8:25:23

First Tracks on Heartbreak Ridge after Tropical Storm Hillary. A quick 4 hour moderate run turned into a full day of surprises. Started in Big Bear Lake and took 2N02 to 2N01 to start Heartbreak Ridge from the top. About 2 miles in we found a huge tree blocking the trail. We attempted to winch it off to the side, but the roots were still holding on strong under a huge boulder. We had to turn back and attempt it from 2N02 from the bottom. We found 2N02 to be blocked from a landslide just north of 2N70Y. Had to head back and take 2N70Y as a bypass back down to 2N02. 2N70Y is currently the only way through connecting the top and bottom of 2N02. 2N70Y is a little more robust than usual. Finally we were able to head up Heartbreak Ridge from the bottom. This is the more challenging way under normal circumstances. The entire trail has washouts everywhere. We were straddling them all day. At one point, the unstable ground gave way under my TJ and I fell into one. No biggie, an easy winch out. We then took the loop up the sluice and to the Memorial. Continued the loop around back down to the main trail. Used a spotter to get through the wash on the way down that swallowed me on the way up. Finally finished the trail, then back up 2N70Y to 2N02, then 2N01 up to Highway 38. FYI, there is a large wash out about 1/2 mile before Hwy 38 on 2N01. It's about a 4 foot drop, 15 feet wide, and 3 foot climb to get through. A little dicy, as we were the first to attempt, but we made it through. As more people attempt, it should smooth out. However, it will not be a 1/10 rated trail for some time.

[@kenjohnson4423]

The spotter was perfect,,love her style

[@kenjohnson4423]

Looks like a fun road. Off burns cyn. Yes. I want to run it in a few weeks.