**Fit Beginner 4.3 miles, 480′ gain.**
There is an out-and-back option that lowers the gain to 230′.
This is a pot luck picnic. Please bring something to eat and drink, and a little extra to share. If your item requires it, bring plates and utensils to share.
Pot Luck guidelines: [https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772](https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772)
We’ll [share snacks and drinks](https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772) for 60-90 minutes, then return by completing the loop (or returning the way we came if it’s very hot).
**Fun Facts**
So what is MTB?
Answer: Mountain Bike (not Mountain Terrain Bike)
Ref: https://pedalchile.com/blog/mtb-meaning
The name I see on a map is: Chesebro Canyon MTB Trail
**Hosting**
*Route*
The host knows the route. A pic of the route has been posted as part of this description. The host may vary the route slightly.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed
*Hike type*: Social.
We won’t be hiking at a fast pace because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. There is nothing wrong with stopping, even if it means every 50 steps.
*Stops*:
We will stop at junctions to make sure everybody makes any turns or chooses the correct direction at splits, else something will be used to mark the direction.
Each hiker is responsible for knowing their capability, only attending events where they are able to sustain the described pace, for keeping up with the group sufficiently enough to make the turns and not get left behind.
**Interesting Notes**
Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike:
*[Black Sage](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/3/c/2/highres_503525058.jpeg)*
Multiple brown buttons going up the top of the stalk, that may have white flowers. Green leaves. Purple or white flowers that are dark brown as they dry on the plant. Squish the leaves and smell.
A rare and sought after Black sage honey is also made from the honey of bees that pollinate the Black sage plant. Black sage is utilized in the culinary world as an aromatic and flavorful herb. It can be used in recipes wherever traditional sage is called for, however keep in mind that foraged Black sage has a much stronger flavor than that of traditional store bought sage.
Its flavor goes well with winter squashes, brown butter, poultry, venison, pears, cheese, potatoes and other herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Use fresh in a variety of different preparations or leaves. Can be dried and stored for future use as a dried herb. Black sage was used traditionally by Native Americans known as the Chumash people to form an herbal soak for the bath to be used in the treatment of bodily pain, specifically for the feet and lower legs.
*[Yellow Star Thistle](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/3/c/8/highres_503525064.jpeg)*
Thorny. Also called yellow cockspur and golden star thistle. Generally considered a weed. Long-term ingestion by horses causes a neurological disorder known as chewing disease, a lethal lesion of the nigropallidal region of the brain. This disease is expressed as a twitching of the lips, tongue flicking, and involuntary chewing. Permanent brain damage is possible, and affected horses may starve to death. Used in Turkish folk medicine for the treatment of ulcers. In a laboratory study, aqueous extracts of fresh or dried flowers of yellow star thistle given orally showed significant antiulcerogenic activity in rats.
**Other**
Dogs allowed? Yes
**Directions**
0.4 miles from the corner of Cheseboro and Palo Comado Cyn Rd.
There is parking off the street at this location. After the 1 lane bridge, you’ve gone too far.
Cheseboro Canyon MTB trail
5402 Chesebro Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
*From I-101*:
Exit Chesebro Rd..Palo Comado Canyon Rd.
Continue north. It becomes Palo Comado Canyon Rd and rotates west.
Right at Chesebro Rd. for 0.4 miles.
Park on the street.
After the 1 lane bridge, you’ve gone too far.
**[FAQ](https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/23772638/Frequently_Asked_Questions)**
**[Disclaimer / Release of Liability](https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/29622459/Is_Hiking_Dangerous)**
