Find your greatness at Sequel Demonstration Forest

Soquel Demonstration State Forest, Demo for short, unlocked a new level of fun and fulfillment in my downhill riding. Like many other trail networks, Demo has great trails in a gorgeous natural setting. It’s the intermediate-level Flow trail here, however, that is purpose-built to push your downhill skills and allow for new levels of performance. While the abilities and accomplishments of pros in industry capture my imagination, I believe that lasting fulfillment only comes from a great ride and this is where the Flow trail shines among all my other biking experiences. Nike’s 2012 “Find Your Greatness” campaign captured this duality, that self improvement is greatness, and transformed my relationship with biking. Greatness can be had by any of us, not just the pros. My hope is that understanding how to ride your best at Demo, should you make it one day, may help you find your own greatness.

There is not a lot of published history of the Demo area but it’s worth appreciating that what we have today is made possible via a unique collaboration between the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship (SCMTS). The SCMTS team is currently building and restoring 60 miles of trails damaged by the severe fires of 2020. If you enjoy the trails, please do consider supporting the important work of these organizations with a contribution.

So what is the big deal with Demo and why is it different than any of the other legendary trails across the US?

The heart of Demo is a machine-built and professionally maintained trail called Flow. The trail is made up of six connected segments which run end to end about 3 scorching miles of downhill. Each segment is unique and the top three are especially well designed to support controlled but, importantly, as much all-out speed as you’re willing to hold down. What makes Flow so different from other trails and so fun is just that. Specifically, the design of the trail means the clock, measured via Strava segments, will consistently tell you how you are doing against yourself on subsequent rides and will give you a repeatable and safe platform to push your skills.

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Chasing personal records and pushing the limits isn’t for everyone, though, and is the easiest way to ruin a ride. For me, mountain biking is first a way to have fun, socialize, explore and take in fresh air and, only second, a way to push myself. If, on that day, you feel the calling to rise to the next level and maybe put down your best-ever ride, then read on for how to be prepared.

Segment 1 is the most balanced or “all around” of the six including massive berms, whoops and other features connected via several medium traverses. This is obviously the first segment so you’ll have fresh legs but you’re also likely not warmed up and loose enough to put down your best run. My best times on Segment 1 have all happened after shaking things out in a pre-run of segments 1-3.

Segment 2 is tricky as, 4-5 minutes into Flow, you will start to feel a little bit of pain yet the segment is very short so gains of even just 1-2 seconds will be hard won. Making good times here is about flawless execution including knowing the trail, hitting your lines and maintaining speed though corners.

Segment 3 takes grit as your legs will start to burn yet there are some ups and downs to pedal through. You will need to leave it all out on the trail in your attempt to make the best combined time across segments 1-3. It would be hard to imagine the fitness required to run at top speed all the way from segment 1 through the end of segment 6 so my personal goals are always limited to just getting through segment 3.

Most riders step aside between segments 3 and 4 to take a break, socialize and re-energize for the second half of Flow. The is a large open space here which is intersected by the Tractor Trail fire road climb so you can’t miss it. Just make sure you fully ride through the post marking the end of segment 3 before you stop in order to close out the Strava segment.

Segments 4-6 flatten out a bit as most elevation is lost in the first three segments. The riding is less technical and includes more drawn out traverses and pedaling to maintain good pace. These segments are just as impressive as the others yet, having given my all in the first three segments, I personally ease back into a comfortable freeride pace to bask in the beauty of the trail.

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Demo has more to offer, of course, with Braille and Sawpit trails as well as interesting climbs to interconnect them. I’ll leave you to explore them in your journey. My hope with this message is to play a small part in helping you find your own greatness and fulfillment should you make it out. I hope to see you there and, if you do make it, please remember to do your part to support CAL FIRE and SCMTS while you are there.