. So, when a colleague mentioned a trail system in Saratoga that I hadn’t heard of, I was genuinely shocked. Unlike many of my riding buddies, who prefer to stick the roads and trails that they are used to, I enjoy seeking out new trails and exploring areas that I haven’t previously been exposed to. So, when I found out that this trail was about forty-five minutes from my front door, and was being compared to some of the best flow trails of the Pacific Northwest, I had to check it out.

My ride at John Nicholas Trail began with the forty-five-minute drive from my home on the peninsula to the hills above Los Gatos. I wasn’t exactly clear on where the trailhead was, so I relied on Google Maps to guide me to an entry point. Google routed me to Sanborn Creek Road, through a circuitous loop that also took me past the Mountain Winery and downtown Saratoga. Both of which are areas I know well from many road rides. And tracking my lycra-clad brethren along the tight and twisty two-lane roads of Saratoga was a consolation as I ventured into parts unknown. I was routed to a point on the map approximately half a mile away from the trail where a private road intersected with a very steep fire road. According to the map, I was on the Sanborn Creek Road at Lake Ranch Road. I knew immediately that I was in for an adventure as according to my topographical map this fire road had a steady pitch of 15%. So much for a light warm-up! I unloaded my bike and gear, started my GPS, and threw a leg over my bike as the trail pitched upward. The grind up Lake Ranch Road was announced by the repeated pings from my GPS computer informing me that I had .5 miles of suffering before the road intersects with the trail. Being unfamiliar with the trail I committed to a steady cadence, gentle stride, focusing on smooth pedal strokes to avoid spinning out and was warmed up as I peaked the climb, breached the canopy, and was presented with a stunning view of the nearly depleted Lake Ranch Reservoir. I road along the reservoir dam and headed due East so that I could intersect with the trail as was typically ridden, (from Black Road). The 1.5 mile ride out to the trailhead was a gentle false flat that was completely under the forest canopy. It’s a wide fire road with a smooth and loamy soft-over-hardpack that made for a steady and relaxing ride. I dismounted at the Black Road trailhead and decided that I could shed my arm and leg warmers, as well as my vest as my GPS registered a moderate 73 degrees, compared to the 52-degree temperatures where I had parked my car.

The descent: The John Nicholas Trail has all of the elements of a flow trail - banked turns, hero dirt (with a layer of pine needles to cushion any overcommitments), switchbacks, and moderate launch ramps with graded landings. White knuckles need a break? Stop at the amphitheater approximately 1 mile down with captivating views of the valley. Soon after, there are three consecutive launch ramps that provide a brilliant return to terra firma that flow into a section of banked turns that will take your breath away. But, be on the lookout, there are many blind corners and hikers and riders of all ages ascending the trail so ride within the posted limits. The trail ends with three sweeping turns that take you over bridges that span a gentle stream. It provides a relaxing soundtrack for the transition back into the working world.

John Nicholas Trail (continued)…

My day ended with the .5 mile gravel Lake Ranch Road descent, which almost made the climb worthwhile. With that said, in the future, I won’t enter the trail from here. The popular trailhead option is Black Road and it sets the rider up for a much more tempered ride, which allows for just enough prep to take on the 5 mile climb up John Nicholas to Skyline.

What a great start to the New Year! The John Nicholas Trail is an amazing find that I will be adding as a permanent addition to my riding quiver. Its flowy lines, loamy trail conditions, highly rewarding climb, and accessibility make it an ideal destination for mountain and gravel bike riders of just about any level.

To my colleagues, thanks for the tip! It’s remarkable that I had never heard about this trail, but now that I do, I will definitely be riding it again. And again.