Origins Of SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618

SR-600 frame badge

Around 2012, Randonneurs USA initiated the "SR600" series of routes.  These 600K Super Randonnées, usually called SR600s or "Super Sixes" in the US, are especially challenging permanent routes established by the Audax Club Parisien (ACP) across the world. They are 600-619 km long, with at least 10,000 meters of climbing, that often travel through remote and beautiful terrain. They are epic adventures! However, they are ACP rides that follow a somewhat different set of rules than standard RUSA permanent routes.

Of note, any amateur riders could do the ride and were supposed to attach a "badge" to their bike frame, start only at the official start point, take pictures at the controls (with their bike/frame badge in the photo) for proof of passage and no outside help anywhere along the route. The time limit was much longer than a regular 600K route... 50 hours!

SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618 Map

I was all over this and started to think about a route that would encompass 600K long and
all that climbing. It was a tough haul. To make a flowing route starting somewhere along the Pacific Coast near San Diego and still have a "sensible" route. A few limitations were the big city traffic, Pacific Ocean on the west, LA on the north and the Mexican border on the south. Time to head for the desert. 

I was familiar with many of the roads from San Diego eastward to the Arizona border. That was a good starting place. After many hours on Bikely, RWGPS, MapMyRide and Open Runner, I had a route that looked good and met the ACP requirements. Since it included many local mountains, I wanted to use a name that would reflect all the climbing. Thus "Peninsular Range". Later added the SoCal to reflect Southern California. Thus "SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618". The route was 618K(384.7mi) long with 10.875meters(35,678') climbing. At that time, ACP liked OpenRunner for accurate elevation figures.

ACP absorbed many questions on the 50 hour time limit for routes that had more climbing than the minimum and in 2014 added 1 hour per 500 meters of additional climbing over the 10,000 meter minimum requirement (there is no maximum requirement). Later on in 2017 the time limit was set at 60 hours.

Sample Control Picture

The route laid around for a few years and some mention of "sample control pictures" came up during that time. I attached the "SR Badge" to my bike and took relevant "staged" Control pictures. 

I loaded up my SOMA Stanyan one spring day and took off on the route. I was traveling lite, with the Shimano Dyno Hub for light power, large handlebar bar for goodies and rear bag holding my bivy bag and clothing. No super schedule, just rest when you're tired. The weather was good and only the wind played havoc, esp. in the night-time desert.

At that time, SR-600 routes were turned over to RBA's for management. Now they can be managed by members (owned). There are CUE sheets, badges, scheduling and insurance issues to address and usually a fee is required.

SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618 Video

 

- randorides

Sole Of A Dragon

New SIDI Dragon Carbon

Eons ago, when I tired of spending hours trying to resole the ol' SIDI MTB Shoes, I managed a super price thru a dealer on a pair of new SIDI's. Retail price on those was way out of my price-range, but I could justify the reduced sum thru riding buddy connections. Of course, they had to be in the large range... 47 mega (wide) and the MTB cleat version. Thus SIDI Dragon Carbon MTB Mega entered the closet. 

 

Worn "Yellow" soles

The Dragons were light, durable and great fitting. After a few years of rando riding, I replaced the worn "yellow traction pads" with a set I ordered in. These lasted a few years,but with more gravel/off-road riding they took additional abuse. After researching a bit, I acquired a set of  "red" pads that would fit the Dragons. These were a harder compound than the stock "yellow" pads and should wear longer. Normally an easy switch, this turned into a PROJECT.

 

 While unscrewing one toe pad bolt, it just kept turning. Using long nosed pliers and screwdrivers, I managed to get it out, but the embedded T-nut remained loose. Have to lock that nut into the carbon mid-sole again. Instead of cutting/hacking out the inner leather piece under the insole, I decided to try an external fix. Out came the Dremel Tool and 2-Ton Epoxy!

 

T-Nut repair complete

I first slightly widened the space around the T-nut collar with the Dremet, using a small drill bit and then the burr-bit. This slightly exposed the T-nut plate,which was originally bonded into the carbon mid-sole. Next up was lubing the bolt and threading it into the moveable T-nut. I then injected some epoxy around the T-nut base and pulled it up tight, using the bolt. After waiting 24 hrs... it was time to use the Dremel tools to smooth out the repair area and then bolt on the new red soles. The stock bolts that came with the new red pads were already blue Loctite coated.

 

"Red" soles installed

After a few months of use, the new pads show minimal signs of wear. The outside lugs on the heel plate seemed to work slightly loose from the base studs on both shoes. Super-Glue doesn't hold well... but the Epoxy sure does! I had this same problem with the various pairs of "yellow" replacement pads over the years too. This is definitely a SIDI quality control problem. For what you pay for the replacement soles ($40), this shouldn't be an issue at all.

 

Next SIDI project should be to replace my old SIDI Dominator MTB shoes (with non-replaceable pads) with a pair of new red traction pads. This will require a whole lot of planning and thus embedding the T-Nuts inside the soles. 

SIDI T-Nut  Repair Video 

- randorides

North East Texas Trail - Clarksville to Detroit Update

The Northeast Texas Trail (NETT) is a proposed 130 mile trail from north of Dallas (Farmersville) to New Boston, TX. It would be the longest multi-use trail in Texas and the 4th longest in the US. It is slowly being improved from a abandoned rail line to a usable hike/bike/horse trail. Some sections are nice smooth asphalt with benches along the tree-line venue, but most are under improvement... from just mowing to road base surface. 

Since the NETT passes just a few feet from our house in Avery, I've ridden a whole lot of it. Some on the gravel bike and most on the MTB. Several local randonneuring routes follow the Trail. It will be one great gravel route from way up near Arkansas down to Dallas area. Just needs a little gravel and a lot of bridge improvements! Super bikepacking with a out and back of 260 miles. Can't wait... but for now, we'll ride what's do-able and half-way safe.

NETT: Clarksville to Bagwell

Encno Landscape from Cleveland, TX, just finished up the base work on the Bagwell section to Clarksville. Add to that the section finished last year from Detroit to Bagwell and you have 14.5 miles of gravel riding out of Clarksville to Detroit. I've recently rode that section and made up a short video entitled: " NETT- Clarksville To Bagwell Update"

Starting in east Clarksville at the Trailhead, the riding is "iffy"... as it's grass & muddy (if it has rained recently). First water crossing bridge has open RR ties covered with some dirt. The other two Clarksville bridges are finished and intact. After leaving Clarksville, the Trail passes over Hwy.82 and the new finished road-base takes over. Amp it up as the riding is fast and smooth. The three bridges on the way to Bagwell are all unfinished, but intact and are bumpy/rough crossing. 

Bagwell is a small place and has no services... just a Post Office and VFD building. The Trail from Bagwell to Detroit was refurbished with grading, road-base and road crossings last year. The bridges are all in new-like pristine condition. The Trail has some erosion and grass thru the base. Multiple services in Detroit for a ride break.

I'll be riding and updating the other sections as they are improved.

Video

- randorides

Stumbled Upon Some Interesting History...Rev William Stevenson !

Over the years, I often "take the untraveled route" when riding a official Rando Route or just riding around somewhere. From being shot at with a shotgun climbing up Honey Springs Road, an irate homeowner throwing trash cans at me on Kelly Lane (off Gopher Canyon,SD), being ask to leave a Denny's near Palm Desert (putting on muscle rub late at night) or the dark-early wild hog stampede off Road 1701 in Texas... I find some good trails and interesting things along the way. Such was the case with this ride.

I was riding around way up in the Northeast corner of Texas, not far from Oklahoma and a few miles from Arkansas. I first noticed a memorial to the Confederacy in the Clarksville town square. A tall statue with several plaques denoting the importance of Clarksville as a transportation hub during the Civil War.

 Along the main and back roads in this area, there are numerous signs indicating locations of once private cemeteries. Most of these are far from the main road on narrow gravel roads... often time through ranchers fields. Many times I'll venture and check them out. They usually are well maintained and some have flowers growing.

Also I've noticed many "Historical Marker - 1 Mile Ahead". I always stop at these to pick up a little history of the area and try to take a picture (if I have the camera -Canon PowerShot A1100IS- probably 15 years in service) OR my little GoPro Sessions camera mounted). Historical churches, buildings, old bridges and even cemeteries. Much later I came across the plaque: "Reverend William Stevenson".

Is this Bills ( Dr. Bill, Rando Bill, NCCC Bill, Thailand Bill) great-great grandfather? Must be.. It all fits together... first to preach in Texas! Bills family is from Arkansas too. I'll let you figure it all out, but from here it sure looks like Bills family has some real historical history background.

I managed a few pictures for posterity purposes and riding home I thought "what a great day this was"!

- randorides

4th Of July In Detroit

Welcome to Detroit

Time to mount up the flag and do a little holiday riding. For many years now, I'll grab a flag from the road-trash cache and strap it behind the seat. To enhance the spirit a patriotic colored jersey does the trick. Several RUSA jerseys work well as does the TX state jersey. 

Been warm around here of late, so I left well before 0400. Close-in fireworks late last night so I didn't sleep much anyway. For some reason, today's start temp was in the low 60F and scheduled to top off in the hi 80's. Added a singlet and arm covers for this trip. Route was the updated "Graceland To Detroit". Traffic was nil as I "motored" along, listening to the birds. Mockingbirds make the most noise and often time they will follow along utilizing their full song list. An occasional noise from the trees makes me think "another wild hog encounter"?

New Detroit Mural

 Detroit was completely quiet. Sunrise was yet to arrive as I noticed a new mural on one of the old brick buildings off the main street. Photo-op. Also took a few shots of the "Welcome To Detroit" sign next to the little park. Flags lined the street.

On the return back to "Graceland", I checked out the Clarksville Donut Shop. Yep, it's open today. I grabbed a smallish donut and rolled over to the town square. (They should take a hint from Peterson's Donut in Escondido, CA... where for a buck you get a real meal size donut). The town square was laced in flags.. enhancing the Independence Day spirit. Took a few photos, looked around and enjoyed the quiet morning. As I was leaving, a lady drove by and wanted to take my picture. As Sam always said: "Never miss a photo-op". Rolled out of Clarksville into a stiff headwind all the way to Avery. 

Clarksville Town Square

 Not much going on in Avery town on this 4th of July. A few flags lined the street by city hall. Neighbors were working on tractors and guy across the road is working in his car shop. Looks like I'm bound for yard duty today. Neighbor down the way is having a big 4th BBQ tonight. 

happy 4th of July

- randorides

Informational Route Video

Double Dynaplug For The Pathfinder Pro

Double plug in Pathfinder Pro 650b x 47mm

I was riding an overpass in New Boston the other day and heard this "hiss" and felt liquid on the back
of my calf. Took me about 2 seconds to figure out what that was. A great day so far, weather was good, winds were at my back and this Rando ride was going well. 

I rolled downhill and walked into the Brookshire's Store parking lot... by the gas pumps way out front near the air station. Nice little tree nearby with a super loud Mocking Bird telling me to get with the tune. No traffic, no people around here this early. Pulled the water bottles and flipped the bike over to a 3-point stance...2-brifters and the seat. 

 Seat tube was coated with sealant as were the seat bag and my leg. Slick 3/4" , just off the center of the tire. Pulled the Lezyne Pump off the seat-tube and pumped up the rear tire some. She was blowing like Moby Dick! Time for the Dynaplug. One plug and the Orange Sealant might do it? Aired it up and did the spin thing. Not bad. Loaded things on and said "adios" to the Mockingbird, which had never stopped cranking out the songs. Next stop was Walmart. 

Dynaplug kit I carry in bag

Put in some more air at Walmart and headed my way southward to catch the Northeast Texas Trail by
the New Boston Depot. Did another pump job at the gas station along Hwy. 82 and continued westward toward Avery. Hit a bump and another "hiss" ensued. Pulled over in a grass driveway and repeated the previous plug sequence. This time it was rock solid. A little air and I soon finished up the route. 

Lesson learned:
- Carry 2oz of sealant in bag.
- Order some more Dyna-plugs
- Pull tire...check see plugs and boot tire if necessary.
- Order spare Specialized Pathfinder Pro 650b x 47mm tire. Plugged tire had only 3K kilometers usage and I liked the handling, usage and looks.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Followup:

Specialized SAWTOOTH 650b x 1.75

Pathfinder Pro tires (650b x 47mm) are hard to find... "out of stock" is a common theme. Could be a high demand tire or perhaps the "Pandemic Shortage" is in effect? One online supplier refunded my money and said "new inventory software error". These retail for $50 per!.
I ordered Specialized Sawtooth 650b x 1.75 instead. Very similar tread pattern and great reviews. Cost is $33 each. Done deal. Received tires promptly and will review later on.

- randorides

Great Cycling Weather: Record Snow & Freezing Temps!

Backyard: NETT is just behind those trees.

Yes, another month of super cycling weather.. NOT!

Mid February and an "historic" snowstorm passed thru. Of course it was followed by clear weather and
near ZERO temps for several days. I only managed a few local rides on the Scott hard-tail MTB. Even the Northeast Texas Trail was a mud-hole... underlying puddles beneath the snow. The whole weather "event" lasted over a week. 

Riding has been way down all year ... so far. Cool and rainy weather in January, followed by a night or two of light snow was just a precursor to February weather. We ended up with about 8" of snow by February 18th and then the super freezing temps hit. Wind chill was well below O. How many layers is that?

The local road crews lack snowplows, so road graders were used. The downside to the use of graders was the center lane/shoulder reflective markers were trashed to the road edge. Not to be deterred, my first ride out was soon shortened by a tire cut (caused by a splintered reflective marker). Good thing for tubeless tires and Orange Endurance Sealant. Made it home is good-order.

March and April ahead are projected to be rainy, as usual.

 - randorides