| Author |
Message |
redneck_nathan
Adventurer
Member
|
# Posted: 14 Sep 2008 17:03
I stole this article from the Warrior's Society 1999 issue of SMOKE SIGNALS:
Have you ever ridden Black Star Canyon? Have you heard the horror stories? If this is a ride you've been putting off 'cause of the rumors of "Black Star Bill", then here's a few tips to get you going:
1. Black Star Canyon Road - all of it – is open to public use. No motorized traffic is allowed behind the gate, but foot and bicycle traffic is.
2. The land on either side of the road, from the gate to just past the "residences" IS private property. Also, the Hidden Ranch property, from the cattle grate to the upper gate is private land; just stay on the road and be careful around the cattle. The trail to the falls (just past the Studor residence at the switchback) is on U.S.F.S. land and IS open to public passage.
3. Are the horror stories true? Yes... and no. Yes, Black Star Bill is a real person but, no, no one has been shot, stabbed or buried alive. Here's the scoop on the permanent residents of Black Star Canyon. "Black Star Bill" Studor is the most infamous inhabitant. He's somewhere between 35 and 45, 6' and change, stocky with a prominent beer belly and long sandy hair. His favorite line is "private road! Private road!" His favorite trick is to park his truck in the middle of the public road where it passes in front of his place and post O.C. fire closure signs on construction barriers. Go around the truck and ignore the stolen signs. I've seen a woman up there who I hear is his wife. Don't know her name but she's about 30, slim with dark brown hair and blue eye shadow – doesn't say much – but she's good with the steely stares. You'll pass the Studor "estate" on your right as you go up and it's best not to stare or comment about the odd conglomeration of trailers, shacks, dogs and livestock until well out of earshot.
The Tuttle's also reside in Black Star and have been known to try to discourage people from using the road, too. Art Tuttle is 40 something, about 5'8", slight build with a reddish beard, glasses and a hat. His wife Clarisse is in her 30's, about 5'5", rather matronly and also wears glasses. They've got two young boys and drive a tan Suburban. Art's favorite line is actually a diatribe that includes how his grand daddy built the road, some obscure county rulings and ordinances, and how $60,000 damage was done by vandals to his possessions (after seeing his place, a person would have to wonder about that figure). Clarisse has been known to go on about how Mt. bikers wrecked Beek's Place (yeah, and we left all our Busch cans up there, too). Understand that before the gate went up, lots of lowlifes cruised back there playing with guns and dumping trash, but that was many years ago. Now the only trash there belongs to Art and Bill, and it's confined to their properties.
4. Your chance of running into these people is slim and no matter what "lines" they use, remember: you have a right to use the road! Just be polite, bid everyone a good day, and continue on your way. If any one tries to block your passage- and you're on the public road or trail- tell them that you will call the O.C. Sheriff. For obvious reason, it's best to travel with a couple of buds and maybe a cell phone. Whatever you do, DON"T aggrivate the situation with an attitude and be sure you STAY ON THE ROAD!
Is the ride worth the possible hassle? YA, YOU BETCHA! The scenery (outside of the "Deliverance" – style "estates") is exceptional, particularly through the Hidden Ranch. The views from the top are awesome, with all the major mountains visible on a clear day! The climb is easy enough for beginners but a good workout can be had at a faster pace. Beek's Place is a great destination for the casual rider; stop for lunch and check out the old stone cabins and wind generator towers (feel free to pack out the Busch cans), then head down the way you came. Braver souls can head north on the Main Divide Rd. to the Silverado Motorway (way techno single track), then down to Maple Springs Trk. Tr. You'll see the best section (scenery, views) of the Main Divide on this loop, but remember to consult a local trail guide and grab a map for the details. Do this ride and do it soon, before it gets too hot and the Main Divide gets opened to cars. And if on your way back down you run into some of the locals, remember to compliment Art on his granpappy's work and mention to Bill that you'll bring him some beer... next time!
|
Holly
Newbie
Member
|
# Posted: 20 Sep 2008 16:23
I've known the Tuttle family for years. The boys are not young, one is about 15 and the other is almost 20. They are protective of their home, but if you take the time to be polite, they will let you pass. They are devout Christians and are very active members of Calvary Church of Santa Ana. Neither Black Star residents will shoot you, while Bill may wave his shotgun. You're much more likely to get killed by one of the gangs that meet out there. I live very close to Black Star and I go out there day and night. One thing I know for sure, you probably wont have any ghost encounters. You're not alone in the canyon, but the sounds and sights you encounter which seem haunted are really gangs. The P9? gang meets out there late at night, and if you intrude, they will not hesitate to kill you. They are all ex-cons and they carry, and they don't want you around.
|
lperocker
Adventurer
Member
|
# Posted: 29 Oct 2008 13:47
So as long as I take bill a six pack and I compliment Art on his grandpappy's work, I'm good?
|
Dev
Adventurer
Admin
|
# Posted: 5 Nov 2008 10:54
they will not hesitate to kill you
Give me a break. Historically the people who have been hurt in the canyon were hurt by the people they themselves came with. I've hiked and biked all though Blackstar and think these gang rumors are silly. Every group of kids you meet is not a gang. When I see groups of people on my bikes or hikes I always make a point of saying hello. Never had a problem. I am always friendly and they are always friendly back. Can't say the same about the godly Tuttle family.
|
lperocker
Adventurer
Member
|
# Posted: 6 Nov 2008 10:13
Quoting: Dev Give me a break. Historically the people who have been hurt in the canyon were hurt by the people they themselves came with. I've hiked and biked all though Blackstar and think these gang rumors are silly. Every group of kids you meet is not a gang. When I see groups of people on my bikes or hikes I always make a point of saying hello. Never had a problem. I am always friendly and they are always friendly back. Can't say the same about the godly Tuttle family.
yeah there nothing godly bout someone harassing you!
|
Dev
Adventurer
Admin
|
# Posted: 1 Dec 2008 11:55
Quoting: lperocker yeah there nothing godly bout someone harassing you!
Exactly. I can't understand why he feels he needs to harass hikers and bikers who, for the most part, are good stewards of the canyon.
|
parkypoo
Newbie
Member
|
# Posted: 5 Apr 2009 19:32
i know the tuttles, they are super nice, i go to calvary of Santa Ana also
|
gogo88baby
Adventurer
Member
|
# Posted: 8 May 2009 01:40
i saw this lady walking by and i think she lives there, she seemed pretty nice to me..she even smiled at us cause we had chips in our stroller
|
easycompany25
Adventurer
Member
|
# Posted: 23 Aug 2009 00:21
im interested in buying some land back there
|
easycompany25
Adventurer
Member
|
# Posted: 26 Sep 2009 00:39
dev-hate to say it but there was a gang meeting there. not anymore though. now theres mexican "cholos" (yea right) tagging up blackstar canyon. Ill try and post pics.
|
ignaciagirl
Newbie
Member
|
# Posted: 6 Apr 2011 23:39
I walked pretty far down the road...even past the hand welded sign that said "no trespassing..we'll prosecute..etc"
I feel bad for the residents there because they want their privacy. I got sad looking at all the water towers, dead cars and tarped up trailers. It's like something went terribly wrong there. Don't understand if they love their land so much, why don't they haul that crap out.
Was passed several times by white trucks. Waved each other and moved on.
Who are the the Edwards ranch people? That's some heavy duty fence for livestock. There was this old stone wall that was on the other side of a fenced meadow. There were signs saying that they were in the process of restarting a ranch, growing corn and raising livestock? What's the history of that ranch? Can you legally walk to the hidden ranch site? How far back does the road go? I was packing in my easel so I backtracked to the old rusty tractor and painted from there. Would like to go again for just a regular hike, but don't feel sure about dealing with people. It was an amazing place. I was on sensory overload the whole time there.
|
Tunabyte
Adventurer
Member
|
# Posted: 28 Apr 2011 00:29
The junk yard you see is Art Tuttles property and the only one left out there that harrases people. He is just one blink of an eye from going completely mental. I can't believe he isn't committed. The edwards ranch is a mystery. They say they are going to put livestock there but what are they waiting for? Seems to me he has other plans. The road goes for miles so it is a matter of how far you want to walk. If you go for about 5 miles there is an old indian village site that may be of interest to you to paint. The road actually connects to others so you could go to Corona if you wanted.
|
jenny
Newbie
Member
|
# Posted: 10 Oct 2011 15:45
edwards ranch provides all the fresh produce for his resturant, in orange county... sorry nothing spoky about that everything is gated liek that to keep violaters out, keep people from stealing and such.
|
