This summer I bought a mountain bike and since then I have been trying to take one ride a week. I have put in almost 600 miles since July. Mountain bike riding is a nice blend between jumping and getting a good cardiovascular workout. The uphills are tough and the downhills are exciting.
This weekend I drove up to the Laguna Mountains and rode down Noble Canyon. The 10 mile ride takes you through pine groves, oak groves, shaded forests with streams and ferns, chaparral, and very rocky terrain and dry terrain. This all occurs within about two hours. See below for a couple of highlights. One photo is taken approximately 15 minutes away from the other.
It is amazing how remote you can quickly get on a mountain bike.