Crusin' The OC-bp Training Ride

Crusin' Route we rode today with additional bike paths

Checking the local Mesowest Weather Station across the street, outside temp was 43F! That's cool around here, so I layered up with a long sleeve breathable under my SD Rando wool ss jersey, topped off with my  homemade reflective vest. Knee-hi wool orange socks (Sam says you have to look good, so the socks matched my jersey), knee warmers & woolie hat completed my wardrobe for today. Hi in the mid 70's up in Orange County, so layers would strip off and pack on my hb bag. I was off well before 0500.

Decided to take the early Sprinter train over to Couch St. and then I rode around to loosen up on the ride to the Oceanside start. I was the only biker in the train-car, so I had a great chance to do all my stretches where it was nice and toasty. Cut it close to the 0600 start, as Keith Olsen, Mike Shaw and John Fry were waiting at the Circle K. I jumped inside and looked for something cheap for a proof of start. Mini-Snicker bar it was. Some homeless dude was there talking about the pre-Obama unemployment of 12% and it's only 5% now. Keith and I were going to straighten this liberal out, but we had to get started. Mike said it was in the mid 30's on the San Luis Rey Bike Path. I felt warmed up already! We were off at 6:03, riding north on Coast Hwy. toward Camp Pendleton under clear skies with the sun just peeping up in the East.

Heavy traffic at the Main Gate, so we slid over and got ID checked thru quickly. Stuart Mesa turn brought us into a warm up climb. It was heating up real fast. Mike & I  talked about headlamps and rechargeable batteries on the way thru the Base. Keith was off the front in sprint mode. Before the final short climb, a barrier and armed Marine said we couldn't go thru. We mentioned we had before and he radioed in to base. OK, one-way traffic coming our way. Las Pulgas Gate closed to outgoing traffic until 0800. We got the wave thru and were soon at the Las Pulgas parking lot, where new rando-wannabie Ken Hartman was waiting. Off came the layers here.

Salt Creek Bike Path skirts golf course

A little mud in the tunnel, which built up on my front brakes. Next time I'll go thru the water instead of the mud. DUH! We made good time up the bike path and into San Onofre Campground, chatting all the way. Few surfers near Trestles this morning as we climbed over to Carl's Jr for a water refill. Around 7:45 we rolled north through San Clemente town and on to Dana Point. Hopefully, we might meet up with a few OFR riders at 0830. Had to amp it up to 19mph on the side path and into Doheny Park. Met a few OFR riders near the Golden Lantern St. parking lot. Hit the bathrooms and Keith changed his lenses.

We took the steep Cove Road, while the OFR sauntered up Golden Lantern. A few bike paths later, we did a regroup near Sea Terrace Park. Larger group now  of 13 riders as we headed inland on Salt Creek Bike Path, Laguna Niguel Park, Aliso Creek BP and others with a stop at JIB in Laguna Hills for a welcome refill. Garmins work well here with the various turns and many bike paths.

Laguna Hills: Sulfur Springs Reservoir

A little road riding toward Irvine as we made our way to the San Diego Bike Path, now making our way NE. Several shifts across the SD Creek Channel and some great path features finally brought us to Harvard Dr. where we are back onto streets again. Our normal turn onto Peters Canyon Bike Trail was fenced off, so Mike showed us a straight detour route to pick up the BP down the road. A little confusion, as several Garmins didn't like the detour.

Soon we were back on the marked Peters Cyn. Trail with a loop over Bryan St and onto the Irvine Trail. We took this up to Jamboree Rd. Two short 6% climbs and it was time for some lunch at the Chapman Chevron & Subway. Most were hitting the subs, while Keith opted for a pre-made packaged sandwich. I searched around for something cheap and ended up with a single Belvita Bar. I carried along the rest of my lunch. Several bottle refills and we finally stirred up the group to leave. Weather was perfectly clear with temps in the low 70's & no wind. Time for Santiago Canyon.

Regroup at Cooks Corner Harley Hangout

We set a nice cruise pace for the few rollers ahead. OFR Bruce Tipton had a low tire, so several riders stopped to help out. The rest of us went ahead for the blast downhill and a regroup down at Cook's Corner. Not many Harley's there today, only a few cafe racers. Saw several cyclists in fancy garb riding the other way. Of course, we had to make some comments on their aero helmets and colorful shoes! 15 minutes and we were all grouped up again heading for some fun down Aliso Creek Bikeway.

Fast riding with many turns and several bridges to cross. Great riding down thru Lake Forest on this path. We exited the path near Laguna Hills High School onto Paseo de Valencia and after one climb, a fast downhill to Cabot and to our next shortie bike path...Cabot-Forbes... odd ball and hard to find unless you're really looking. After a short regroup, we were met with rocks and construction, which required a 20' portage onto firm roads again. Looks like they are adding a bike path along the channel. Will confirm next trip. That would be a great addition to by-pass the train station. For us, we made a HAB (hike-a-bike) under the station and onto Camino Capistrano. Keith led out at a blistering pace to San Juan Capistrano.

Enter Aliso Creek Bike Path here.

More road traffic now as we decided on a quick turn onto the San Juan Bike Trail along the channel. Slight headwind here as we bunched up. Sun was shining, temps were great as we pulled into the bathroom at trails end. We all said our good-byes to the OFR gruppo, filled our bottles and headed southward.

Ken set a fast pace toward San Clemente, aided by a nice tailwind. We were cruising at 21mph till the climb up thru town. Keith was off racing to Carl's Jr. refuel stop. 5 minutes and our bottles were full, wind at our backs and we were stoked for the final run to Oceanside.

John, Mike & Keith were off the front and I was riding with Ken talking about fueling for the longer rides. Saw two touring guys far ahead as we approached Las Pulgas. I just had to check them out. Ken was at his car chatting with Mike, Keith and John. I was chatting with the Brits, who didn't know which way to go. Follow us thru the Marine Base, limeys!

Cabot-Forbes Path is harder to find!

They soon caught up to us and John & I were quizzing them on what, when, where and how. A couple of young, strong riders on semi road bikes with double panniers. These guys were on a credit card tour. No camping for them as they were riding "lite". Keith and Mike were racing back to Oceanside ahead. Dodging traffic, we managed to keep in touch and "guide" them thru OK. These Brits just loved those rollers and we talked kilometers with them! Parted after exiting the main gate. I think they stopped at Denny's on Coast Hwy. 101. John & I were greeted by Mike & Keith at Circle K. Time for final receipts. Plenty of daylight left on these short days.

Good ride, nice weather and lots of camaraderie today. Mike was riding back home on SLR Bike Path. Mike is retiring from HP in 2 weeks and can finally enjoy some real riding now. Hopefully local randos will be doing a special ride with him on the 21st. John offered me a lift back to San Marcos and Keith sprinted back to his car. Keith completed his full yearly R-12 with this ride today & also entered the realms of the K-Hounds with 10000 km in rando rides this year.

OFR Route video on YouTube

Clear skies
Hi: 84     Lo: 48
Wind: NW-7mph
125 miles

-randorides