Lazy Lizard Brevet

Lazy Lizard: Ocotillo to Ranchita

I hadn't said much to my riding buddy, John Mestemacher, since we talked about this ride last month. This is one of his favorites, but due to lack of bike time, he had been a little hesitant about riding a 200 route. He finally emailed me a few days before and we decided on a early depart time from San Marcos. John has a nice, older, little grey/grey Honda Element set up to lock down 2 bikes inside. Used it for years on a whole bunch of rando rides and it works really well. 2 bikes, space for gear and comfy!

0430 rolled around and John arrived for my pick-up right on time. On the 2 hour drive out, we had time to catch up on his job, riding and family stuff too. Didn't get the wrong turn this time and made it to Ocotillo at 0630. Plenty of time to take some pre-ride pictures for the Lazy Lizard Video I was hoping to do of the event. 

Randonneur group at Ocotillo start

After a little chat-chat and pre-ride instruction from the RBA, Dave Danovsky, we were off at 0700 sharp. 18-20 riders on all different rigs, but mostly carbon racer set-ups. I hung around doing GoPro of the last riders and was soon sucking wind to catch up. The racer grouppo was long gone done the straight road, thru the wind farm, as our group of 7 motored along. John had a new PowerTap wheel set and was playing around with the wattage thing. 

Group soon split up as we hit the first double digit climb. Toughest of the route. I did manage to max-out and get up and take pics of other riders climbing. Later, after Box Canyon climb, riders were all over the place. I rode with ex-RBA Mike Berry offering a chance to talk a bit. Soon six of us were at the Stagecoach Trails Store, loading up on water and other goodies. New rider Hanna, had a headache and went hunting for Excedrin. She was riding with Molly Cook today. 

Harley's and beer at RD's Log Cabin

Leaving Shelter Valley was a blast, with a slight tailwind and a mini downhill to Scissor Crossing. Met a team group pace-lining southward in fast mode. Managed a few shots at Scissor Crossing before the long haul up Road S-2 to Ranchita. Climb starts out very nice with a few low grade rollers and slowly increases pitch as you climb to Teofulio Summit. Not much of a summit really, but there is RD's Log Cabin at the pseudo-imaginary town of San Felipe nearby.  RV traffic was horrendous today... all the desert rats heading back to LA with their motor-homes and trailers behind.

Before the summit, met riders on the return leg of this round-trip route. Ben Hain, Dean Dobberteen and Liz Tenuto in the first group. Sergio Sandoval couldn't quit make the bridge to join up. Jerald Cook was in hot pursuit.. I managed to sneak across the road and take some action pics of them. Stopped by DJ's Log Cabin for a few snaps, then staged up near the Summit sign for some video clips. Keith Olsen stopped at the top and was having stomach troubles. After a brief chat, he continued on to Ranchita. I soon rolled down the hill a bit and saw David Nakai stopped in the shade.

Hanna & Sasquatch

Dave said he couldn't keep with the fast riders and didn't eat enough. Looked like a mild bonk to me. RBA David D. soon rolled up southbound and stopped to see if all was well. Off he went, closely followed by David Nicola[, Tim Sullivan and Andi Ramer. I was soon over to Montezuma Road/S-22 and the last few miles to Ranchita. Met Bill Stevenson, Sam Thomas, John Fry and James Robinson on the return trip. Took a few interesting pictures and then followed Keith O. in to the store.

Napa Tom at Ranchita

John, Mike Berry, Hanna, Molly Cook and Tom (guy from Napa, CA) were at the store lazing about. I grabbed a drink, took a few pictures of riders in front of the Sasquatch statue and was ready to go, when Mike noticed his tire was low. As the others rolled out, I waited for Mike to finish up the tube change. 

Real fast leaving Ranchita back to S-2... in fact you don't have to turn the cranks at all! After the short climb up to Teofulio Summit, I rode with Mike back to Scissor Crossing and on to the Stagecoach Trails Store. The ladies had just left, but John and Keith were stretched out there. Water refill, a few pictures and we were on the last leg back to Ocotillo. Weather was super all day. I was dressed perfectly with 2 light layers under by SDrando jersey.

David Nakai looking for shade: "Cooked"

Down the road Mike had his second flat tire. John stayed with him as Keith and I continue on southward at a mild pace. I went on ahead and staged up at the top of Sweeny Pass. When the last three riders went thru, it was only a slight downhill dash to Ocotillo. Road was rough in spots, but we found good riding on the center-line. Reflective vests and lights on, we finally rolled into the finish at Chevron. 

Randos Keith, John & Mike at Alpine Carl's

RBA Dave and buddy Dave Nicolai were there waiting for the card signing. I wasn't riding the official Brevet, but instead opted for the same route as the " Lazy Lizard Lodown" Permanent. John and I usually stop is Alpine at Carl's Jr. for a shake on the way home. Today was no exception. Mike and Keith heard of our endeavor and joined up in Alpine too. Mike & John opted for fries with their shakes (must be the salt?) Keith and I just the shakes. After some small talk, we were off back to San Diego after another great ride.

Lazy Lizard Video



- randorides