Bruce McLean is the Internet Content Producer for VenturaCountyStar.com. You can email him with comments, questions or ideas for rides at bmclean@venturacountystar.com.

Sulphur Mountain Road
This is probably one of the best beginner trails in the county, yet not so easy that it's boring. It's a wide, double-track dirt road, technically very easy and the views are awesome.

QUOTE: "Just before two miles, after a short climb, the tree-shrouded trail breaks out into an opening of hills and meadows."

Sycamore Canyon
Options. That's what Sycamore Canyon offers up in spades. From an easy ride through the canyon to the brutality of the climb nicknamed "Hell Hill," the half-dozen trails offer something for all skill and fitness levels.

QUOTE: "There's plenty of room here to look ahead and work up a little speed. Sweeping turns let you lean the bike and hold a steady line. Great views open up in all directions as you ride along this section of the trail, so take a little time to admire them. "

Sisar Canyon/White Ledge Loop
Looking for religion? You just might find it somewhere along the eight-mile, 3,500-foot slog up and out of Sisar Canyon. But to counteract the pain, you'll get some of the best vistas available in Ventura County, close-up views of the Topatopa Bluff and a challenging singletrack descent.

QUOTE: "If you are anything other than pure mountain bike stud, this is slow going in low gears. But once you're in the groove, you forget about the climbing (sort of) and wallow in the vistas."

Romero Canyon
For one trail, Romero Canyon sure can dish up a multicourse meal of riding conditions. A portion of steep fire road climbing, some sweet, smooth singletrack, a side order of rock-garden challenges and, if you've got the stomach for it, a tree-canopied descent that will challenge even the best rider's technical skills.

QUOTE: "You will quickly be reintroduced to those rocks you met on the way up. If you're on a full-suspension bike, you're very happy. If you have a hardtail with good front suspension, you're carefully happy. If you have no suspension, my condolences."