Mountain Lions & Whiting Ranch's MTB Loop | Mountain Biking California

Being present about our local wildlife means accepting their presence and being alert. Let's dig into the realities we face riding along with mountain lions, while exploring one of SoCal's best short mtb loops.
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#MTB #Wildlife #Outdoors

[@chrissaenz6213]

Mountain Lion attacks are rare. I've ridden Whiting at least 100 times and only been eaten by a cat ONCE.

[@RMATRO22]

My son and I just started riding are looking forward to checking out Whiting Ranch. This video provided great information for our first ride there. Keep up the great work on your videos and hope to see you on the trails one day!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cyclepath55555]

Ahh yes, winter mountain biking, SoCal style....great vid Tony.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

👊✔️

[@TheCrashingDad]

😳 *Love your format btw 🤘🏼 I realize I need to try to comment more often... I'm always watching on my TV 😂 Cheers, and here's to a successful 2020 for you 🤘🏼

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks man! I also watch on my tv and need to comment more. Same situation. 😉

[@markmueller3783]

When I ride it is always a plus to see wildlife.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

✔️

[@bonham4994sts9]

That area looks so rad! And your shredding skills are on point!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

It’s a great loop! And thanks Michael!

[@loamtrailer805]

Carry Bear Spray, I always ride with it! As a person who has been to Yellowstone it's the best defense, should you need it, and here in SoCal where I live been lot's of Cougar sightings and live stock killings as of late! Ride with a bell on your bike also and ride with a buddy!

[@AngelLovesToLook]

I use to ride alot of back country in my area Warm Spring Mountain and I never came across one. These were solo rides, what I did to keep safe I carried small can of bear spray, Personal Locating Beacon, painted eyes on the back of my helmet I guess mountain lions dont attack if they know you are looking at them. Also I carry a knife in my pocket.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks for the info - sounds good!

[@AdamMock]

👉🏼 Hey Outsider... Another great vid! I always find it awesome and a bit frightening to see those mountain lion warning signs, but grateful that we can enjoy the outdoors alongside the wildlife. Even more frightening that there’s no warning signs about the wild scarecrows and tin men. They’re even more unpredictable.

[@rivervalleymetals9567]

Very well said about enjoying the environment while still being aware of it. In reality, we are just visitors in their natural habitat. In addition to some form of self protection, a great thing to carry is a tourniquet and a small/quality trauma med kit. They take up very little space and can save your life.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

👊✔️

[@TeddyParker]

This is pretty close to me. Definitely want to go here. Thought I recognized that bridge road by the skatepark. Dylan Starm was just riding his DH MTB in there on Christmas lol...

[@stephendpersaud]

I just saw your newest video I hope you're okay. Btw there's been a new attack at Whiting ranch over the weekend. A 3 year old was attacked by a mountain lion but thank God he wasn't hurt. Good job reminding people to keep an out, after all it's their territory.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks I’m ok. And yeah I heard about that. So sad and crazy.

[@BillNicholsTV]

Ann was attacked just shortly after my good friend Mark Reynolds was killed by the same Mountain Lion. If you ride up mustard go up right to the top you come to Mark's Bench, this is Mark's memorial. He was such a great steward of cycling, did a lot to get kids riding. We were in the same cycling club (Celo Pacific) in the early - mid 90's. Ive seen a few Mtn Lions between Whiting and the Truck Trail to Luge but none that stuck around. It's a lot more important for the hikers that come with little kids (I would see 2-4 year olds all the time walking a good 50 yards in front of their parents) to keep the kids close by them,

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Well said and thanks for sharing.

[@wadeinbc]

Next time you’re in BC remember that the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island has the highest concentration of Cougars (Mountain Lions) in North America. All your tips to do when approached by a Cougar are spot on and thank you for that, one you missed and this is really important is never NEVER! buy her a drink! 😉

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Haha you got me. 😉

[@edwardgomez9983]

NIce vid and good commentary on lions. I live right behind whiting and have ridden it hundreds of times. Never seen a lion..hehe...im sure theyve seen me! I rode sjt solo yesterday and pushing up Old San Juan i got that "I im pretty sure lion(s) are watching me right now feeling" LOL

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

I know the feeling. Thanks for tuning in Edward!

[@dougwoodward1938]

Tony, Thank you for your effort on the channel. I think you do a great job. I'm in RSM so Whiting is local for me. I appreciate your trail guide format. Its unique and helpful. Keep up the good work. Doug

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks Doug! ✔️

[@mikesavicky503]

Looks like a great trail to ride. I gotta check it out. Awesome video as always, until next week 🤙🏼

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks Mike!

[@ShutUpandRideMTB]

Thanks Tony! This is really well done. Have a great 2020!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Appreciated Matt! Back at you.

[@5492sparky]

Morning Tony (over here in the UK at the moment), that's quite a story to start a video. Thankfully she survived. Being over here the worry of a Mountain Lion just doesn't come into going on a bike ride. Trails look fantastic and happy New Year when it gets to us a little later.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Totally get that Mark. And thank you. Cheers to 2020.

[@SimonLehnhoff]

Nice video!👏🏻

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks!

[@sicsixonerecords]

Great video and riding! Also the picture is amazing on this ride. Would love to see a vid of your settings your using on your hero 8 now. Look forward to your videos every Monday.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks Kody!

[@mtbhabits4784]

I went on a solo ride to Luge a few months ago. I was hanging out at the flag for about 5 minutes then as soon as I dropped in, a mountain lion jumped out right in front of me on the trail and just stared at me then turned around and just slowly went down the trail. It scared the crap out of me.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

😳

[@daeganpatterson9630]

Every time I stop on a trail I try to make sure I'm not bending over or squatting or just looking small because when I hear of attacks they are always bendy over fixing their bike

[@dt81819]

Awesome! I’ve wondered if you were ever going to feature Whiting. I live nearby and ride it as much as I’m able. Lol about the comment about Mustard. IMHO it seems the more you ride it, the less painful the climb becomes. 😎

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Totally can see that. Mustard is hardest when it’s not done regularly.

[@jbmtb22]

I wonder how many people have crashed into that cactus at 7:00 ouch!

[@chumpmtb2554]

I was stalked by a mt lion a few years ago while riding. I was alone, on the climb, and rode up on it. It moved away into the trees, but crossed the trail in front of me a little further up. It kept hiding off trail and moaning at me as I rode by. Did that for 2 miles! It didn't see me as a meal, thankfully. It probably had a kill nearby that it was protecting and was ushering me from the area. Still.. It was the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced!

[@billzig2]

Chump MTB flagstaff? I’m still waiting to see a bear 🐻

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

That’s heavy man. One of the scariest things I’ve heard.

[@chumpmtb2554]

@@billzig2: Yep, Flagstaff is full of 'em. That was my 3rd encounter with a mt lion in 10 years, or so. Funny thing is, I've never seen a bear here. I've seen everything else! Bobcat, coyote, cougar, javalina, even a badger! .. but no bear, haha

[@billzig2]

Chump MTB they love Mt elden, but I’m sure they cover some ground, was in Sedona not long back and I scared the crap out of this hiker, she ran as soon as she heard me, once she saw I was a mountain biker she stopped, she said I thought you were one of those crazy pigs hahaha I said oh a Javelina haha she said “a wait “haha I guess it chased down the trail for a few hahaha

[@chumpmtb2554]

@@billzig2 Yeah, I almost ran over 2 javalina in Sedona on Little Horse 2 weeks ago. They were just little ones tho, maybe 40 lbs

[@allenkvextreme]

*sick video, id be worried about mountain lions as well but in new jersey we got black bears and rarely bobcats*

[@jpezman1]

There is a female mountain lion that frequents the canyon that runs under the luge. I do all the trail maintenance on the luge and i see tracks all the time, saw the lion at night while working on the trail with some buddies. Just be heads up in that area at all times, its actually pretty cool to see them because they are too rare. Happy trails dude, hope to see you out on the trails some time, digging the channel!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks for the effort you’re putting into the trails. And that’s great to know. Unreal we are so close to them at all times.

[@jameshisself7375]

I was a regular at Whiting back then, I rode the hell out of it the weekend after the attacks just to claim it back. Not gonna lie, I also yelled at the mountain lion a few times on that ride in a metaphorical sense.

[@deckmageccg3561]

The Arby's 2 for $6 raw beast sandwiches are the best after a ride!! Shoot; they're awesome before a ride!! I ride a gravel bike, so I usually drop down the other side of 4 Corners onto Santiago Canyon Road, take the second Ridgeline right turn into Concourse Park and back into Serrano Cow Trail all the way to Toledo where I road bike it all the way up to Alton and then the a short right on Portola to the Borrego Trail parking lot. And then Arby's.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Love the Arbys plug. Haha

[@ivannavarro6569]

sick video! great quality

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks Ivan!

[@rjahn3000]

Attacked by a cougar in my bathtub once:)

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Now that I think about it...me too. 😉

[@rjahn3000]

@@TheOutsiderMTB Yea but I still have scratches on my back!

[@univenpecalipre]

You are going fast!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Fun stuff!

[@johnc.4025]

Another stellar job 👍🏽. Can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2020 👊🏽. By the way any Outside coffee cups still available? Also any plans for a special edition Pip Outsider t-shirts like him popping out of the wheel on your Outsider logo 😂

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks John! As for the mugs - sure thing - there’s a link below the vid to all the products. And that’s a good idea! Haha - thanks for the support.

[@jordanmaryanski7962]

I was Riding bonelli park one time and was going down one of the trails and a coyote ran straight across

[@billzig2]

Mustard= the hack factor....always felt breakfast working it’s way up, but I miss all those trails in that area

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

It’s always a killer.

[@pauldominick3945]

You made Mustard look pretty easy 😏 For sure gotta watch out for wildlife. Last run over at CHSP came across a bobcat and coyote 👀

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Never easy that mustard.

[@Socalmtb88]

I have a mountain lion on my street.....several neighbors security cams have caught it. And I believe it or not saw it running down the road 4am on my way to work. I pinched myself like it wasn't true lol. Couldn't believe I saw it like that.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

That’s nuts!

[@jedidiahwest4619]

Love that trail

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Same.

[@alexlamy1271]

Always carry a pocket knife with you always .✌🏻

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

✔️👊

[@scottmorton21]

I live in the Prescott, AZ area and recently there was a mountain lion seen walking through someone's front yard, in town. In addition to the mountain lion a few fellow MTBers have seen black bears on or near the trails. I now carry some pepper spray when I ride, just in case. I have also stopped and talked to hikers and notice that once in a while, they are carrying a buck knife and hand gun for the same reasons. The squirrels can be really distracting here too, especially for Doug. :>) Be mindful of where you ride and please take precautions where needed. Link to video: www.dcourier.com/news/2020/jan/13/watch-mountain-lion-caught-camera-prescott/

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

👍

[@efrenm8826]

Cool vid

[@SVEndlessSummer]

Anne was my trainer!!!! She is awesome!!!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Amazing!

[@SimplePleasuresMTB]

Saweet trail🤘🏻

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

😉✔️

[@drodone]

Bookin it!

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

Nice! No lyin.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

💥💪

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Riding here in Colorado, Utah, and NM, and many times I go alone. My dad wants me to carry a fire arm because they are all over here too. I've never seen one but I might get a knife I can easily access from a belt or my chesty where my camera is at. I have thought of this and if I don't have a knife I might not make it out. I know it's a pretty low occurrence but you never know. Also why I use i9 hubs, I want to be heard...

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Good stuff. I here bear spray is a helpful companion too.

[@chrisnelson6991]

Ok, what did you do with the hikers body 6:40? Happy new year. Hope your station thrives this year. Keep that rubber side down brother.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Haha! Thanks Chris - appreciate that. 👊✔️

[@bclyne]

I was an overconfident idiot and thought I could do this loop first try yesterday on an empty stomach thinking, “it’s only 7 miles and 1k feet of elevation, nbd” and it was absolutely miserable. Round 2 this weekend. Lezzz goooo

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Live and learn.😉

[@ShangDaili]

Hi Tony, I'm driving down tomorrow to ride the Luge, T+A, and whiting ranch. Many thanks to you. Any other loops in this area I should add to my trip? Thank you!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Aliso woods. ✔️ Enjoy!

[@connorpelstring4342]

Snapped part of my rear suspension on top of north ridge at chino hills state park and saw like 5 coyotes on my walk back because it was getting dark

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Damn...

[@TheFullKanani]

If the small pay lot is full don’t park in the adjacent Ralph’s lot - you will get towed. Park directly across the street next to the Mc Donald’s. Never had any issues over there.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Good stuff. ✔️

[@foxykc]

I remember reading about the mountain lion attack many years ago. By the way, I rode with a woman recently who regularly goes to whiting Ranch by herself so clearly it's not as bad as we all think.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Interesting. No it’s not bad I’ve ridden there by myself for years. It’s just something to be aware of I’d say. ✔️

[@jjhervas]

Awesome vids man! Watching a couple of your vids a day and appreciate your content. You pointed out the sign that says no ebikes allowed. Would you have a trailguide link where ebikes are allowed? Thanks !

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks for that! I would just google the trail system and the local gov sites should say. Also trailforks as well.

[@jjhervas]

The Outsider MTB awesome, keep the vids coming! Thanks again

[@Kampy_]

Mark was my roommate and fraternity brother in college. I spoke at his memorial service. He was a legit cyclist, both MTB and roadie, and worked in the motocross racing biz (we shared that passion for MX/SX and that’s how we first bonded in college) Even all these years later, it’s hard to believe that happened. So bizarre / rare. He donated bikes to kids when he was alive, just wanting to get more people to love bikes as much as he did, and his family still carries on that tradition today. Here’s the site: www.markreynoldsfund.org/aboutUs/

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Hi Scott - Thanks so much for sharing this and I’m sorry for your loss. No matter how long ago it was, sometimes I know these things can feel as raw as yesterday. He sounds like a generous and talented guy. It’s great you’re keeping his memory alive. Thank you. - Tony

[@Kampy_]

@@TheOutsiderMTB Thanks Tony. I think the prevailing theory is that he slipped a chain (chain was off the ring when his bike was found abandoned on the trail) and was sitting or crouched trying to fix it when he was sneak-attacked, so he looked like a small/easy target. Also a lot of speculation that the lion had some issues/sickness that made it more aggressive than usual. For a lion to attack a human is super-rare, but to attack multiple humans within a short period is unheard of. Thanks for talking about it (in your video) in a respectful way, I appreciate that. When it happened, I heard a lot of people speculating that the victim must have been a little weak guy to not be able to scare off a lion. I can tell you that Mark, while not a 'big' guy, was a tough dude. I guarantee he never saw it coming and had zero chance to react

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

I have nothing but respect for Mark and I really dislike people putting their two cents in a situation anyone would be more than terrified to be in. I’m sure he did his best. It sounds like your theory is pretty accurate. Chain down. Crouching. Makes me want to just be that much more aware while I’m out there. Let me know if you’d ever like to talk or share this on the channel. Might be insightful for people and maybe helpful. Thanks again, Scott. 👊

[@osirus272]

BRO!!! Now that kid that just got attacked the other day, in that same area!?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

So crazy 😒

[@jorgealbarran6983]

Hi. I ride in Harvey bear Morgan Hill. About 4 months ago l almost got attacked by a Male wild pig. We got to be careful. Happy rides

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Damn! Never heard of that one!

[@DuhVibehunter]

Epic!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

✔️

[@alexanderdavis3603]

When's that el prieto vid coming out?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

When I get out there and do it - haha.

[@jordanmaryanski7962]

And today I was at marshal canyons and there was 3 bobcats and like 6 coyotes

[@mountaingoat8788]

Iv had Multiple close encounters and sightings of Mountain Lions over my years of Hiking and Mountain Biking and I Have a Huge Respect for them.. more often Run into coyotes also Love and Respect them.. the one animal that always Scares me the Most and almost every time I Jump Like a Little girl is the sound quail/and other Birds Flapping out of Bushes! lol that Laud noise always gets me..

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Always makes me jump too!

[@wadeinbc]

Seriously......North Van , Squampton, Whistler, and Pemby all have their Cougar and MTB Encounters.

[@NorthOCkook]

Hey Tony have you ever ran over a snake? I started mountain biking last year and have nearly ran over 3 snakes already at Sycamore Canyon in Riverside. Wondering if anyone else has this problem

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Almost all the time haha. I’ve actually had to bunny hop a rattler.

[@heyguyoffroad]

So no ebike whatsoever on this trail or certain parts? Thanks for the video

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Looks like In all Whiting Ranch.

[@ElpichonEro]

Mountain lion attack

[@mellissanash7517]

This trail looks pretty fun & doable on my rigid. Do you know how many miles the climb is?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Check my Strava below and Trailforks. ✔️😉

[@jeffs2031]

Mustard is about 0.8 miles for 420 ft climb.

[@celstark]

I saw 3 at the start of San Juan Lollipop a few months ago - looked like a mom and her nearly adult cubs.

[@frankramirez4818]

Did this Sunday

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

👍

[@brianh834]

How does that mustard climb compare to matthis in aliso canyon?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Not as steep. Mathis is the worst.

[@stevencole7331]

Usually for a lion to attack in this environment is they are sick ,old and just having a difficult time at finding food to turn to humans as prey. It could be defensive if its a mother with cubs . You do have more risk at falling off your bike and doing serious injury than an animal attacking you . I think dogs are more hazardous to a mountain biker as I have run into that situation from time to time in my life and have been bit . So yes be aware from living and non living dangers on the trail . Its easy to be complacent as mountain biking takes so much concentration to really be safe and one letdown could be your last . So if you dont feel it one day stay home . We all have some precognition abilities so listen to the little voice and dont ignore it . You will prevent allot of grief

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Well said Steven. ✔️

[@Turbosupreme77]

I saw a mountain lion on the trail a few times. 9/10 they run before i get a good look, Its rare to see one but its even more rare they attack a person. Youre more likely to be hurt by a vending machine.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Vending machine deaths are gnar. 😂

[@Turbosupreme77]

@@TheOutsiderMTB you go up with a dollar you leave in a casket XD

[@taylorhobbs1339]

Do you worry about rattlesnakes in the middle of the trail?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Not until I see one.

[@alexxela8746]

Most over looked ccw is flair gun legal in most states & better than pepper spray

[@lceb91]

Mustard ain’t no joke

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Nope.

[@patwang]

So any tips on how to defend yourself from a mtn lion in the event if it were to attack?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

I’d say the eyes.

[@nathandaniel6540]

Carry at bare minimum a knife. Bear spray would be ideal assuming you’re able to see the lion before it attacks. If you’re going alone or somewhere more secluded (more wildlife, less people) a gun would be the all around best option and I think even in this communist state (CA) you can carry in national forests and bml land but I would double check if you’re worried about staying completely legal

[@Hibbard1986]

luge 2x or luge+whiting?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Whiting Luge for keeping things more interesting or Luge as a one hit ride.

[@Hibbard1986]

@@TheOutsiderMTB been double lapping luge.. love that track down

[@chadsmith7231]

You should checkout the Barricade. I ride in the backcountry and wouldn’t leave out on a ride without it. Here’s the link for more info on it personalsavers.com/product/barricade-pepper-spray-for-bicycles-cyclist-mountain-biking/

[@MrEpicEdgar]

I got a video of a Mountain Lion in Whiting Ranch. Saw it while I was on a run there. I posted a video on my Instagram. @Edgar10pjits.

[@supervisorr]

Where can I buy your stickers Tony?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

I’ve gottem if you see me on the trail. You can grab some Outsider gear though through the link below the video that supports the channel. 👊😉

[@justinh7099]

Speaking of attacks, Monday 1/20/2020 a 3 year old was mauled. Stay alert folks.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

I heard. Very sad.

[@SVEndlessSummer]

Mustard is OK .... DREADED sucks. ;-)

[@a2cubed350]

First comment

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

👏

[@alejandroruelas7816]

I want a sticker !!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

I’ll have them if you see me out on the trail. 👊✔️

[@falcosparverius1]

I carry a big knife and bear spray on every long ride.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

A big knife ? Sounds like a hard carry item.

[@falcosparverius1]

@@TheOutsiderMTB My human fangs are hidden in my backpack, bear spray in a water bottle cage. I e-bike by the way and cover a lot of territory. Have never met a mountain lion up close and personal, only tracks. If one ever becomes bold enough to attack me, it must be desperately malnourished to get up the courage to tackle a strangely loud and whiny human on 2 wheels.

[@TheLAKERSareGodsTeam]

Don't like the music during the ride. Would much rather hear the natural sounds.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

I try to mix it up. Most of the ride is natural sounds at least.

[@doskoreanitos2588]

a 3 year old kid got attacked today at whiting. don’t bring your kids to this trail!!!! It’s not for kids.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Saw that today. Sad situation.

[@doskoreanitos2588]

The Outsider MTB yeah sad peeps just get comfortable. there are about 7 (6 now) very active mountain lions in whiting at the moment

[@deboraholsen2504]

I don’t like his video, because I’m one of the hikers on foot around here, and it’s frightening when you’re hiking and a fast moving bicyclist nearly runs you over from behind while scaring the pants off you in the process! Has happened too many times! 😣

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Sorry to hear that Deborah.

[@crazydog6277]

Some kid was just attacked here ..by a mountain lion...they knew where they were.. stupid family blame shit on the wildlife...

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Just saw that - so crazy.